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Pizza Basics

Go heavy on veggies and fruit for color and added health benefits.

Make It At Home

1. Crust

For an extra-quick crust: use French bread, tortillas, pita or flat bread, English muffins or pre-baked crusts.

For a dough crust:

  • Buy it pre-made—look in the grocery refrigerated case for dough in a bag or can. Check the “use by” date for best results.
  • Buy a dry mix—it will keep longer. Check the “use by” date for best results.
  • Make your own—yeast or no yeast. This might cost the least! Most recipes use simple ingredients you may already have at home.

Shape the dough:

  • Roll or press the dough into a flat shape. The more even it is in thickness, the more evenly it will bake.
  • Any shape will do! Try a heart or other fun shapes.
  • Make small individual shapes so each person can choose their own toppings.

Look for whole-grain crusts.

2. Sauce

  • Tomato-based sauces add a vegetable. They may be lower in calories, added sugars and salt than other options.
  • Use a purchased sauce or make your own, or use sliced tomatoes.

3. Toppings

  • Veggies and fruit – choose fresh, cooked, canned or dried.
  • Cheese – grate the cheese and sprinkle lightly. Try low-fat cheeses like part-skim mozzarella.
  • Protein (optional) – spread it out and keep it lean.

Buy It Prepared

  • Watch for sale pricing and coupons.
  • Compare refrigerated and frozen options.
  • Try store brands. They may be cheaper than national brands.
  • Compare the nutrition facts, especially calories per serving. 
  • Add extra fruits and veggies of your choice.

Homemade Pizza

No-Yeast Pizza Crust

Quick No-Cook Pizza Sauce

Top it with fruits and veggies!

Chop, slice or grate:

  • Apples
  • Bell peppers
  • Carrots
  • Chilies
  • Garlic
  • Green onions
  • Leeks
  • Mushrooms
  • Olives 
  • Onions
  • Pears
  • Pineapple
  • Roasted veggies
  • Spinach
  • Tomatoes
  • Zucchini

Kids Can!

When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Show kids how to:

  • roll or pat dough into shapes with a rolling pin or clean hands.
  • grate cheese or slice veggies and fruit.
  • spread the sauce with the back of a spoon.
  • choose and arrange the toppings.
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