Looking for a fun and unique way to enjoy pizza? Try Black Bean Nacho Pizza! This vegetarian dish combines the deliciousness of pizza with the flavors of nachos, making it a great treat for anyone who loves bold, spicy, and cheesy foods. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a weekend snack, this pizza is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The best part? It’s a healthier alternative, with wholesome ingredients like black beans, whole-wheat flour, and fresh veggies. Get ready to dive into a new pizza experience!
Ingredients for the Dough
Before we get into the toppings, let’s start with the pizza dough. Making it from scratch might sound tricky, but it’s actually quite simple. Here’s what you need:
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons lukewarm water (105-115°F)
- 1 package active dry yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole-wheat flour
- 1 cup bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
These ingredients will create a soft, delicious base for your pizza.
Ingredients for the Toppings
Now that we have our dough ready, it’s time to prepare the tasty toppings that will transform this pizza into a nacho-inspired masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed)
- ½ cup chopped jarred roasted red peppers
- 1 medium clove garlic (quartered)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Yellow cornmeal (for dusting)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 medium plum tomatoes (diced)
- 4 medium scallions (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup chopped pitted ripe black olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños
With these fresh ingredients, your pizza will be loaded with flavor, from the spicy heat of jalapeños to the smooth creaminess of cheese and beans.
How to Make the Dough
Making the dough for this pizza is easy and fun. Here’s how to do it:
- Mixing the Ingredients
Start by stirring water, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the yeast can dissolve and activate. This will create the base for your dough. - Adding the Flour
Next, stir in the whole-wheat flour, bread flour, and cornmeal. Keep mixing until the dough starts to come together. If you find it too sticky, add a bit more flour. - Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a food processor if you prefer. - Letting the Dough Rise
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and set it aside in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size during this time.
Preparing the Toppings
While your dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the toppings:
- Making the Bean Spread
In a food processor, combine the black beans, roasted red peppers, garlic, chili powder, and salt. Process everything until it becomes a smooth spread. This will be the base layer of your pizza. - Chopping the Fresh Ingredients
Dice the tomatoes, slice the scallions, chop the olives, and prepare the pickled jalapeños. These will add crunch, spice, and flavor to your pizza.
Assembling the Pizza
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s put the pizza together:
- Shaping the Dough
Turn your risen dough out onto a floured surface. Use your fingers to gently flatten it into a thick circle. Then, use a rolling pin to roll it out into a 14-inch circle. - Grilling the Pizza
Preheat your grill to low heat. Sprinkle cornmeal onto a pizza peel or a large baking sheet. Transfer your dough to the peel and then onto the grill. Close the grill and cook the dough for about 3-4 minutes until it’s lightly browned. - Adding the Toppings
Flip the dough over using a large spatula. Spread the bean mixture over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, add the shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, scallions, olives, and jalapeños on top. - Grilling to Perfection
Close the grill lid and cook for about 8 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is browned on the bottom. If you’re using an oven, you can bake it at 450°F for about 12-15 minutes.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pizza
Here are a few tips to ensure your Black Bean Nacho Pizza turns out great:
- Rolling the Dough: If you want the dough to be perfectly round, gently press it out with your fingers instead of using the rolling pin. This can help maintain the pizza’s chewy texture.
- Using Charcoal: If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure to let the coals burn down until they’re medium-low heat for a perfect crisp crust without burning the toppings.
- Oven Variation: For those who prefer the oven, use a pizza stone to get that crispy crust. Make sure to preheat the stone for at least 20 minutes before baking.
Variations You Can Try
One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can make the pizza your own:
- Smaller Personal Pizzas: If you want individual servings, divide the dough into 4 or 6 balls before you start. Roll each one into smaller 6-8 inch circles for personal-sized pizzas.
- Add More Veggies: You can also experiment with other toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn for a more colorful and flavorful pizza.
Conclusion
Black Bean Nacho Pizza is a delicious twist on traditional pizza. With the healthy benefits of black beans, whole wheat flour, and fresh veggies, it’s a great choice for a fun and flavorful meal. Whether you grill it on a barbecue or bake it in the oven, this pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings for something spicy, cheesy, and satisfying. Try it today for a fresh take on pizza night, and enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
FAQs
What is Black Bean Nacho Pizza?
It’s a vegetarian pizza topped with black beans, cheese, veggies, and nacho-inspired ingredients.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
Can I use a regular oven instead of a grill?
Absolutely! You can bake the pizza at 450°F for 12-15 minutes.