A veggie pizza is a pizza pie topped with a variety of delicious vegetables and no meat or animal products. In addition, veggie pies can often feature vegan-friendly dough too, making them perfect for those enjoying a plant-based diet.

Was Pizza Originally Vegetarian?

History says that, yes, the first pizza pies were in fact vegetarian pizzas. Some even go as far as to say that the first pizza ever was actually completely vegan! Let's explore these claims. As far as we know, the first ever pizza pies appeared in 18th century Naples. At that time, pizza consisted of a focaccia-like base topped with tomato sauce or olive oil. Given that focaccia doesn't have any animal products in it and neither does tomato sauce or olive oil, it's safe to conclude that yes, the first pizza pies were in fact vegan! Although they were tasty, the first pizzas were considered a food for the poor. However, as time went on and the recipes evolved, more pizza toppings were introduced, making the pizza a food fit for everybody!

What Does a Veggie Pizza Contain?

In reality, a vegetarian pizza recipe can include absolutely any veggie out there! Because of this, veggie pizzas are a truly diverse dish that can be customized and made to fit any taste. However, as with every other pizza, there is a traditional veggie pizza recipe. This recipe features fresh cherry tomatoes, red onions, arugula, kale, eggplant, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Things like shredded carrots and artichoke hearts can also make the cut. The traditional veggie pizza recipe rests on the "the more the merrier" premise and makes for a delightfully tasty pizza pie! Of course, pizza sauce is still in attendance as is a delicious, homemade pizza crust. If your veggie pizza is vegetarian instead of vegan, parmesan cheese and sour cream can also be added for a nice tangy kick. Prep time for this type of pie is usually under 30 minutes which makes it a great option for restaurant dining.

Is Veggie Pizza Healthy?

Given that this type of pie is usually lower in fats, it can be called "healthier". For example, a slice of veggie pizza holds about 200 to 250 calories. A slice of cheese pizza, on the other hand, starts at around 280-300 calories and can vary depending on other toppings.

Veggie Pizza Restaurants Near Me

Now that you know more about veggie pizzas, it's time to order your own. To help you with this, we're including stellar restaurant recommendations from our vast network of partners! If you're in New York, 94 Corner Cafe is one option we'd love for you to try! In Chicago, Pizzeria Serio made the cut this time. Finally, for everyone in DC we're highlighting Bacio Pizzeria.