Stop what you’re doing
Dinner tonight is the very best kind there is
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It has only a few ingredients, and it's seasonal, which means you can use it to whittle away at your impulse buys from the co-op
Recipes like this don't care what else you had in mind. They exist to disrupt the best-laid dinner plans, and that’s my favorite thing about them. It's pretty much what I want out of any dish. For it to be the thing you have to eat next, because nothing else will do
I had other plans for summer beets: one of my favorite salads, a dip for veggies, or even a chocolatey dessert.
That is until I went on vacation and found myself wandering the aisles of Lunds & Byerlys; walking out with five things that weren't on my list, as will happen when you visit an amazing grocery. At the very top of my bag were a few slices of beet pizza; a fantastic and surprisingly light weeknight dinner that was far better than anything else I had in mind.
The sweet earthiness of the roasted beets accented with goat cheese and hints of thyme. I had to get to the bottom of it.
I fully expected a knock-off recipe to contain a grocery cart full of ingredients, as cheffy creations often do; at a minimum, an exotic cheese or hard-to-find vinegar. And then we made pizza for last month's Spaghetti Saturday, and I discovered my cookbook has a recipe. It uses only three things (aside from the pizza dough) ..
and the mystery was now sorted
I strayed from their recipe slightly, using a mix of goat cheese and ricotta, but you can use only one kind of sharp cheese, and it won't matter. You can use store-bought dough or make it yourself. Any combo of beets will be great
I've even baked the toppings on sourdough toasts, in beet melt-style. You can add other ingredients (an egg on top is always a winner). It's a recipe you'll want on repeat until the beet (overpopulation) has receded.
For your weekend reading (while you're eating beet pizza), a few links from around the web
Such great food for thought – Being overweight in a culture that pretends it cares only about health, not size [via The New York Times]
A gift from the book fairy, tucked into my pool bag when I wasn't looking
Related: What nation ranks highest when people are asked if they lead meaningful lives? Liberia(?!) It's true, and who came in last? (ps: bet you'll never guess) [via The New York Times]
I can't stop looking at these(!) Winners of the 2017 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year contest [via National Geographic]
Can't make it to the gym? Schedule some one-on-one workout time with YouTube 
(8 Fitness Gurus You can workout for free – YouTube) [via Byrdie]
Say it isn't so! Can you remember your first Easy Bake Oven? 
[via Food52]
Ashley Graham, you are MY kind of woman! #beautifuljustthewayyouare [via YouTube]
Thank goodness for the omelet guy: My week on a weight loss cruise [via Marie Claire]
It's the most wonderful time of the year – IKEA's 2018 catalog is on its way [via Food52]
An old (and excellent) read from David Sedaris on Our Perfect Summer [via The New Yorker]
If everyone ate beans instead of beef [via The Atlantic]
Sipping on [via Bon Appetit]
A podcast worth listening to You 2.0: The value of ‘Deep Work' in the age of distraction [via NPR]
ps: Thank-you for being here. I wish for you a happy and peaceful weekend ahead
Enjoy!
xoxo
~ Adapted from Artisan Pizza and Flatbread in Five Minutes A Day by Zoë François and Jeff Hertzberg M.D.
Rainbow Beet Pizza
Ingredients
- ~ 10 oz pizza dough (my favorite is this Olive Oil Dough)
- ¼ - ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 oz goat cheese
- 4 small beets (a colorful mix is pretty)
- ¼ red onion, sliced very thin
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped fine
- olive oil for drizzling
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep and Roast the Beets
- Preheat the oven to 400° F
- Roast the beets for ~ 40 minutes before peeling and slicing them as thin as you're able
- Pizza
- Preheat a baking stone at your oven's highest temp for at least 30 min. Sprinkle your pizza peel liberally with flour and cornmeal
- Press or roll your dough to the desired thickness before transferring it to the pizza peel
- In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, ricotta, and fresh thyme leaves
- Scatter the cheese mix over the dough and add the beets. (In the original they added the slices in circles, starting from the outside edge and working into the center, alternating different colors)
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone
- Check for doneness in 8-10 minutes; turn the pizza around in the oven if one side is browning faster than the other
- Allow to cool slightly, cut into wedges and serve
82 Comments
I have just discovered a love of beets and this feels like an absolutely perfect way to enjoy them. I think I might just about be able to convince my other half to give this a try too!
I have never tried a beet pizza to be honest but I like that it’s easy to prepare. Often when I want pizza it’s always something meaty so this would be a good alternative to meatless Mondays
I’d never thought about using beetroot on a Pizza, but this looks really interesting. I might have to try it out x
Can you believe that I have never had a beet before? I have been wanting to try them, but have been a little nervous. Having them on pizza sounds like a good way to try them.
I have to confess that I’ve never cared for beets. Of course, they were always the pickled kind. After reading your recipe and gazing at your amazing photos, I’m willing to try them again. Yours look so much better than the beets of my childhood.
Oh, and yes, I do remember my first easy bake oven. I believe I was 8 years old and I loved that little oven.
I love roasted beets and I love pizza. This recipe has all my favorite ingredients, only instead of in a bowl, they’re baked onto a pizza crust! I used a mixture of small gourmet beets that I bought at the farmers market. This is definitely a keeper. The other pizza I made for pizza night was a CL Roasted Red Pepper Pesto tomato Pizza, which is also outstanding.
I used to love to cook, but I have to admit, I didn’t know that beets came in other colors than red lol. I love pickled beets, but not entirely sure how I’d like a beet pizza! It’s, of course, worth a try! Will have to see if I can get my son to try it with me!
I love pizza and it’s nice that this one is simple to make and has only few recipes. Having beet as a main ingredient is also a good way to change up the regular meal plan.
I’d have never thought about putting beetroot on a pizza but it makes it look so colourful x
My family loves beets, so I had to give this one a try. It’s great, with a very nice combination of flavors. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is that I think it could be a little more savory to balance the sweet and salty elements (maybe saute some shallots?). I also think it would be wonderful as a topping for a flat bread/focaccia appetizer
My mom never cooked beets for us as kids, so the first time I ever had them was in a Blue Apron box. Then I found out my husband doesn’t like and literally refuses to eat them! Mayyyybe I could convince him with an egg on top. Since I’m new to this vegetable, Do you have any hints for picking good beets?
I’ve never heard of nor have I ever seen a beet pizza. I am definitely willing to try it. It looks like it would be healthy and delicious once. I love the colors you have in this pizza. And it even know there was more than one kind of beet!
This pizza is outstanding and I love the mix of flavors. Drizzling the honey is a must. I made the crust in my bread machine & the pizza took less than 10 minutes to bake! So very yummy! x
I’ve never had beetroot on a pizza before, it looks so bright and colourful. I love beetroot and it seems to be so popular at the moment doesn’t it.
Oh my goodness! This pizza is so gorgeous, I somehow never baked a pizza from scratch (home-delivery is too convenient); but this one looks too pretty to not try. <3
Wow beetroots on a pizza? Sounds crazy but I bet it’s super good. I love the different colors, it looks more like a piece of art than something edible! I didn’t even know beats came in so many different colors!
I have been browsing the winning photos from the National Geographic competition and let my mind dream away at how mind blowing those moments must have been. The volcano was my favorite one, but that’s because I climbed an active volcano in January. I like the sound of this pizza, I love goats cheese and I can imagine how delicious it’s combined with the tangy taste of beetroot.
I love how you thought about the whole process of this pizza, and you’ve brought it together in a way that I never thought possible! I am a big beetroot fan, not sure about on a pizza, but in for a penny and all.
OMG this is divine! Your photos are exquisite and this pizza recipe is not one I would ever have thought of on my own. I am pinning it for later and will definitely make this soon. Thanks so much for a great and new idea.
I have never had anything like this before. I would never have thought to use beets for pizza, but there are so many pizza recipes out there. This does sound amazing.
I love beetroot and will literally eat it on anything! My boyfriend even eats it on his Sunday roast! It’s also popping up even more on restaurant menus which I love but I have to confess I’ve never tried on pizza! I’m going on holiday soon and I know there is a pizza oven by the pool…this may be the ideal opportunity to give it a whirl.
I’ve never been fond of beets, but then again I’ve never had them roasted. I’ve tried them…I’m ashamed…out of a can. I know! My mom just didn’t cook beats, and on the rare occasion she did, it was from a can. Now, I really love the whole idea of putting them on a pizza! What a creative use. And that goat cheese ricotta mix, um perfection!
I love pickled beets alone but have never though much past those. I really like the idea of this pizza. My kids might not like it, but I think a personal pizza for me would be an awesome dinner!
This is one of the most beautiful pizza, I have ever seen. Never heard of beets on pizza but I sure it must be tasting amazing.. looking forward to trying this recipe.
Beets are among my very favorite veggies, and I love making pizza. Though this is a dish I would adore, since I have mostly recovered from a year of diverticulitis, I have trouble digesting beets – too much non-soluble fiber for my system, I guess. But I enjoyed your gorgeous pix and I’ll dream about eating it.
I’m totally trying this, but I’m going to the farmer’s market for fresh ingredients. I bet it’s going to taste awesome and well, kinda healthy! Thanks for sharing!
I absoluteyl LOVE beets…they are just about my favorite vegetable and have been since I was little. I would have figured Finland was the country to have the most meaningful lives…they seem to be #1 in everything.
Holy moley I neeeeeed this!! I love beets and pizza, what a winning combination! I’m a sucker for anything with beets, and it’s pretty too!!
That is like the most amazing looking pizza I have ever seen, it is almost too good looking to eat, but hey I want to tuck in!
Loved this recipe. I used a mix of goat and feta cheese and added vegetarian Kielbasa sausage, olives, and some spice. Paired it with a Chianti wine. Super delicious! Until I ran across this recipe, I never would have thought of making it.
I personally am not a fan of beets( to many pickled beets and eggs from beet juice) lol. But this looks really yummy and it now has me in the mood for some bell pepper pizza!
I was initially confused by the appearance of the pizza with the different colors. I know beets are deep red and could not understand what the other colored veggies were. Perhaps carrots? And then I read the recipe…who knew beets came in different colors. My husband is obsessed with beets. Will let him know about this treat!
This is such a great idea! One of those ideas that I wished that I came up with! It’s certainly a unique and different take on a pizza!
Oh wow, this is a really interesting pizza recipe. Funny but I dont think I have ever had a beet. Weird I know! I think I need to try them. Maybe this recipe would introduce me to a really great veggie to enjoy. Yum!
I’m just now exploring options with beets. My grandmother used to eat them pickled all of the time, so I know plenty about that, but it seems they are turning up more and more on salads and I’m enjoying learning to eat them in different ways. I have to say, your pizza might be my next adventure and it is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for giving me another option while exploring new ways to love this veggie!
I wouldn’t mind taking a big (ok, humongous) bite off of that beet pizza while reading those links. In the meantime, I’ll check them out. That New York Times piece (first link) is one that caught my attention straight away.
Wow! This is being creative in the kitchen! I had never heard about beet pizza before but now that you mention it, it totally makes sense! I don’t eat a lot of beets – nor pizza, but I feel this is something I cannot miss.
I can truly say I’ve never dreamed of putting beets on pizza, there’s a first time for everything though! The colors are simply stunning, nature sure has a way of winning us over!
Firstly, it looks like a work of art. I would be so hesitant to even eat it. But the colors look and the flavors sound so tempting. I had not ever heard or seen beets on Pizza but now I am intrigued to find the flavors.
I never thought about putting beets on pizza! You should call it… “Beetza” haha!
But seriously, I’ve seen healthier pizzas with spinach and broccoli, but this is totally different!
It sounds amazing and it looks amazing! I’ve been on a whole 30 diet and I this is perfect for that since it doesn’t contain any meat. I’d love to give it a try after I run to the market for some fresh produce! YUM!
I have to be honest. The only time I’ve tried beets, it did not turn out well. Maybe I didn’t prepare them properly, but they tasted strange. However, I’m tempted to give them another shot after seeing this pizza. The colors are gorgeous, and it sounds really good. Will also be checking out some of those books you mentioned, too.
I love the combination of goat cheese and beets. There’s truly something magical that happens to goat cheese when it’s baked.
I stray from most recipes at least a little bit. My Mom might enjoy this pizza, she’s always had a thing for beets and used to pickle eggs with them.
I am ashamed to say that I have never cooked with beets. They have always been a “Thanksgiving” food in our family, and I have a hard time thinking of them throughout other parts of the year. However, my husband and I have been eating healthier, and this would be a pizza that we can try.
This is something I really want to make for my husband and myself for date night next week. We are both really into beets (just discovered what a fantastic food they are a few years ago)… can’t say my boys are on board yet, but we’re working on them! 🙂 I even drink beet juice prior to a big race…not sure how much it helps, but it can’t hurt 🙂
I’m not a fan of beets, but these pictures make the pizza look really appetizing. Maybe I could susbstitute zucchini for the beets. ?
I envy that you went to the store and only ended up with 5 things that weren’t on your list. I cannot tell you how often I run into the store for diapers and milk and leave $200 dollar later.
This just might be the most creative pizza I have ever seen. Love the idea of feta and ricotta. Makes me wish I loved beets. It certainly is gorgeous!
As someone who isn’t a “thin” man, I must say that the comment from the New York Times is pretty accurate… Society only pretends to not be interested in looks…
But anyway, I don’t think I’ve ever eaten beet in my life… I’ve actually only had a very select few types of veg… I need to expand my palette.
I can’t imagine having beets on a pizza…I am more used to putting them in a salad. I am more a pepperoni girl myself! I’m sure this is much healthier though!
This looks so simple to make. I’m not really a fan of beetroot but I am starting to grow a little fonder to it, ever so slightly. It looks fab though!
Ami xxx
The only time I would get to eat beets is when my mom makes her potato salad. She adds chopped ham and beets and it tastes good. Gives the salad a nice pinkish color too. Oh, BTW, I clicked on the link for the winners of the 2017 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year and OMG. the erupting volcano shot definitely deserved the win.
It definitely looks like a healthier option. I think my family would love it! Beets are new to us!
Looks delicious – to be honest, even though I quite like beetroot I’d never thought of putting it on a pizza.
Its amazing when you go out of a supermarket and you come out with some more fabulous goodies. I love the sound of a rainbow beet pizza, what a great way of marking the summer season . Plus its healthy, fresh and vibrant whats not to love?
In general I love beets usually in smoothies and juices. I never thought that I can use them in pizza. It looks delicious, but I am not sure that my boyfriend will like it, but I will make it for my friends.
I would never, ever of thought to put beetroot on a pizza! It does look like a very healthy pizza! xo
I had never though of beets on a pizza. But it is a great idea. So creative and so pretty . I love the idea of a rainbow pizza. Healthy and so instagrammable. Really, what else to ask for?! A recipe that i’ll be trying as soon as i can
Beets on a pizza? Who knew. I like the idea of roasted beets though and the pics are inviting. I may have to try this. Thanks for sharing.
I think beets is the same as we call beetroot? If so I don’t eat it, never have, but over here people are more likely to have it on a salad. I have never heard of it on a pizza, but if you like it, I bet it tastes good!
I didn’t know you could get different colour beets! This might encourage my little boy to eat more veg x
Who knew beets and pizza would be a good combo but this looks absolutely delicious. I am definitely going to try making this one night for dinner. Thanks!
Anything with beet I eat! HAHA That rhymed. This looks awesome
I’ve never seen such a pretty color pizza before. This looks so amazing!
I have to be honest that I have never tried beets before and definitely not on a pizza. This looks very appetizing though to try. Think my kids would eat it? LOL. I am glad the little grocer was better than you thought they would be. I will have to see if ours has beets to try this.
I can honestly say that I have never ever tried a beet pizza! I love beets and I would of never thought to add them to pizza. If I make this it will definitely be just for me because I don’t think my husband would go for it at all. Me on the other hand I think I would love it. It sure has a beautiful color with all those delicious beets. BTW I still remember my first easy bake oven, so thank you for all the weekend links.
This looks so healthy, colorful and we’ll presented….perfect for family meals and snacks or even a party! WI’ll try to see if mine will turn out as pretty.
I do not think I have ever had beets before. But this looks like it would be so fun to make. And it hit at a wine party.
A pizza with beetroot sounds very interesting to me. Since childhood, I have heard a lot about the goodness content beetroot has and its nutritional value. The recipe seems simple and easy so it is time I try out this!
To be honest I’ve never heard of a beet pizza before. But I am looking at this wonderful pizza, yes I can cook it! looks so delicious. believe me I would eat more than pieces 10 with our traditional drink ayran lol! thanks for cooking!
id like to know if your actually a cook by profession – just very curious…also i do love beetroot in salads…and its so rare i keep forgetting to use it and i really don’t know why ..but on pizza !!!! come on ali where is the pineapple :p…but i haven’t tried this combination so i think i have to try first….and then come back and send you a message
That’s a unique way to make pizza. I haven’t had beets in a long time but I’ve always loved them. I bet my mom would love this too.
Sorry but I just have to that this looks so delicious – and unique as well. I don’t really use beetroot, for us it’s more like a wintery veggie.. You are introducin a totlly new way to use it. Roasted beetroot with goats cheese and a bit of thyme on the top sounds super tasty and looks beautiful with all those colors.
Have never thought of using beetroot on a pizza. I do love beetroot thought and am trying to transition to a vegetarian diet, I’m currently pescetarian. I just worry about making it work when I’m eating out. This is a fabulous recipe to try at home.
This actually looks yummy and really pretty at the same time, lol! I will def have to pin this to save for later.. I’m trying to get healthier and this would of never crossed my mind! I wonder if I can get my little minions on board too!
OMG it makes such a pretty pie! The pizza is an ombre effect!
Such a healthy and colorful pizza. It is so colorful and tempting. Kids will love it because of patterns and colors and also it is healthy for them due to beet. Being a vegetarian I always look for such kind of healthy innovations in traditional style of cooking.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but this pizza reminds me of a flower! I love the ingredients you used, goat cheese is great choice! Such great food for thought, I think this one is my favorite because indeed people are promoting healthy and yet there are still a lot of obese people in America.
I’ve finally begun to enjoy beets in my 50s; they seemed like medicine when I was younger! I have never tried this combination, although I love vegetarian pizzas and am completely enthralled with the colors.
I love beets! I’m from Poland and now we have a season and dishes made of beets. I recommend you to try Barszcz (hot soup made of beets) or Chlodnik (it’s the same like barszcz but cold – perfect for hot summer). If you have any polish restaurant in our city I recommend you to try it 🙂
Beets are the best 😀
Best,
Kasia
This is something new as pizza topping! We eat only meet once a week and my husband keeps telling me he wants to eat healthier. Well this rainbow pizza would be much nicer than to peel him a carrot !?
Your recipes not only sound easy and delicious, but they are healthy and always so beautiful! Keep it up! Love seeing unique vegetarian recipes like a beet pizza!