Now, it’s time to add the fresh components! Toss in the diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and chopped onions. Each vegetable adds a lovely crunch and flavor. Don’t skimp on the veggies—they really make this dish come alive! Afterward, sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top. Give everything another gentle stir to distribute the seasoning evenly.
Then, here comes the best part: the cheese! I love mozzarella, so I use a generous cup, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheeses. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the top, allowing it to melt beautifully in the oven. Trust me, that bubbling cheese is worth the wait!
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen during baking is like a warm hug—it’s impossible to resist! Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano if you’d like, and dive right in!
Pro Tips for Best Results
One thing I’ve learned from making this pizza bowl multiple times is to use high-quality marinara sauce. It really makes a difference in flavor, so look for one without added sugars. I also tested the dish with different proteins—ground turkey and plant-based sausage worked just as well! If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
I usually find that letting the dish cool for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The first time I served it right out of the oven, I burnt the roof of my mouth because I couldn’t wait! Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite pizza toppings—olives, pepperoni, or even spinach can take this dish to new heights.
Finally, if you really want to amp up your cheese game, try adding some Parmesan on top of the mozzarella before baking. It creates an extra cheesy, crispy layer that elevates the entire dish for cheese lovers like me!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made the first time was not chopping the vegetables small enough. This affected the even cooking of the toppings, and while delicious, it was a bit unwieldy to eat. I recommend dicing everything uniformly, so it all cooks through perfectly. (See the next page below to continue…)