Looking for a fun and delicious way to use fresh, local ingredients? Try our Farmer's Market Pizza Recipe! This pizza is can be made with ingredients from most local farmer's markets, so you know it's fresh.

You can also feel great knowing that you are eating locally and supporting your community. Not to mention, it's easy to make, so you can have dinner on the table in no time.

The Template

Herbs + Veggies + Pizza Dough + Ricotta & Shredded Pizza = DELICIOUS

Herbs

Herbs can really elevate a pizza from good to great. And there's no better place to buy herbs than at the farmer's market. Here are a few tips on how to select the best herbs for your pizza.

When it comes to pizza, basil is king. It has a bright, fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes. Look for basil with deep green leaves and no brown spots. If you're not planning on using the basil right away, you can store it in a glass of water on your countertop.

Oregano is another key herb for pizza. It's more pungent than basil, so a little goes a long way. Look for oregano with small, compact leaves. Avoid any bunches that have yellowing or wilted leaves. Oregano can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week.

Thyme is a versatile herb that goes well with all kinds of toppings, from sausage to veggies. Look for thyme with small, delicate leaves. Avoid any bunches that look dry or have fallen off the stems. Thyme can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container for up to two weeks.

Veggies

The farmer's market is a great place to find fresh, local produce. While there are countless toppings that can be added to pizza, there are some vegetables that are particularly well-suited for this classic dish.

One great option is spinach, which has a delicate flavor that pairs well with the richness of mozzarella cheese. Another excellent choice is mushrooms, which can be sautéed or grilled to add a juicy. For a touch of sweetness, bell peppers or onions are always a good option.

Lastly, don't forget about the power of a simple tomato sauce - it's the perfect base for any type of pizza. Whether you're a fan of traditional toppings or you like to experiment with new flavor combinations, these vegetables will help you create a delicious pizza that everyone will enjoy.

So next time you're at the farmer's market, grab some veggies and get ready to enjoy a homemade pizza that's out of this world.

Pizza Dough

Fresh pizza dough is one of the hidden gems of farmer's markets. Most people come to the market for fruits and vegetables, but few think to buy dough. However, fresh dough can elevate a simple home-cooked meal into something special. Not only is it easy to use, but it also has a light, airy texture that is not possible to achieve with store-bought dough.

In addition, farmer's market dough is usually made with all-natural ingredients, which means that it is healthier than its mass-produced counterpart. So next time you're at the market, be sure to pick up some fresh pizza dough and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.

If your local farmer's market does not have pizza dough available, you can always substitute with store-bought dough, or even make your own homemade dough.

Ricotta & Shredded Mozzarella

There's nothing quite like farm-fresh cheese. Ricotta is a traditional Italian cheese that is made from the whey left over from making other cheeses. As a result, it has a light, delicate flavor that is perfect for adding to pasta dishes or using as a spread. Shredded mozzarella, on the other hand, is a versatile cheese that can be used in everything from pizzas to salads.

While you might not find these two kinds of cheese at every farmer's market, they are definitely worth seeking out. you'll be amazed at the difference in taste and texture compared to the mass-produced versions sold in most supermarkets.

Once again, you can always substitute with store-bought cheese if need be.

How to Make Farmer's Market Pizza

Now that you've gathered all of your ingredients, it's time to start cooking!

  1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 450°F. Let the pizza dough sit out a room temperature while the oven heats.
  2. Mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, herbs, and seasoning (optional) in a small bowl, then set it aside.
  3. Lightly grease a rolling pin with olive oil. Roll out the pizza dough to fit a standard 13x18-inch rimmed baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet, then use your fingers to gently press the dough into the corners of the pan.
  4. Spread the cheese mixture over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Arrange the vegetables over the top of the cheese. Drizzle with olive oil, or coat the veggies with a thin layer of cooking spray.
  5. Bake until the edges are golden-brown, 16 to 20 minutes. Top it and let the pizza cool for 1 to 2 minutes before cutting it into slices and serving.

Lastly, Enjoy!

Homemade pizza is best enjoyed with family and friends, and it's even better with locally sourced ingredients.  So next time you're at the farmer's market, be sure to pick up some fresh veggies and dough and enjoy a delicious pizza that's out of this world. Thanks for reading!