Build Your Own Flatbread Pizzas
This Build Your Own Flatbread Pizzas recipe brings together Italian-inspired flavors and fresh, customizable toppings in an easy-to-follow format perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Featured on Everyday Excellent with Vanessa Gianfrancesco, this quick and versatile recipe transforms store-bought flatbread into a crispy, flavorful base ready for endless creative combinations.
The Inspiration
Everyone loves pizza night—but making homemade dough can be intimidating and time-consuming. That’s where this build your own flatbread pizza recipe shines. Drawing inspiration from Italian cuisine and the joy of interactive cooking, Vanessa Gianfrancesco designed this dish to bring families together in the kitchen. The concept is simple: start with pre-cooked flatbreads like naan or lavash, then layer on your sauces, cheeses, and toppings for a personal pizza adventure. It’s the perfect blend of fast, fun, and flavorful—ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests with diverse tastes.
This recipe fits Everyday Excellent’s style perfectly: everyday ingredients, elevated presentation, and fantastic flavor in under 20 minutes. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni, colorful veggie, deli-style turkey pesto, or elegant prosciutto with arugula, there’s a version here for everyone.
Ingredients
- 4 pre-cooked 10-inch (25 cm) flatbreads (naan, lavash, chepati, etc. use gluten free if desired)
- 2 oz (213 ml) can of pizza sauce
- Small jar basil pesto
- 18 oz (510 g) bag shredded mozzarella cheese
Pizza Toppings:
Pepperoni:
- 1 small package pepperonis
Veggie:
- Caps and bases from 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- Caps and bases from 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 mushrooms, sliced
Turkey Pesto:
- 2 slices deli turkey, thinly sliced
- 1 shallot, sliced
Prosciutto and Arugula:
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices prosciutto
- 1 packed cup (20 g) arugula leaves
Methods
- Preheat the oven to 450 F (232 C).
- Lay out flatbreads, sauces, cheese, and toppings. You can use any leftover meat, vegetables, herbs, and even fruit for toppings, or use these suggestions:
- For pepperoni pizza, top flatbread with a thin layer of pizza sauce, a small handful of cheese, and pepperonis. For veggie pizza, top flatbread with a thin layer of pizza sauce, a small handful of cheese, and sliced red and green bell peppers and mushrooms. For turkey pesto pizza, top flatbread with a generous layer of pesto, a small handful of cheese, turkey, and shallot. For prosciutto and arugula pizza, top flatbread with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a handful of cheese.
- Transfer pizzas to 2 baking sheets and place in the oven for 7-9 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and flatbreads have browned. Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes.
- Top the olive oil flatbread with a handful of arugula and the prosciutto. Slice all pizzas into 4 pieces and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Flatbread pizzas are best served warm straight from the oven. They make an excellent quick dinner, game-day snack, or Friday-night family activity. Pair them with a fresh Caesar salad, a glass of chilled white wine, or sparkling water with lemon for a balanced meal. For parties, serve all four varieties on a large serving board so guests can sample and choose their favorite combination.
These pizzas also make great appetizers—simply slice them into smaller wedges for easy sharing. For a cozy night in, enjoy your personalized pizza alongside a movie and a side of seasoned fries or simple antipasto platter.
Final Thoughts
This Build Your Own Flatbread Pizzas recipe celebrates creativity, family time, and flavor all in one bite. It’s approachable enough for beginner cooks yet endlessly adaptable for seasoned foodies. Vanessa Gianfrancesco’s take embodies the Everyday Excellent spirit—simple techniques transformed into extraordinary meals.
From the zesty hint of pesto to the salty-sweet balance of prosciutto and arugula, each flatbread offers a unique flavor experience. Easy, versatile, and irresistibly satisfying—every slice is a reminder that great meals start with good ideas and a dash of fun.
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