Broccoli and Red Onion Flatbread: The Perfect Quick and Healthy Pizza
A vibrant, quick-cooking flatbread topped with broccoli, red onion, and aged provolone for a weeknight meal bursting with flavor and nutrition.
Broccoli and Red Onion Flatbread: A Flavorful, Nutrient-Rich Quick Meal
Craving pizza but searching for a healthier, more vibrant solution? This Broccoli and Red Onion Flatbread delivers all the comforts of your favorite pizzeria slice in a lighter, more nutritious package. Loaded with roasted vegetables, gooey cheese, and a perfectly crispy crust, it’s the ideal recipe for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you need a satisfying, under-30-minute meal—without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Why This Flatbread Works
- Quick to prepare: Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it weeknight-friendly.
- No-fuss healthy ingredients: Features broccoli and red onion, both loaded with nutrients, plus aged provolone for decadence and depth.
- Crispy, satisfying crust: Achieved by using cornmeal and flour for dusting and high-heat baking.
- Versatile recipe: Swap in your favorite veggies or cheeses for endless variations.
- Light but filling: Each serving has fewer than 425 calories but still tastes indulgent.
Essential Ingredients
Every great flatbread starts with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Keep your pantry and fridge stocked with these kitchen staples for quick, wholesome pizza-night any time.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza dough (1 lb, thawed if frozen) | Base/crust | Store-bought or homemade dough; let come to room temp before stretching |
| Broccoli florets (1 lb) | Veggie topping | Cut into bite-size pieces for even roasting |
| Red onion (1/2 small, thinly sliced) | Vegetable topping | Thin slices ensure quick, even cooking |
| Garlic (2 cloves, thinly sliced) | Flavor | Slice thin to distribute throughout the flatbread |
| Red chile (1, thinly sliced) | Heat | Optional; adjust or omit according to taste |
| Olive oil (1 Tbsp) | Roasting & finishing | Extra-virgin for best flavor |
| Kosher salt (1/2 tsp) | Seasoning | Add to taste |
| Black pepper (1/2 tsp) | Seasoning | Freshly ground for best flavor |
| Aged provolone (3 oz, grated) | Cheese topping | Look for sharp, aged provolone or substitute with mozzarella or Parmesan |
| Cornmeal & flour (for dusting) | Crispy base | Helps achieve a pizzeria-style crust; prevents sticking |
Step-By-Step: How to Make Broccoli and Red Onion Flatbread
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F and place a large baking sheet or pizza stone on the middle rack while it heats—this helps get that crisp, golden bottom.
- Prepare the dough: Lightly dust a work surface, your hands, and the rolling pin with flour. Stretch or roll the pizza dough to a rough oval about 16 x 10 inches.
- Prepare the pan: Sprinkle a sheet of parchment paper with cornmeal and place your rolled dough on top. This setup will make transferring and baking easier while adding crunch.
- Assemble the toppings:
- Scatter broccoli florets, red onion slices, garlic, and red chile over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Pre-bake: Using the parchment, slide the whole assembly onto your hot baking sheet or stone. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the crust begins to brown and veggies are just tender.
- Add cheese: Remove the flatbread from the oven, sprinkle with the grated aged provolone, then return for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Finish & serve: Let cool for a minute, then slice and enjoy hot!
Tips for Perfect Flatbread Every Time
- Leave crust room: Always keep a 1/2-inch border so the toppings don’t spill while baking.
- Use pre-heated bakeware: For the crispiest crust, be sure your baking sheet or stone is hot before sliding the dough on.
- Don’t overload with toppings: Spread a single, even layer to avoid a soggy base.
- Get creative: Substitute or add ingredients—try spinach, mushrooms, crumbled feta, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
This flatbread is not only satisfying but packed with nutrients thanks to the star ingredients:
- Broccoli: High in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, it supports immunity and heart health.
- Red onion: Rich in flavonoids and beneficial prebiotics for gut health.
- Garlic: Contains allicin, credited with cardiovascular benefits.
- Aged provolone: Adds protein and calcium.
- Olive oil: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Serving Suggestions
This flatbread is versatile enough for many occasions. Here’s how to round out your meal:
- Serve with a salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Pair with tomato soup: For cozy, complete comfort on chilly nights.
- Cut into slices: Serve as an appetizer for a party or potluck.
- Make it brunch: Top with a fried egg and serve with fresh fruit.
What others are reading
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep in advance: Cut veggies ahead, store in airtight containers up to 2 days in the fridge.
- Leftovers: Refrigerate flatbread slices in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven until crisp.
- Freeze for later: Freeze baked, cooled flatbread well wrapped for up to a month. Reheat from frozen at 400°F until warmed through and crisp.
Broccoli and Red Onion Flatbread: Customization Ideas
The recipe is delicious as written, but here are some easy modifications to match your tastes and dietary needs:
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free cheese or sprinkle with nutritional yeast after baking.
- Whole wheat crust: Swap in whole wheat dough for more fiber.
- Add protein: Sprinkle with cooked, crumbled tempeh, chickpeas, or pieces of rotisserie chicken.
- Spice it up: Uplift with more chili, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot honey right before serving.
- Extra greens: Add spinach, kale, or arugula on top after baking for color and nutrition.
- Cheese swaps: Mozzarella, fontina, or grated Parmesan all work beautifully.
Why Flatbread Instead of Pizza?
Flatbreads are an excellent alternative to traditional pizza for a few reasons:
- Quicker cooking: Flatbread crusts, often thinner and without yeast, bake up faster.
- Better for portion control: Their size and shape make it easy to portion for individuals or share with a group.
- Lighter meal: Flatbread crusts are typically lighter and crispier, letting the toppings shine while keeping calories in check.
- Great for using up leftovers: Almost any cooked or raw vegetable, bits of cheese, or roasted chickpeas can top a flatbread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yes. Thaw and pat dry frozen broccoli before roasting to ensure it doesn’t release too much moisture and make the flatbread soggy.
Q: What other cheeses work well with this flatbread?
A: Mozzarella, fontina, goat cheese, and even a bit of sharp cheddar are excellent. Mix and match to customize the flavor profile.
Q: Can I make the recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—just use a store-bought gluten-free pizza crust or flatbread base in place of traditional dough.
Q: How do I make this flatbread ahead for easy entertaining?
A: Assemble and bake the flatbread up to the point of adding the cheese. Let cool, cover, and refrigerate. Just before serving, add cheese and finish baking until bubbly.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a hot oven until crisp and heated through.
Summary Table: Quick Reference
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories per serving | <425 |
| Main ingredients | Pizza dough, broccoli, red onion, provolone |
| Dietary options | Vegetarian, easy to make vegan or gluten-free |
Ready to Try This Broccoli and Red Onion Flatbread?
Deliciously simple, quick to prepare, and endlessly adaptable, this flatbread is destined to become a new staple. Whether you’re trying to add more vegetables to your meals or simply in the mood for a light, home-cooked pizza, this recipe delivers—every single time. Experiment with toppings, invite the family to help, and savor a slice of homemade comfort that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying.
References
- https://fabulousfaresisters.com/2020/03/10/broccoli-flatbread-pizza/
- https://www.paneraathome.com/recipes/types/main-dish/broccoli-cheddar-flatbread-pizza
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1LhiDGZFPY
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a35855401/broccoli-red-onion-flatbread-recipe/
- https://lifewaykefir.com/recipes/broccoli-crunch-flatbread/
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