This Shaved Asparagus and Potato Pizza recipe is a tantalizing blend of fresh spring asparagus, baby red potatoes, and creamy gouda cheese atop a tender homemade pizza dough. It's a perfect meal to enjoy on a warm spring evening, offering a twist on the classic pizza with its unique combination of ingredients. Whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to bring a touch of culinary creativity to your table.
If you aren't familiar with gouda cheese, it's a type of semi-hard cheese known for its rich, unique flavor and smooth, creamy texture. It melts beautifully on pizza making it a wonderful addition to this recipe. Most supermarkets carry it but if you can't find it, feel free to substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina. The asparagus should be thick stalks, as thinner ones may burn during the cooking process. Do ensure to buy baby red potatoes as they cook faster and can be thinly sliced with ease.
Shaved Asparagus and Potato Pizza Ingredients
Pizza dough: The base of our pizza, homemade pizza dough gives the best taste and texture but store-bought can be used too.
Cornmeal: This is used to keep the dough from sticking to the pan.
Flour: For dusting and helping to shape your pizza dough.
Baby red potatoes: Thinly sliced, they add a unique, hearty element to the pizza.
Olive oil: Used for drizzling over the vegetables and dough for extra flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Asparagus: Shaved into thin strips, it adds a bright, spring flavor.
Gouda cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a rich, creamy texture to the pizza.
One reader, Amalea Lemon says:
This shaved asparagus and potato pizza recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine, and the asparagus adds a delightful crunch. The potatoes are perfectly tender, and the gouda cheese brings it all together. It's a must-try for pizza lovers and foodies alike!
Techniques Required for Shaved Asparagus and Potato Pizza
How to shape the pizza dough: Divide the dough into 4 pieces, shape each piece into a ball, then press flat into a 1-inch thick disk, dimpling with the fingertips while flattening it.
How to prepare the asparagus: Trim about ½-inch from the bottom of the asparagus spears. With a vegetable peeler, shave the spears into long, thin strips. Hold a spear by the bud end and scrape down the length with the peeler. Turn the stalk often until it can no longer be scraped. Cut the remaining core of the spear into 1-inch pieces.
How to assemble the pizza: Arrange one-fourth of the potatoes, ¼ of the cheese, and ¼ of the asparagus on top of the pizza round before baking.
How to bake the pizza: Bake the pizza at 550 degrees F or as hot as it will go for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
How To Make Shaved Asparagus and Potato Pizza
Perfectly crusty and simply flavorful, this potato pizza is assembled with baby potatoes for the topping, plus gouda cheese, and asparagus stalks!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbspizza dough balls
- cornmeal,for the baking sheets
- flour,for rolling
- 1½lbsbaby red potatoes,(about 16 potatoes), or yellow potatoes, thinly sliced
- 3tbspolive oil,plus more for drizzling
- salt and pepper,to taste
- 16thick asparagus stalks,(about 1 lb)
- 6ozgouda cheese,or fontina cheese, sliced
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 550 degrees F or as hot as it will go.
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Turn out the dough onto a generously floured counter, and cut it into 4 pieces.
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Working with 1 piece at a time, shape into a ball and then press flat into a 1-inch thick disk, dimpling with your fingertips while flattening it.
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Cover the first disk with a clean dishtowel, and repeat with the remaining pieces of dough.
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Let the disks of dough rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
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Mound the potato slices in the middle of a baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss together and spread in an even layer with no pieces overlapping.
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Bake for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Let cool briefly.
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Trim about ½-inch from the bottom of the asparagus spears. With a vegetable peeler, shave the spears into long, thin strips. Hold a spear by the bud end and scrape down the length with the peeler.
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Turn the stalk often until it can no longer be scraped. Cut the remaining core of the spear into 1-inch pieces.
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In a bowl, toss all of the asparagus with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, salt and pepper. Set aside.
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Sprinkle a layer of cornmeal over a pizza peel, a rimless baking sheet, or the back of a baking sheet.
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Hold up 1 piece of dough at the edge and turn it as if holding a steering wheel, letting gravity pull the dough down. Keep stretching it until the round is roughly a 12×8-inch oval or a 10-inch circle.
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Place it on the pizza peel and shuffle the pan back and forth to ensure the dough is not sticking. Leave the remaining rounds covered.
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Arrange ¼ of the potatoes, ¼ of the cheese, and ¼ of the asparagus on top of the pizza round. Slide the pizza onto the baking stone to bake.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
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Use a pizza peel to remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack.
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Prepare and bake the other pizzas in the same manner. If the pizza stone is large enough, bake 2 pizzas side-by-side at the same time.
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Serve hot, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- If available, place a pizza stone on a lower rack in the oven.
- Rather than waiting for all the pizzas to be done, slice and serve each pizza as it comes out of the oven. If preferred to serve pizzas all at once, briefly re-warm any pizzas that cooled by placing them back in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 672.05kcal
- Fat: 20.09g
- Saturated Fat: 7.29g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.36g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.11g
- Carbohydrates: 98.92g
- Fiber: 7.25g
- Sugar: 4.16g
- Protein: 23.88g
- Cholesterol: 32.32mg
- Sodium: 1180.69mg
- Calcium: 343.04mg
- Potassium: 819.78mg
- Iron: 6.43mg
- Vitamin A: 63.27µg
- Vitamin C: 12.14mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Shaved Asparagus and Potato Pizza
When shaving the asparagus, it's best to use a Y-peeler as it provides better control and makes it easier to shave thin, even strips. Also, always hold the asparagus by the cut end and start shaving from the middle towards the bud end. This way, you're working with the grain of the vegetable, which makes the process smoother. For the best results, shave the asparagus right before you're ready to use it, as the strips can dry out and lose their freshness if left exposed for too long.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the pizza dough and slice the potatoes in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a mandoline: A mandoline can help you quickly and uniformly slice the potatoes and asparagus for the pizza.
Multi-task: While the potatoes are baking, use that time to prepare the asparagus and roll out the pizza dough.
Preheat the baking sheet: Preheat the baking sheet in the oven while it's preheating. This will help the pizza cook faster and more evenly.
Batch cooking: Consider making multiple pizzas at once to save time, especially if you have a large enough oven or pizza stone.
Prep station: Set up a designated prep station with all the ingredients and tools you need to streamline the cooking process.
Quick cheese grating: Use pre-shredded cheese to save time on grating and preparation.
Efficient assembly: Have all the toppings and ingredients ready to go before assembling the pizzas to make the process smoother and quicker.
Substitute Ingredients For Shaved Asparagus and Potato Pizza Recipe
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pizza dough – Substitute with whole wheat pizza dough: Whole wheat pizza dough adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the crust, making it a healthier option.
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baby red potatoes – Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweeter flavor and a boost of vitamin A, adding a unique twist to the pizza.
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asparagus – Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be a great substitute for asparagus, providing a similar texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor when shaved and cooked.
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gouda cheese – Substitute with fontina cheese: Fontina cheese has a similar creamy texture and mild nutty flavor, making it a suitable replacement for gouda in the pizza recipe.
Presenting Shaved Asparagus and Potato Pizza
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Artful arrangement of shaved asparagus and potato: Arrange the shaved asparagus and potato on the pizza in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each slice is evenly distributed and creates an attractive pattern.
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Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the pizza with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
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Incorporate edible flowers: Consider adding delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or borage, to elevate the visual appeal and provide a subtle floral note to the dish.
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Use high-quality serving platters: Present the pizzas on elegant ceramic platters or wooden boards to create a sophisticated and polished presentation.
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Accompany with a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Before serving, drizzle a small amount of balsamic reduction in a decorative pattern over the pizzas to enhance the overall flavor profile and add a touch of gourmet elegance.
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Serve with a side of microgreens: Place a small mound of vibrant microgreens on the side of the pizza to introduce a fresh and delicate element, contributing to the overall visual appeal and flavor complexity.
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Emphasize artisanal cheese selection: Highlight the use of premium gouda cheese by showcasing the cheese's origin and unique characteristics, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
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Utilize elegant serving utensils: Opt for sleek and polished pizza servers or cheese knives to offer a refined and professional touch when presenting and serving the pizzas.
Essential Tools for Making This Pizza
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Pizza peel: A long-handled tool used to transfer the pizza in and out of the oven. It has a flat, shovel-like surface for easy maneuvering.
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Vegetable peeler: A kitchen tool with a sharp blade used to shave the asparagus into thin strips.
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Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking the potatoes and assembling the pizza.
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Rolling pin: A cylindrical tool used to flatten and shape the pizza dough into a round or oval shape.
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Pizza stone: A thick, flat cooking surface used to evenly distribute heat and create a crispy crust for the pizza.
Storing and Freezing Tips for This Pizza Recipe
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If you have any leftover pizza, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This will prevent the crust from becoming soggy due to trapped steam.
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Once cooled, place the pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Properly stored, leftover pizza will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
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For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza. Wrap the slices individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.
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Frozen pizza will maintain its best quality for about 1 to 2 months. After that, it will still be safe to eat but may experience changes in texture and flavor.
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To reheat refrigerated pizza, place the slices on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
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For frozen pizza, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as described above, or place the frozen slices directly on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
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Alternatively, you can reheat the pizza slices in a skillet over medium heat. This method helps to crisp up the crust while heating the toppings evenly.
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Avoid using the microwave to reheat pizza, as it can make the crust soggy and the toppings unevenly heated. However, if you must use a microwave, place the slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
How To Reheat Leftover Pizza
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover shaved asparagus and potato pizza:
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In the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method helps restore the crispiness of the crust while evenly heating the toppings.
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On the stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pizza slices in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the bottom of the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method is quick and helps maintain the crispiness of the crust.
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In the microwave: Place the pizza slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the pizza is heated through. While this method is the quickest, it may result in a softer crust.
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In the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method is quick and helps restore the crispiness of the crust.
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Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the pizza slices on the grill grates and close the lid. Grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom of the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method adds a smoky flavor to the pizza and helps restore the crispiness of the crust.
Interesting Trivia About Shaved Asparagus and Potato Pizza
The shaved asparagus and potato pizza recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The dish features a crispy crust topped with tender baby red potatoes, flavorful gouda cheese, and delicate shaved asparagus. The asparagus is shaved into long, thin strips using a vegetable peeler, adding a unique touch to the pizza. This recipe offers a creative and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of asparagus and potatoes in a new and exciting form. It's a great way to incorporate seasonal produce into a beloved dish. Enjoy experimenting with this unique and tasty pizza recipe!
Is Making This Pizza at Home Cost-Effective?
This shaved asparagus and potato pizza recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. Asparagus and potatoes are affordable, and the recipe uses simple ingredients. The cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $20-25, making it a budget-friendly option. The versatility of the ingredients and the ability to customize toppings add value. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Pizza Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The shaved asparagus and potato pizza recipe is a relatively healthy choice compared to traditional pizza recipes. Here's why:
- The recipe uses whole ingredients like potatoes and asparagus, which provide essential nutrients and fiber.
- Gouda cheese is used in moderation, providing calcium and protein without excessive saturated fat.
- The pizza dough is homemade, allowing for control over the ingredients and potentially using whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Olive oil is used sparingly, providing healthy monounsaturated fats.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use whole wheat pizza dough or a cauliflower crust for added fiber and nutrients while reducing refined carbohydrates.
- Increase the amount of asparagus and decrease the amount of cheese to boost the vegetable content and reduce the overall calorie and fat content.
- Add other nutrient-dense toppings like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the pizza's nutritional value.
- Use a low-fat cheese alternative or reduce the amount of cheese used to minimize saturated fat intake.
By making these small adjustments, you can transform this already relatively healthy pizza recipe into an even more nutritious and well-balanced meal. The key is to focus on whole ingredients, prioritize vegetables, and use high-calorie toppings like cheese in moderation. With a few simple tweaks, this shaved asparagus and potato pizza can become a delicious and guilt-free addition to your meal plan.
Editor's Opinion on This Unique Pizza Combination
The combination of shaved asparagus and tender baby red potatoes on a pizza is a delightful and unexpected twist. The use of gouda cheese adds a rich and creamy element that complements the earthy flavors of the vegetables. The method of pre-baking the potatoes ensures they are perfectly cooked and adds a lovely texture to the pizza. The high baking temperature creates a crispy and golden crust, enhancing the overall experience. This unique pizza recipe is a wonderful way to showcase seasonal produce and will surely impress your guests with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
Enhance Your Shaved Asparagus and Potato Pizza Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Shaved Asparagus and Potato Pizza Recipe:
This shaved asparagus and potato pizza recipe offers a unique and delightful combination of flavors and textures. The asparagus and potatoes bring a fresh and earthy taste, while the gouda cheese adds a rich and creamy element. The step-by-step instructions provide clear guidance, ensuring a successful outcome. The use of high-quality ingredients and the attention to detail in the preparation process demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Trust in the expertise and creativity behind this recipe to elevate your pizza-making experience and impress your taste buds with a delightful culinary adventure.
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