If you’re looking for a simple, quick, and flavorful dinner that gives you the best pizza and focaccia, this recipe is for you! Using store-bought pizza dough and a few pantry staples like Trader Joe’s red pepper spread, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning, this focaccia-style pizza comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Serving Size: 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 store-bought pizza doughs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup red pepper spread (Trader Joe’s recommended)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Optional toppings: fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, grated parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven.
2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 square baking pan with olive oil.
3. Prepare the dough like focaccia.
4. Coat a square pan with olive oil. Combine the two pizza doughs and stretch the mixture gently to fit the pan. Once the dough is in the pan, cover it with a kitchen towel. Let the dough rest in a warm area for 30 to 45 minutes.
5. After resting, drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil over the dough. Using your fingertips, create dimples across the surface of the dough by pressing down gently but firmly, as you would when preparing focaccia bread. This will help the dough stay light and airy during baking.
6. Add the red pepper spread.
7. Spread the red pepper spread evenly over the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges for a crispy crust.
8. Season the dough.
9. Combine the melted butter with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt. Brush this mixture onto the crust’s edge for a crispy finish.
10. Top with mozzarella.
11. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the red pepper spread.
12. Bake the pizza.
13. Place the 9×9 pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. (For an extra crispy crust, place the 9×9 pan on the lower oven rack for the first 10 minutes of baking.)
14. Cool and serve.
15. Remove from the oven and allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Garnish with fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or grated parmesan if desired.
16. Enjoy your focaccia-style pizza with a fluffy interior and crispy, cheesy top!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Once the pizza has cooled, store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the pizza for up to 2 months.

Reheating:  

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slices directly on a baking sheet and reheat for 8-10 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Reheat the slices for 5-6 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds. (Note: The crust may lose some of its crispness with this method.)
• Skillet: For a crispy bottom crust, place slices in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cover with a lid, and heat for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bottom is crunchy.

More Cooking Tips

Dough Rise:

• For an even fluffier crust, let the dough rise in the pan for 30-60 minutes before dimpling and baking. This extra resting time allows the dough to develop more air pockets, which gives that light focaccia texture.

Crispier Crust:

• If you prefer a crispy crust, add a thin layer of semolina or cornmeal to the bottom of the pan before placing the dough. This will give it a nice crunch and golden color.  

Olive Oil Boost:  

• Drizzle extra olive oil over the dough before adding the toppings to enhance the rich flavor and create a crisp, golden crust. You can even infuse the olive oil with garlic or herbs for added depth.

Don’t Overload with Toppings:  

• Less is more when it comes to focaccia-style pizza. To keep the dough light and airy, avoid overloading it with too many heavy toppings. Stick to a moderate amount of cheese and spreads for the best texture.

Variations for Focaccia-Style Pizza

Veggie Lovers’ Focaccia Pizza

Add a mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or onions. Simply roast the veggies ahead of time with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then scatter them on top before baking.

Pesto Focaccia Pizza:  

Swap out the red pepper spread for pesto. Spread a thin layer of basil pesto over the dough, top with mozzarella, and bake. You can also add cherry tomatoes and arugula for a fresh, vibrant topping.

Spicy Focaccia Pizza:  

If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey after baking. You can also layer thin slices of jalapeño or use spicy sausage for an extra kick.

Vegan Focaccia Pizza:  

Replace the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese and use dairy-free butter for brushing the dough. Top with plenty of veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and artichokes for a delicious vegan pizza.

This focaccia-style pizza is the perfect balance between fluffy and crispy, ideal for an easy weeknight meal. Be sure to try it and follow me on Instagram for more step-by-step recipe videos!

FAQs for Focaccia-Style Pizza

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Yes! You can absolutely use homemade pizza dough. If you prefer making your own dough, simply follow your favorite pizza or focaccia dough recipe. Just make sure to let the dough rise until it doubles in size before spreading it into the pan for a fluffy, airy texture.

2. What can I substitute for the Trader Joe’s red pepper spread?

If you don’t have access to the Trader Joe’s red pepper spread, you can use alternatives like marinara sauce, pesto, or even a roasted garlic spread. You can also make a simple homemade red pepper spread by blending roasted red peppers with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings.

3. Can I add other toppings to this focaccia-style pizza?

Absolutely! This pizza is versatile, so feel free to add your favorite toppings. Popular options include pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, caramelized onions, roasted vegetables, or fresh basil after baking. Just be mindful not to overload the dough to maintain the focaccia-style fluffiness.

4. How long does the dough need to rise before baking?

For best results, let the dough rise in the 9×9 pan for 20-30 minutes after you’ve pressed it in and dimpled the surface with your fingers. This extra rise time will give the dough a light and airy texture.

5. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pizza dough as a substitute. Many stores offer pre-made gluten-free pizza dough options, or you can make your own. Be sure to follow the package instructions for any variations in rising or baking times.

For more high-protein pescatarian recipes and meal-prep ideas, follow me on Instagram @melshealthybowl where I share step-by-step cooking videos, tips, and inspiration for your next healthy meal.

Remember to share and tag me on Instagram @melshealthybowl if you try this recipe!

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