Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheeses and Seasonings
- 6 ounces shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 2 ounces goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Vegetables and Herbs
- 6 zucchini flowers
- optional – fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or lemon thyme for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. If available, place a pizza stone inside to heat up for a crispier crust.
- Prepare Dough: Stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle carefully, ensuring an even thickness. Transfer it to the hot pizza stone or a baking sheet if not using a stone.
- Assemble Base: Brush the dough evenly with olive oil, then spread the shredded mozzarella over the surface. Sprinkle with half of the kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon), dried oregano, and granulated garlic for flavor.
- Bake Base: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the crust to start crisping.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: While baking, mix the goat cheese, chopped fresh basil, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a bowl until combined into a creamy mixture.
- Prepare Zucchini Flowers: Gently remove the center stamen or pistil from each zucchini flower to reduce bitterness, then carefully stuff each blossom with a few spoonfuls of the goat cheese and basil mixture.
- Add Zucchini Flowers and Finish Baking: After the initial 10 minutes of baking, place the stuffed zucchini flowers on top of the partially baked pizza. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the flowers soften and cheese is warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with optional fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or lemon thyme for added aroma and flavor. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- If you do not have a pizza stone, a baking sheet will work fine, but the crust may be slightly less crisp.
- Be gentle when handling zucchini flowers as they are delicate and can tear easily.
- Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs to customize the flavor profile.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, but shredded works well too.
- This pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian