Delightful Shaved Asparagus, Pea & Bacon Pizza: Your Ultimate Whole Wheat Spring Recipe
Embrace the vibrant, fresh flavors of spring with this incredibly delightful and satisfying pizza! Crafted with a wholesome, chewy whole wheat crust, this masterpiece is generously topped with delicate ribbons of fresh asparagus, sweet sugar snap peas, savory crispy bacon, and a blanket of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. It’s more than just a pizza; it’s a celebration of seasonal produce, offering a wonderful balance of light, refreshing vegetables and comforting, rich flavors. This recipe is an ideal meal for any occasion, whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner, a festive gathering with friends and family, or simply craving something truly special that tastes like a breath of fresh air.
Navigating the Rollercoaster of Cravings: Finding Balance in Every Bite
Lately, my food cravings have been on the biggest seesaw, swinging wildly between extremes, much like an unpredictable spring day! One moment, I’m absolutely yearning for something light and incredibly refreshing, like succulent slices of watermelon and a vibrant, crisp salad bursting with garden greens. The very next, I find myself in a completely different culinary landscape, with a spoon in hand, diving straight into a carton of ice cream, seeking pure comfort. It’s certainly an interesting and often comical culinary journey, to say the least, and I suppose it’s just one of the many unique, sometimes challenging, experiences that come hand-in-hand with pregnancy.
It often feels like the not-so-healthy, more indulgent cravings tend to outnumber the healthier ones, making me even more determined to sneak in nutritious ingredients whenever and wherever I can. That’s precisely where brilliant dishes like this homemade pizza come into play. It’s a clever and utterly delicious way to enjoy something truly comforting and satisfying, loaded with plenty of gooey, melty cheese, while also packing in a generous amount of fresh, wholesome vegetables. It’s all about finding that perfect, harmonious balance in your diet and daily life, isn’t it? This shaved asparagus and pea pizza perfectly embodies that philosophy, allowing me to indulge in a beloved comfort food – pizza – while still feeling nourished and good about the fresh, high-quality ingredients I’m consuming. It’s a win-win for both my taste buds and my well-being.
Inspired by Spring’s Bounty and Creative Culinary Explorations
This particular pizza recipe is directly inspired by a true culinary gem: Smitten Kitchen’s renowned shaved asparagus pizza. For years, I’ve been admiring and quite literally drooling over that recipe, captivated by its elegant simplicity and the sheer brilliance of using thinly sliced asparagus as a topping. It looked utterly delicious and intriguing, but somehow, I never quite got around to trying it myself – until now! And let me tell you, it truly is even more incredible than I imagined. The concept of thinly shaved asparagus on a pizza is a revelation, offering a unique tender yet subtly crisp texture and a delicate, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
As I was gathering ingredients for this pizza at my local farmer’s market, surrounded by the abundance of spring, I simply couldn’t resist the vibrant green sugar snap peas. Their sweet, crisp bite seemed like the absolute perfect complement to the asparagus, so I impulsively decided to throw some of those onto the pizza as well. Then, in a moment of pure culinary inspiration, just before I started the final assembly, I concluded that this delightful medley of fresh, seasonal goodness needed just a touch of savory indulgence – and what better ingredient for that than crispy, smoky bacon? The combination of these fresh, seasonal flavors with the rich, creamy mozzarella and the irresistible crunch of bacon is absolutely divine. It results in a pizza that miraculously feels both fresh and light, yet simultaneously incredibly satisfying and deeply flavorful, hitting all the right notes for a truly memorable meal. This is precisely the kind of vibrant, full-of-life dish I dream of enjoying all spring and summer long, making the most of what seasonal produce has to offer.
Crafting the Perfect Whole Wheat Pizza Crust from Scratch
The foundation of any truly great pizza is undoubtedly its crust, and for this recipe, I’ve opted for a wholesome whole wheat adaptation of my beloved basic pizza crust. Incorporating whole wheat flour into the dough not only bestows a lovely nutty flavor and a satisfyingly chewier texture, but it also significantly boosts the nutritional value of the pizza, adding essential fiber and other vital nutrients. It makes the entire pizza feel a bit more wholesome and hearty without sacrificing any of the deliciousness and comfort we all crave from our favorite pie. Working with whole wheat dough can be a slightly different experience than solely using all-purpose flour, as it tends to absorb more liquid, so be prepared to adjust your flour amounts slightly as you mix and knead to achieve the perfect consistency.
If you’re new to the wonderful world of making pizza dough from scratch, please don’t be intimidated! It’s an incredibly rewarding process that, once mastered, opens up a world of culinary possibilities. The key steps are simple: ensure your active dry yeast is truly active (it should get wonderfully foamy when mixed with warm water and a pinch of sugar). Then, whether you choose to knead the dough by hand or with the convenience of a stand mixer, the goal is to develop the gluten, which is what gives the crust its desirable structure, elasticity, and that irresistible chewiness. Of course, if you prefer to stick to a more traditional white crust, or if you already have your own tried-and-true favorite pizza dough recipe, please feel absolutely free to use it. For those busy days when time is of the essence, or if you simply prefer the convenience, a good quality store-bought pizza dough will also work perfectly fine and still yield a fantastic pizza. The true beauty of homemade pizza lies in its incredible adaptability, allowing you to tailor every aspect to your preferences, dietary needs, and schedule.
Your Comprehensive Recipe for Shaved Asparagus, Pea and Bacon Pizza
Ready to embark on a delightful culinary journey and create this incredible springtime pizza in your very own kitchen? Below, you’ll find the complete, meticulously detailed, step-by-step recipe, covering everything you need for both the delicious and hearty whole wheat crust and the vibrant, flavor-packed toppings. Get ready to impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones with this perfect blend of fresh, tender vegetables, savory, crispy bacon, and wonderfully melted mozzarella, all nestled on a perfectly crisp and chewy homemade base. Let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Shaved Asparagus, Pea and Bacon Pizza with Whole Wheat Crust
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Ingredients
Whole Wheat Pizza Crust:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (113 grams)
- 1 ½ – 2 cups all-purpose flour (255-340 grams)
- 1 packet active-dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water (250 ml)
- ⅓ cup olive oil (80 ml)
Pizza toppings:
- ½ bunch asparagus
- ½ cup shelled sugar snap peas (75 grams)
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese , sliced or cubed (236 grams)
- 2 strips cooked bacon , roughly chopped
Instructions
To make the pizza crust:
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or in a large bowl if mixing and kneading by hand), combine the whole wheat flour and 1 cup of the all-purpose flour, yeast, and salt.
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Heat the water and olive oil in a small saucepan until steaming. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, or until temperature is between 120-130°F. Slowly add the water and oil to the dry ingredients, while mixing on low speed. Use a spatula to scrape down the bowl as needed.
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With the mixer on medium low, add the remaining all-purpose flour a ¼ cup at a time, mixing until incorporated between each addition. Continue adding flour until the dough clears the bowl and is sticky to the touch without coming off in your hands. Knead with a dough hook or by hand until smooth and elastic.
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Shape dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Put in a warm place and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
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Gently push down on the center of the dough to release the gases and knead by hand on a clean surface a few times. Let dough sit for a few minutes, then roll out into a large circle.
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Transfer to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
To assemble the pizza:
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To shave the asparagus, hold each stalk by the woody end and gently shave with a vegetable peeler. It’s perfectly okay if the shavings are imperfect, and some are thicker than others – this adds to the rustic charm!
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In a large bowl, lightly toss together the shaved asparagus ribbons, the sweet sugar snap peas, 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Brush the prepared pizza crust evenly with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Scatter the mozzarella cheese generously on top, followed by the vibrant shaved asparagus mixture and the roughly chopped, crispy bacon.
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Bake the pizza in your preheated oven until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the crust has turned a gorgeous golden brown, which should take approximately 15 minutes. For an extra crispy bottom, consider using a preheated pizza stone or steel. Serve your mouthwatering pizza immediately and enjoy every bite!
Notes
Tips for Elevating Your Shaved Asparagus Pizza Experience
To ensure your Shaved Asparagus, Pea, and Bacon Pizza turns out absolutely perfect and utterly delicious every single time, consider incorporating these helpful tips into your cooking process:
- Choose Fresh, Quality Asparagus: Always look for firm, bright green asparagus stalks with tightly closed tips. Thinner spears are generally more tender and easier to shave into delicate ribbons, but thicker ones work well too, simply requiring a bit more effort.
- Master the Shaving Technique: While the recipe notes that imperfect shavings are perfectly fine and add to the pizza’s rustic charm, for the most elegant presentation and consistent texture, hold the woody end of each asparagus stalk firmly and use a sharp vegetable peeler to create long, thin ribbons. You might find it easier to snap off the woody ends first before shaving.
- Don’t Overcook the Fresh Veggies: The true beauty of using shaved asparagus and fresh sugar snap peas lies in their slight crispness and vibrant color after baking. They cook very quickly on the pizza, so there’s absolutely no need to pre-cook them before adding to the crust.
- Customize Your Cheese Selection: While classic mozzarella provides that wonderful gooey stretch, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a sharp Pecorino Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses could add another delightful layer of flavor and complexity to your pizza.
- Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: This pizza is easily adaptable! Simply omit the bacon for a truly delightful vegetarian spring pizza. For a vegan version, use a plant-based pizza dough and substitute the mozzarella with your favorite vegan cheese alternative. You could add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick or some toasted pine nuts for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.
- Preheating Your Oven and Surface is Key: A very hot oven, ideally preheated to 500°F (260°C), is absolutely essential for achieving a perfectly crisp and golden pizza crust. If you own a pizza stone or a pizza steel, make sure to preheat it in the oven for at least 30-60 minutes before baking. This will ensure a professional-quality, wonderfully crispy bottom crust.
- Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal: This Shaved Asparagus, Pea, and Bacon Pizza is undeniably fantastic as a stand-alone dish, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple, light green salad dressed with a refreshing vinaigrette. This makes for a complete, balanced, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for spring and summer evenings.
Concluding Thoughts on Your Seasonal Pizza Journey
This Shaved Asparagus, Pea, and Bacon Pizza isn’t just another recipe; it’s a delightful invitation to savor the unparalleled freshness, vibrant colors, and pure joy of springtime in every single bite. Whether you find yourself navigating a phase of diverse and sometimes unpredictable cravings, or you are simply on the hunt for a truly delicious, wholesome, and unique meal that effortlessly stands out from the crowd, this pizza offers an absolutely delightful and fulfilling solution. It masterfully combines the comforting and universally appealing allure of homemade pizza with the bright, vibrant goodness of seasonal produce and the utterly irresistible crunch and smoky flavor of bacon, all beautifully nestled on a hearty and flavorful whole wheat crust. We sincerely hope that this recipe brings a touch of springtime magic and culinary excitement to your kitchen and your dining table, and that it quickly becomes a cherished and frequently requested favorite for many wonderful years to come. Enjoy the creative process of crafting it, and even more, enjoy the memorable experience of savoring and sharing it with those you love!