Cheesy Vegan Pizza Recipe That Tastes Just Like Cheese

Craving a delicious, gooey pizza but want to keep it completely plant-based? Look no further!

This cheesy vegan pizza recipe is the ultimate game-changer for anyone seeking a comforting and flavorful meal without dairy. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just trying to eat healthier, this recipe will satisfy your pizza cravings with a rich, melty vegan cheese topping and a perfectly crisp crust.

Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with taste, this homemade pizza is sure to become a family favorite.

Making your own vegan cheese might sound intimidating, but this recipe breaks it down into simple steps using accessible ingredients like cashews and nutritional yeast. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies and herbs for a personalized touch.

Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into how to create the best cheesy vegan pizza right in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesy vegan pizza recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and health. You get the creamy, stretchy “cheese” without any animal products, thanks to a blend of cashews, nutritional yeast, and a hint of lemon for tanginess.

The crust is tender yet crisp, made from simple pantry staples, so no need to buy pre-made dough.

It’s highly customizable—you can add any toppings you like, from mushrooms to spinach to sun-dried tomatoes. It’s also a great recipe for meal prep or entertaining, as it’s easy to scale up and bake in batches.

Most importantly, it’s a crowd-pleaser, even for non-vegans!

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 cup warm water (around 110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• For the vegan cheese:
• 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours or boiled for 15 minutes)
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp tapioca starch (for stretchiness)
• For the sauce and toppings:
• 1 cup tomato pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• Handful of fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Optional: red pepper flakes for spice

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Blender or food processor (for the vegan cheese)
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon
• Small saucepan (for tapioca starch thickening)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and yeast mixture, then stir until a rough dough forms. Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
4. Make the vegan cheese: Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. In a blender or food processor, combine cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Transfer the cashew mixture to a small saucepan. Stir in the tapioca starch and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes stretchy (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness (about 12 inches in diameter).
8. Transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet or heated pizza stone.
9. Assemble your pizza: Spread an even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border. Dollop and spread the vegan cheese evenly on top.
10. Add your sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and sprinkle with dried oregano.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the toppings are cooked.
12. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, red pepper flakes.
13. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.

You can swap out cashews for macadamia nuts or blanched almonds if you prefer, though cashews yield the creamiest texture. If you want a lower-fat version, try using silken tofu in place of cashews, but note the texture will differ.

To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough or vegan cheese. For extra melty results, experiment with adding a small amount of vegan mozzarella shreds on top, available at many grocery stores.

Feel free to load your pizza with any vegetables or plant-based protein like vegan sausage or tempeh. If you love spice, drizzle some hot sauce or sprinkle chili flakes after baking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy vegan pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, like a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. You could also serve it alongside a bowl of homemade soup, such as tomato basil or roasted red pepper soup, to make a complete meal.

For a fun party idea, cut the pizza into small squares and serve as finger food with a variety of dipping sauces like garlic aioli (vegan version) or spicy marinara. Leftover pizza reheats well in a skillet or oven, maintaining its texture and flavor.

Want to explore more plant-based delights? Check out my Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a savory side or the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for a comforting dinner option.

Conclusion

This cheesy vegan pizza recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a classic comfort food without any animal products. From the perfectly risen crust to the creamy, stretchy vegan cheese, every bite offers rich flavors and textures that will delight vegans and non-vegans alike.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings or pizza parties.

By making your own pizza at home, you control the ingredients, making it healthier and customizable. Plus, it’s a fun cooking project that brings warmth and joy to the kitchen.

Don’t forget to try out some of the tips and variations to make this recipe truly your own.

For sweet treats after dinner, why not indulge in the creamy goodness of the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe? Happy cooking and bon appétit!

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