Mediterranean Sheet Pan Pizza

Mediterranean Sheet Pan Pizza

This Mediterranean Sheet Pan Pizza is the ultimate homemade comfort food with a healthy twist. It features a fluffy-yet-crispy crust topped with a tangy tomato base, gooey melted cheese, and Mediterranean-inspired toppings like black olives, red onions, green bell peppers, and savory bits of ham. Cut into squares and baked on a sheet tray, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Rest Time (dough): 1–1.5 hours (if homemade)

Cook Time: 15–18 minutes

Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes (with dough) or 35 minutes (using pre-made dough)

Servings: 8–10 squares

Ingredients:

For the Dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

1 tsp sugar

¾ cup warm water

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings:

¾ cup pizza sauce (or marinara)

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup chopped cooked ham or turkey ham

½ cup black olives, sliced

½ cup green bell pepper, diced

¼ cup red onion, diced

1 tsp dried oregano

Cracked black pepper to taste

Optional: chili flakes, fresh basil

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough (if making from scratch):

In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.

Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1–1.5 hours).

Preheat and Prep:

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

Lightly grease or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Assemble the Pizza:

Roll or press dough into the pan to fit.

Spread sauce evenly over the surface.

Sprinkle with mozzarella.

Top with ham, olives, green pepper, onion, and a pinch of oregano and pepper.

Bake:

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the crust is crisp.

Slice and Serve:

Cool slightly, then cut into squares. Garnish with fresh basil or chili flakes if desired.

Tips for Best Results:

Use a Hot Oven:
Preheat your oven to at least 450°F (230°C) to get a crisp bottom and golden cheese on top.

Prebake the Dough (Optional):
For a crispier base, bake the rolled-out dough for 5–7 minutes before adding sauce and toppings.

Prevent a Soggy Center:
Don’t overload with sauce or wet veggies—drain olives and pat any watery vegetables dry.

Even Topping Distribution:
Chop toppings uniformly and spread them evenly to ensure every bite gets a balanced mix.

Line Your Pan:
Use parchment paper or lightly oil your sheet pan to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.

Cool Slightly Before Slicing:
Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes after baking so the cheese sets—this makes slicing neater.

Tasty Variations to Try:

Cheese Options:

Add crumbled feta for a briny kick.

Sprinkle Parmesan or Pecorino on top for extra sharpness.

Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for gooey texture.

Vegetarian Variations:

Skip the ham and add:

Artichoke hearts

Roasted red peppers

Sun-dried tomatoes

Spinach or arugula (add after baking)

Protein Swaps:

Replace ham with:

Grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken

Turkey beef

Crumbled lamb or beef sausage (cooked)

Chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian protein option

Crust Customization:

Use whole wheat dough for more fiber.

Try a gluten-free crust (store-bought or homemade).

Use naan, pita, or tortilla for individual quick pizzas.

Add Heat:

Top with sliced chili, jalapeños, or red chili flakes before baking.

Drizzle with hot honey or harissa after baking.

Fresh Finishers:

After baking, add a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs (basil, oregano, mint).

Q&A

Q: Can I use pita or naan instead of dough?
A: Yes! They make great quick crusts—just adjust baking time to 8–10 minutes.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Freeze slices individually and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Q: Can I use different cheese?
A: Yes! Try a mix of mozzarella and feta, or add Parmesan on top for sharpness.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Very much so—kids love the cheesy, customizable toppings.

Nutrition Estimate (per slice, based on 10 servings):

Calories: ~230

Protein: 10g

Fat: 10g

Carbs: 24g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 3g

Sodium: ~500mg

(Will vary based on ingredients and portion size.)

Conclusion:

This Mediterranean Sheet Pan Pizza brings together everything we love about pizza—crispy crust, rich cheese, savory toppings—with the bonus of Mediterranean freshness. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a party snack, it’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s a fun way to involve kids or guests in topping their own slices.