Best Homemade Vegan Pizza Recipe for Delicious Flavor

Pizza is a universal favorite, and making it vegan at home doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try a plant-based twist on a classic comfort food, this best homemade vegan pizza recipe is here to delight your taste buds and satisfy your pizza cravings.

From a crispy, golden crust to a rich, savory tomato sauce and melty, dairy-free cheese, every bite bursts with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create a pizza that’s not only delicious but also simple to make with pantry staples and fresh produce. Plus, it’s customizable!

Feel free to add your favorite veggies or vegan protein toppings. Ready to impress your friends, family, or just treat yourself?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan pizza recipe stands out because it balances ease, nutrition, and mouthwatering flavor perfectly. The dough is soft yet crispy, made from scratch with simple ingredients that you probably already have.

The tomato sauce is homemade, bursting with herbs and garlic, giving it an authentic Italian vibe without any preservatives.

Instead of traditional cheese, we use a homemade cashew-based cheese that melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture without any dairy. The toppings are fresh and vibrant, showcasing the best seasonal vegetables, and this recipe is fully adaptable to what you love or have on hand.

Plus, this recipe is perfect for all skill levels – beginners will find it straightforward, while seasoned cooks can experiment with toppings and spice blends. It’s vegan, healthy, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients

• For the Dough: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• For the Tomato Sauce: 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Cashew Cheese: 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 2 hours or boiled for 15 minutes)
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ cup water (adjust for consistency)
• Salt to taste
• Toppings: Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions, black olives, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, spinach, and vegan pepperoni if desired

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough whisk
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Blender or food processor (for cashew cheese)
• Oven
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This means the yeast is active.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until it comes together.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-7 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Make the Tomato Sauce: While the dough rises, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. Prepare the Cashew Cheese: Drain soaked cashews and add them to a blender with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and water.
8. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed to achieve a thick but spreadable consistency.
9. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
10. Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer to a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch circle or rectangle depending on your baking sheet or stone.
11. Transfer the rolled dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
12. Assemble the Pizza: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
13. Dollop or spread the cashew cheese evenly over the sauce.
14. Arrange your chosen toppings evenly across the pizza.
15. Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy and toppings are cooked.
16. Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, add fresh basil leaves, and drizzle a little olive oil if desired. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra crispy crust, prebake your rolled-out dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings.”

You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat or gluten-free flour blends, but adjust water quantities slightly as needed. For a tangier cheese, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the cashew cheese mixture.

Try adding toppings like artichoke hearts, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or vegan sausage to change things up. If you prefer a shortcut, store-bought marinara sauce and vegan shredded cheese can work well too!

Want to boost the protein? Add cooked lentils or tempeh crumbles as toppings.

For a smoky flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika into the tomato sauce or cashew cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or a zesty kale tonic like in the Kale Tonic First Watch Recipe. For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic-roasted potatoes or crispy baked tofu fingers.

For a fun twist on pizza night, try serving alongside a vibrant Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe to balance the warm, cheesy pizza with refreshing, crunchy veggies.

And if you love experimenting with dough, don’t miss the Magic Dough Recipe for an alternative base that’s just as delicious and easy!

Conclusion

Making the best homemade vegan pizza is easier than you think, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite with a plant-based twist. From the soft, chewy crust to the rich tomato sauce and creamy cashew cheese, every element is crafted to please your palate and nourish your body.

Whether you’re cooking for vegans or just want to add more plant-based meals to your routine, this recipe delivers on taste and simplicity. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings and share your pizza adventures with friends and family.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious slice!

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