Super Bowl Appetizer Veggie Pizza Squares
Highlighted under: Fast Collection
I love serving these Super Bowl Appetizer Veggie Pizza Squares at my game day gatherings. They are not only vibrant and eye-catching, but the mix of fresh vegetables atop a savory dough really elevates your typical party snack. With a tangy cream cheese spread and a crunchy base, these squares offer a delightful contrast of textures. Whether you're a veggie lover or just looking for a lighter option amidst heavier game day fare, these pizza squares are a hit. Plus, they are easy to make in advance, so I'm always ready for the big day!
When I first made these veggie pizza squares for a Super Bowl party, I was amazed at how quickly they vanished! Everyone loved the combination of creamy and crunchy, and many asked for the recipe since they were such a refreshing change from the usual wings and chips. I quickly learned that the key is to use a refrigerated pizza dough for a quick base, which allows more time to focus on the fresh toppings.
Additionally, balancing the veggies is essential—adding colorful bell peppers, olives, and even some grated carrots not only makes them look good but also adds a delightful variety of flavors. I've found that the squares taste best when chilled for a bit to meld the flavors together, so don’t skip that step!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh, crisp vegetables add a burst of color and flavor
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or whatever you have on hand
- Perfect bite-sized portions for easy sharing during the game
- A healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste
Crafting the Perfect Base
To achieve a perfectly golden and flavorful pizza base, rolling the dough evenly is crucial. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch, which allows it to cook through without becoming soggy. Watch for the edges to turn lightly golden, which typically takes around 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C). If your dough puffs up during baking, gently press it down with a spatula to maintain an even surface for your toppings.
Using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper will make it easier to remove the pizza once it’s baked. Just make sure to give the paper a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you're out of pizza dough, you can substitute it with puff pastry or homemade dough, adjusting the baking time as necessary to ensure it is cooked through.
Enhancing the Cream Cheese Spread
The cream cheese spread is where you can truly customize the flavor of your veggie pizza squares. Mixing it with sour cream enhances the creaminess and adds a subtle tang. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the spread. Make sure to mix the ingredients until they're thoroughly combined and the texture is smooth, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This ensures that the flavors meld beautifully across the entire base.
For a lighter alternative, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Not only does this lower the calorie count, but it also adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with the fresh vegetables. Remember to adjust seasoning to balance the extra tartness. When spreading the mixture on the cooled base, ensure it's done evenly to provide a consistent flavor in every bite.
Presenting and Serving Your Pizza Squares
Once your veggie pizza squares are chilled, cutting them into uniform pieces will make for a more appealing presentation and easier serving. A sharp knife dipped in warm water can make this process smoother, preventing any tearing of the soft cream cheese layer or collapsing of the toppings. Aim for square pieces about 2 inches in size, which are perfectly bite-sized for guests during the game.
To elevate the serving experience, consider adding a fresh garnish just before serving. Chopped parsley or additional sliced green onions can add a pop of color and a fresh finish. If you’re working with leftovers, these pizza squares can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend enjoying them cold, but if you prefer, a quick pop in the oven for about 5 minutes can warm them up without losing their crispness.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- Cooking spray
For the Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix and match your favorite veggies for a personalized touch!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough onto a greased baking sheet, spreading it evenly to fill the pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Spread
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the Toppings
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pizza base. Top with diced bell peppers, sliced olives, chopped green onions, and shredded carrots. Ensure the veggies are evenly distributed.
Chill and Serve
Cover the veggie pizza squares with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve!
These pizza squares are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be made a day ahead!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or cheeses to create your perfect combination. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving can also enhance the flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
These Super Bowl Appetizer Veggie Pizza Squares are perfect for preparing in advance, making your game day stress-free. You can prepare the base and spread the cream cheese mixture a day ahead. Just keep everything wrapped tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you're ready to serve, add your vegetables shortly before guests arrive to keep them crisp and vibrant.
If you're planning a larger gathering, simply double the recipe! This means two baking sheets of veggie pizza squares. The assembly time remains the same, but you may need to bake them in batches, ensuring an even bake by rotating the sheets halfway through. This way, you get to enjoy the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen.
Flavor Variations
While the classic combination of bell peppers, olives, and carrots is delicious, don’t hesitate to mix it up! Try adding roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor or fresh spinach for a pop of green. If you're a fan of feta or goat cheese, crumbling either on top before refrigeration can add an extra layer of taste that complements the veggies.
Vegetarians and vegans alike can enjoy these squares by using dairy-free alternatives for the cream cheese and sour cream. There are plenty of delicious plant-based options available today that can replicate the creamy texture without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly, as some dairy-free products can have a milder flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully for this recipe.
→ How long will these veggie pizza squares last in the fridge?
They can last up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
→ What other toppings do you recommend?
You can add mushrooms, tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor!
→ Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
Super Bowl Appetizer Veggie Pizza Squares
I love serving these Super Bowl Appetizer Veggie Pizza Squares at my game day gatherings. They are not only vibrant and eye-catching, but the mix of fresh vegetables atop a savory dough really elevates your typical party snack. With a tangy cream cheese spread and a crunchy base, these squares offer a delightful contrast of textures. Whether you're a veggie lover or just looking for a lighter option amidst heavier game day fare, these pizza squares are a hit. Plus, they are easy to make in advance, so I'm always ready for the big day!
Created by: Hester Lockwood
Recipe Type: Fast Collection
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 12 squares
What You'll Need
For the Base
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- Cooking spray
For the Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough onto a greased baking sheet, spreading it evenly to fill the pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pizza base. Top with diced bell peppers, sliced olives, chopped green onions, and shredded carrots. Ensure the veggies are evenly distributed.
Cover the veggie pizza squares with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or cheeses to create your perfect combination. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving can also enhance the flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 3g