Name: Courgette Brunch Pizza: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 135 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting; 7g dried active yeast; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing; 200ml warm water; 2 medium courgettes, thinly sliced; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 150g ricotta cheese; 50g grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 4 large eggs; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish; Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Courgette brunch pizza: the words alone might sound intriguing, perhaps even a little unusual, but trust me, this is a flavour combination that will redefine your weekend mornings! Forget the same old toast and cereal; we're elevating brunch to a whole new level with this vibrant and delicious creation.

While pizza's origins are firmly rooted in Italy, the concept of a brunch pizza is a more modern, globally-inspired adaptation. It cleverly blends the comforting familiarity of pizza with the fresh, lighter flavours we often crave in the morning. Think of it as a blank canvas for your favourite brunch ingredients!

What makes this courgette brunch pizza so irresistible? It's the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The crisp, golden crust provides a satisfying base for the creamy cheese, the subtly sweet courgette, and whatever other toppings your heart desires – perhaps some salty bacon or a perfectly runny egg. It's also incredibly versatile and convenient. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences, making it vegetarian, gluten-free, or loaded with your favourite meats. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables lurking in your fridge. Get ready to experience a brunch that's both exciting and utterly satisfying!

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

300g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
7g dried active yeast
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
200ml warm water

For the Courgette Topping:

2 medium courgettes, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Cheese and Egg Layer:

150g ricotta cheese
50g grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Final Touch:

4 large eggs
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Preparing the Pizza Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and dried yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old, and you'll need to start again with fresh yeast.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the flour. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This allows the yeast to work its magic and create a light and airy pizza crust.

Preparing the Courgette Topping:

Sauté the Vegetables: While the dough is rising, prepare the courgette topping. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Courgette: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the sliced courgettes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook Until Tender: Cook the courgettes until they are tender and slightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Preparing the Cheese and Egg Layer:

Combine Cheese and Eggs: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. This mixture will provide a creamy and flavorful base for the pizza.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This will help create a crispy pizza crust.
Shape the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin or your hands to shape the dough into a large circle or rectangle, about 12-14 inches in diameter.
Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper. This makes it easier to transfer the pizza to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
Spread the Cheese Mixture: Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust.
Add the Courgette Topping: Arrange the sautéed courgette mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Create Wells for the Eggs: Use a spoon to create four small wells in the courgette topping. These wells will hold the eggs.
Crack the Eggs: Carefully crack one egg into each well.
Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the eggs are set to your liking. The egg whites should be opaque, and the yolks can be runny or cooked through, depending on your preference.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Courgette Brunch Pizza isn't just another recipe; it's a vibrant, flavorful experience waiting to happen. I truly believe this is a must-try because it's so incredibly versatile. Whether you're looking for a light and satisfying brunch, a quick and easy lunch, or even a unique appetizer for your next gathering, this pizza delivers on all fronts. The combination of the slightly sweet courgette, the creamy cheese, and the perfectly crisp crust is simply irresistible. But the best part? It's so easy to customize! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – a tangy goat cheese would be fantastic, or perhaps a sprinkle of feta for a salty kick. If you're feeling adventurous, add some thinly sliced prosciutto or pancetta for a savory depth. For a vegetarian option, consider incorporating other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, or even some roasted tomatoes. A drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that really elevates the flavors. Serving Suggestions: This Courgette Brunch Pizza is delicious served warm, straight from the oven. I personally love to pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing mimosa would also be a perfect complement. For a heartier meal, you could serve it alongside some scrambled eggs or a frittata. And don't forget the garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. A pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a little bit of heat, if that's your preference. Variations to Explore: * Spicy Courgette Pizza: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the courgette mixture or drizzle with some chili oil after baking. * Mediterranean Courgette Pizza: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. * Breakfast Courgette Pizza: Top with a fried egg after baking for a truly indulgent breakfast treat. * Vegan Courgette Pizza: Use a vegan pizza dough and a plant-based cheese alternative. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and make it your own! I've poured my heart into creating a dish that's both delicious and approachable, and I truly believe you'll love it as much as I do. The beauty of this courgette brunch pizza lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your perfect pizza masterpiece. I can't wait to hear about your experience! Please, please, please give this recipe a try and let me know what you think. Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag] – I'd love to see your creations! Tell me what variations you tried, what you loved, and what you might do differently next time. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you'll enjoy. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I hope this becomes a new favorite in your household, just like it is in mine.