Blue Cheese Pizza
the Blue Cheese Appetizer Pizza transforms plain dough into a fragrant, savory appetizer layered with red onions, plum tomatoes, and a mix of mozzarella, blue cheese, and Parmesan. Perfect for cocktail parties or game nights, offering a blend of tart, creamy, and herby flavors.
Equipment
- 1 Oven Preheated to 425°F (220°C)
- 1 Pizza Pans (12-inch) Nonstick cooking spray recommended
- 1 Pastry brush For brushing olive oil
- 1 Mixing Bowl To mix herbs
- 1 Knife For slicing onions and chopping tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (16 oz) Frozen Bread Dough (thawed) Choose a brand with minimal additives
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra-virgin for best flavor
- 2 teaspoons Dried Basil Antioxidant-rich herb
- 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano Supports antibacterial properties
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Adds savory depth
- 1 small Red Onion (thinly sliced) High in fiber and vitamin C
- 2 medium Plum Tomatoes (chopped) Rich in lycopene and vitamin C
- 1 cup ((4 oz) Shredded Part-Skim Mozzarella Lower in fat, high in calcium
- 3 oz Crumbled Blue Cheese Probiotic-rich, strong flavor
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese High in calcium, use sparingly
Instructions
- Thaw 1 pound of frozen bread dough according to package instructions. Divide in half and press each portion into a 12-inch pizza pan coated with nonstick cooking spray, building up edges slightly. Prick dough several times with a fork.
- Cover pans with a clean kitchen towel and let dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Brush each dough portion with 1.5 tablespoons olive oil. Mix 2 teaspoons dried basil, 2 teaspoons oregano, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over both crusts.
- Bake crusts for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Arrange 1 thinly sliced red onion and 2 chopped plum tomatoes evenly over both crusts. Sprinkle 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese per pizza, followed by 1.5 oz blue cheese per pizza, and 1 tablespoon Parmesan per pizza.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.
- Cool for 2–3 minutes, slice each pizza into 8–10 wedges, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
The Blue Cheese Appetizer Pizza offers a vibrant mix of Mediterranean flavors. Key health benefits include lycopene from plum tomatoes, heart-healthy fats from olive oil, and probiotics from blue cheese. Serve with a light arugula salad or roasted veggies for a balanced presentation. Variations include adding mushrooms, jalapeños, or using feta cheese for a different flavor profile. Gluten-free crust substitutions are also possible. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a wheaty beer for best results.