When the weather warms up or when you simply crave a smoky, sweet, and savory bite, few things hit the spot like homemade BBQ pizza. But what if you’re vegan—or simply want a plant-based option that’s just as satisfying as its cheesy, meaty cousin?
Enter this vegan BBQ pizza recipe: a mouthwatering, flavor-packed, and surprisingly easy-to-make dish that everyone at the table will love.
Picture this: a crisp yet chewy crust, slathered in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with colorful veggies, creamy vegan cheese, and protein-packed vegan chicken or jackfruit. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard cookout, a family movie night, or simply satisfying a pizza craving, this vegan BBQ pizza will become your new go-to.
Plus, it’s versatile—use your favorite veggies, try different plant-based proteins, and even grill it outdoors for that authentic smoky flavor. Let’s dive into this delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet, smoky BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with creamy vegan cheese and hearty toppings.
- Customizable: Mix and match your favorite veggies, plant-based proteins, and crusts for endless combinations.
- Easy to Make: Simple, step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible even for beginners.
- Healthier Option: Lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than traditional pizza, with plenty of fiber and nutrients.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A guaranteed hit at parties, game nights, or family dinners—vegan or not!
- Great for Grilling: Take it outdoors and cook your pizza on the BBQ for extra flavor and crispy crust.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Vegan pizza dough | 1 pound | Store-bought or homemade |
BBQ sauce | 1/2 cup | Check for vegan (no honey or anchovies) |
Vegan cheese | 1 cup | Shredded, mozzarella or cheddar style |
Vegan chicken strips or jackfruit | 1 cup | Optional, for protein |
Red onion | 1/2, thinly sliced | |
Red bell pepper | 1/2, thinly sliced | |
Sweet corn | 1/4 cup | Fresh or thawed frozen |
Fresh cilantro | 2 tbsp, chopped | For garnish |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For brushing crust |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Oven (or outdoor grill for BBQ flavor)
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush (for olive oil)
- Spatula or pizza peel
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
If using store-bought dough, remove it from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This makes it easier to stretch and shape.
-
Preheat the Oven or Grill:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it preheats.
For grilling, heat your BBQ to medium-high and oil the grates.
-
Shape the Pizza Base:
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch round. If you prefer a rustic look, use your hands to stretch it.
-
Brush with Olive Oil:
Transfer the dough to your baking sheet or a piece of parchment paper. Lightly brush the entire surface with olive oil for a golden, crisp crust.
-
Add the BBQ Sauce:
Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust.
-
Layer the Toppings:
Scatter vegan chicken strips or jackfruit (if using) over the sauce. Add the sliced red onion, bell pepper, and sweet corn.
-
Add Vegan Cheese:
Sprinkle the vegan cheese evenly across the pizza. Add a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
-
Bake the Pizza:
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melty. On a grill, cook with the lid closed for about 10 minutes, rotating once for even cooking.
-
Garnish and Slice:
Remove from the oven or grill. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and let cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your BBQ pizza and serve hot, maybe with a fresh salad or a cold beverage. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Switch Up the Protein: Try smoked tofu, tempeh bacon, or marinated chickpeas for a different twist.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust if needed.
- BBQ Sauce Tips: For extra depth, make your own sauce or add a splash of liquid smoke.
- Add Pineapple: If you love sweet and savory, pineapple tidbits are delicious here.
- Roast Your Veggies: Roasting onions, peppers, or mushrooms beforehand brings out their sweetness.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different vegan cheeses—some melt better than others, so try a few brands to find your favorite.
- Outdoor Grilling: For true BBQ flavor, grill your pizza directly on the grates. Just oil the dough and keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and prep your protein a day in advance for a quick weeknight meal.
“Don’t overload your pizza with toppings—less is more for a crisp crust and even cooking!”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 pizza) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Carbohydrates | 48g |
Protein | 11g |
Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Cholesterol | 0mg |
Fiber | 4g |
Sugar | 9g |
Sodium | 590mg |
Note: Nutrition will vary based on your choice of crust, toppings, and cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp Green Goodness Juice for a refreshing, nutrient-rich meal.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette.
- Try with Half Runner Beans for a protein boost and Southern-inspired feast.
- Make it a party with vegan appetizers like roasted chickpeas or a platter of seasonal grilled veggies.
- Finish the meal with a sweet treat like Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding (veganized!).
Conclusion
This vegan BBQ pizza recipe is proof that you don’t need meat or dairy to make a pizza that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and pure comfort. The combination of smoky-sweet sauce, melty vegan cheese, vibrant veggies, and your favorite plant-based protein creates a pizza experience everyone will crave—vegan or not.
Plus, it’s easy to customize for dietary needs, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you bake it in your oven or take it out to the grill, this pizza is a delicious way to enjoy the bold, summery flavors of barbecue without compromise. Try it out, share it with friends and family, and make it your own.
And if you’re looking for more vegan inspiration, don’t miss my recipes for Kodiak Banana Muffins, Lavender Frappe, or hearty Lazy Cookie Cake for dessert. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan BBQ Pizza
Description: A smoky, tangy BBQ pizza topped with vegan cheese and colorful veggies. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 prepared vegan pizza crust
- 1/2 cup vegan BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded vegan mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (red or yellow)
- 1/2 cup canned or cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Place pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle vegan mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add red onion, bell peppers, black beans, and corn evenly over the pizza.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 54 g
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