Asparagus Pizza Recipe: How to Make Asparagus Pizza

Asparagus pizza is a vegetarian dish consisting of a crispy, golden-brown pizza crust topped with olive oil, Italian cheeses, and asparagus, a bright-green vegetable recognizable for its thin, long spears that come to a pointy head. Native to Europe and parts of South Asia, asparagus has a strong flavor with nutty and earthy undertones.

You can have this easy weeknight asparagus pizza recipe on the table in just a half-hour once you prep the dough. Make the most of the earthy vegetable by pairing it with a creamy ricotta cheese base that allows the bold flavor of asparagus to shine.

There are endless ways to adapt asparagus pizza to suit your dietary preferences and palate. Use these suggestions as a springboard for any way that you may want to alter your asparagus pizza:

1. 1. Red sauce asparagus pizza: Home cooks use a traditional tomato sauce as the base of this variation.
2. 2. White asparagus pizza: Swap green asparagus for springtime white asparagus—which is typically only available from April to June—for a delicious seasonal snack.
3. 3. Shaved asparagus pizza: Shave your asparagus into thin, elegant ribbons with a vegetable peeler to change up the texture of the versatile veggie, which will caramelize on your pizza.
4. 4. Asparagus and prosciutto pizza: Top your asparagus pizza with earthy prosciutto to add a savory element of extra protein to this dish.
5. 5. Gluten-free asparagus pizza: Swap out the standard pizza crust for a homemade or store-bought gluten-free crust for a completely gluten-free option.

Follow these tips to make the most flavorful asparagus pizza possible.

1. 1. Opt for a store-bought crust. This recipe calls for homemade pizza dough, but you can cut down on cook and prep time by using an uncooked crust or pizza dough from your grocery store or local pizzeria.
2. 2. Use fresh, in-season produce. The distinct, earthy flavor of asparagus is the star of this pizza, and using fresh produce will make all the difference. Choose bright green, firm asparagus that isn’t slimy or wilted. Do not use frozen or canned asparagus for this recipe.
3. 3. Experiment with different toppings. This simple pie is a great canvas for trying out different toppings. Pile on complementary seasonal veggies, like Brussels sprouts, squash, sweet potatoes, and onion, and incorporate different cheeses like fontina, Gruyere, goat cheese, or blue cheese. Top the pizza with a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, or add a drizzle of hot honey or herby ranch dressing.