Making Homemade Vegan Pizza is fun, customizable, and a great way to enjoy a plant-based version of a classic favorite. You can use your choice of vegan cheese, veggies, and toppings to make it exactly how you like. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious homemade vegan pizza.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup (to help activate the yeast)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes (or use tomato sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richness)
For the Toppings:
- 1-2 cups vegan mozzarella cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh veggies of your choice (e.g., mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, zucchini, tomatoes, olives, etc.)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar (or maple syrup), and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Stir until a dough begins to form, then transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease the bowl with olive oil, place the dough back in, and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and tomato paste (if using). Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up while the dough rises.
4. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions (for two smaller pizzas) or leave it as one for a larger pizza.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough out to your desired thickness (about 10-12 inches for one pizza). If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle it lightly with flour as you roll.
- If using a pizza stone, transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper to make it easier to transfer into the oven. If using a baking sheet, grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper.
5. Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread a generous amount of tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the vegan mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add your favorite vegetable toppings. Be sure to slice veggies thinly so they cook through evenly.
- Optionally, drizzle with a little olive oil for extra flavor and a golden crust.
6. Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully transfer the pizza (on the parchment paper) to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted and is slightly bubbly.
- If you like a crispier crust, bake it a few minutes longer or broil the top for 1-2 minutes (keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn).
7. Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious homemade vegan pizza!
Tips:
- Dough Options: If you’re short on time, you can also use store-bought vegan pizza dough or a pre-made pizza crust.
- Vegan Cheese Alternatives: You can make your own vegan cheese by blending soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and garlic. Or you can use store-bought vegan mozzarella or cashew cheese.
- Topping Ideas: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding vegan sausage, artichokes, arugula, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Make-Ahead: The dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before using.
Enjoy this delicious, customizable Homemade Vegan Pizza—it’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion!
