Vegan pizza has come a long way, baby. Gone are the days of cardboard-textured crusts and rubbery cheese impersonations. Today, plant-based pizza is a thing of beauty. And it’s not just about ethics. It’s about flavor. Texture. The joy of eating a meal that satisfies not just your conscience but also your taste buds.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to take your vegan pizza game to the next level. We’ve got 10 mouthwatering recipes to share, each with deliciously inventive toppings that will transform your pizza into a culinary masterpiece.
The Vegan Pizza Revolution
It’s no secret that plant-based eating has taken the world by storm. From Beyond Meat’s fake burgers to Impossible Foods’ bleeding vegan meat, the food industry has been quick to jump on the bandwagon. But it’s not just about the fake meat. It’s about the alternative cheese. The plant-based butter. The vegan ice cream that tastes just like the real deal.
And then there’s pizza. A food that is already vegan (or can be, anyway) by its very nature. A food that lends itself perfectly to plant-based ingredients. A food that is loved and cherished by people all around the world.
Vegan pizza is more than just a vegetarian option. It’s a culinary adventure. And it’s time that we started treating it as such.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or a newbie looking to expand your plant-based palate, this guide is for you. We’ve got tips on how to make the perfect crust, tricks for nailing that elusive cheese pull, and 10 mouthwatering recipes to inspire your next pizza night.
Mastering the Vegan Pizza Crust
The base of any great pizza is the crust. And while store-bought crusts can be convenient, nothing beats the satisfaction of making your own. Here are three homemade dough recipes to get you started, plus a few options for store-bought crusts that are vegan-friendly.
Homemade Dough Recipes
Classic Yeast-Based Dough
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp salt
Gluten-Free Cauliflower Crust
- 1 small head cauliflower, rinsed and drained
- 1 3/4 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
Whole Wheat Sourdough Crust
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
Store-Bought Vegan Pizza Crusts
- Bob’s Red Mill Pizza Dough
- Trader Joe’s Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
- La Famiglia Brand Pizza Dough
Whichever dough recipe or store-bought crust you choose, follow the instructions carefully to ensure that your crust turns out perfectly.
Pro tip: For a crispy crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven before adding your dough. And don’t forget to brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before adding your toppings.
Delectable Vegan Cheese Alternatives
Cheese is the star of any great pizza. And while there are plenty of vegan cheese options on the market, not all of them are created equal. Here are a few of our favorites.
Cashew-Based Cheese Sauces
Our favorite cashew cheese sauce comes from the cookbook “Vegan Pizza” by Robin Robertson. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for pizza. Here’s the recipe:
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Blend all ingredients together in a high-speed blender until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Pro tip: If you prefer a thinner cheese sauce for your pizza, you can add more almond milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Nut-Free Cheese Toppings
Not all of us can digest nuts. And while there are plenty of delicious nut-based cheese alternatives on the market, sometimes you just want something simple and nut-free. For those times, we turn to Daiya’s vegan mozzarella shreds.
Melty Vegan Mozzarella Substitutes
While some vegan cheeses melt beautifully, others can be disappointingly gritty or oily. Daiya’s vegan mozzarella shreds are one of the few plant-based cheese options that melt smoothly and stretch like real cheese. Plus, they’re free of common allergens like soy and peanuts. Look for them at your local grocery store or order online.
10 Mouthwatering Vegan Pizza Recipes
Now that you have your dough and cheese game on point, it’s time to talk toppings. Here are 10 mouthwatering vegan pizza recipes to inspire your next pizza night.
Classic Margherita
You can’t go wrong with a classic margherita pizza. Just top your dough with fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, and creamy cashew cheese. Simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Mushroom and Caramelized Onion
Sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions are a match made in heaven. Drizzle them with garlic-infused olive oil and you’ve got yourself a pizza that’s bursting with flavor.
BBQ Jackfruit
Shredded jackfruit makes a great vegan meat substitute. Top your pizza with tangy BBQ sauce and crispy onion strings for a sweet and savory pizza that’s sure to impress.
Mediterranean Veggie
Roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts are all delicious on their own. Together, they make for a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired pizza.
Pineapple and Jalapeño
Grilled pineapple and sliced jalapeños are a perfect pairing. Add in some vegan chorizo crumbles for an extra burst of flavor.
Spinach and Artichoke
Sautéed spinach and marinated artichoke hearts are smothered in a creamy cashew cheese sauce for this delicious plant-based take on a classic spinach and artichoke dip.
Roasted Veggie
Roasted zucchini, roasted bell peppers, and roasted eggplant make for a beautiful and delicious pizza. Plus, roasting the veggies brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
Vegan Meat Lover’s
Crumbled vegan sausage, vegan pepperoni slices, and vegan ground “beef” are all piled high on this meat lover’s pizza. It’s a carnivore’s dream come true (without any actual animals being harmed).
Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato
Homemade basil pesto is swirled on top of this pizza, along with sun-dried tomatoes and toasted pine nuts. It’s a delicious and elegant pizza that’s perfect for date night.
Loaded Taco
Seasoned vegan ground “meat,” diced tomatoes, and shredded vegan cheddar make for a delicious taco-inspired pizza. Top it off with some fresh cilantro and you’ve got yourself a fiesta in your mouth.