Bacon, asparagus, and mushroom pizza with garlic and olive oil sauce

This recipe was originally going to be pasta, and instead of asparagus I was going to use Brussels sprouts, but there was, what turned out to be an amazing last minute change in plans, that resulted in this delicious, and addictive pizza. One of the things I love about pizza is that you can make it fairly healthy but it can still be a comfort food, hence the bacon here. But other than bacon this is all veggies, and if you opt for a whole wheat crust, whether homemade or store bought, then it's even healthier. Sad note, I found the best whole wheat thin crust pizza dough recipe a couple of weeks ago on a blog that I had never visited before. I usually bookmark these things or write them down, but I forgot this time, and I cannot for the life of me remember what the name of the blog was. So disappointing because this crust was perfect! Thin, but it would hold up to whatever toppings you wanted to throw at it, slightly crunchy, and flavorful, but not so much that it overpowers the main ingredients that are meant to be the stars of the meal. I am bound and determined to find this recipe, and when I do I will share.

This pizza is so quick and easy to prepare, and a wide variety of vegetables
could be used and it would be just as delicious.

Bacon, asparagus, and mushroom pizza with garlic and olive oil sauce

Sauce:

• About 4 T olive oil
• 2-3 large cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste

Pizza:

• 3 slices hickory smoked bacon
• 1 T olive oil
• 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
• 6 stalks of asparagus cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 oz white button mushrooms, sliced
• salt and pepper to taste
• Grated applewood smoked cheddar, (this is what I used, I'm sure whatever you have on hand would be just as tasty) enough for a light layer on top of the pizza
• Grated parmesan, enough to sprinkle on top
• 14" thin pizza crust (homemade, store bought, white or wheat, whatever suits your fancy)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk together all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in medium skillet. Add shallot and cook for a few minutes, until beginning to become translucent. Add asparagus and mushrooms, cook for a few minutes more, stirring occasionally, until veggies just start to become tender. Add salt and pepper and remove from heat.

Spread sauce evenly over pizza crust. Add veggies in an even layer, and top with cheese. Put in oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until crust begins to brown and cheese is melted. Serves 4.

Comments

[Cody Alley]

Supper yummy! I ate like 3/4 of the pizza.