Barbecue Pizza Recipe Vegetarian Lovers Will Adore

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Barbecue pizza is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite, bringing smoky, tangy flavors together in one delicious dish. If you’re vegetarian but crave that rich, savory barbecue taste, this recipe is perfect for you!

Loaded with vibrant vegetables, zesty barbecue sauce, and melty cheese, this pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings without any meat. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this vegetarian barbecue pizza combines the best of smoky and fresh ingredients for a truly comforting meal.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making a homemade crust or using store-bought dough, layering it with barbecue sauce instead of traditional tomato sauce, and topping it with a colorful medley of veggies and cheese.

It’s easy to customize and quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or weekend treat. Plus, if you want to explore more delicious baking and cooking ideas, check out our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for some amazing side options!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian barbecue pizza recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smoky barbecue sauce adds a deep, tangy sweetness that complements the fresh, crisp vegetables beautifully.

Instead of traditional tomato sauce, the barbecue sauce provides a unique, bold base that takes this pizza to the next level.

It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap in your favorite veggies or cheeses, and it comes together quickly, making it great for busy weeknights. The crust gets perfectly crispy, while the cheese melts into a gooey topping that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Plus, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, so it’s ideal for mixed-diet households or dinner parties. Don’t forget to try it alongside our Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for a sweet finish!

Ingredients

  • 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 inches in diameter, store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite vegetarian-friendly brand)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded smoked gouda cheese (optional, for extra smokiness)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • ½ cup canned corn kernels, drained
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Oven preheated to 475°F (245°C)
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone
  • Rolling pin (if using homemade dough)
  • Sharp knife for slicing vegetables
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula for spreading sauce
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: If using store-bought dough, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature. If homemade, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle using a rolling pin.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up.
  3. Sauté vegetables: In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and red onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Assemble the pizza base: Place the rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or pizza peel if using a stone. Spread a thin, even layer of barbecue sauce over the surface, leaving about an inch from the edges.
  5. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, followed by the smoked gouda for an extra smoky flavor.
  6. Top with vegetables: Distribute the sautéed mushrooms and onions, fresh spinach leaves, red bell pepper slices, and corn kernels evenly across the pizza.
  7. Season and bake: Lightly season the top with salt and pepper. Transfer the pizza to the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

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

Feel free to customize your barbecue pizza by adding other vegetables like zucchini, artichoke hearts, or even pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist. If you want to keep it vegan, substitute the cheese with vegan cheese alternatives or skip it entirely.

For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the finished pizza. You can also experiment with different barbecue sauces – smoky chipotle or sweet hickory flavors work particularly well.

If you want to dive deeper into vegetarian recipes, don’t miss our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe or the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for more flavorful plant-based ideas.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
Carbohydrates 38 g
Protein 15 g
Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Fiber 4 g
Sodium 520 mg

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a fun twist, serve it alongside some Half Runner Beans Recipe to add more plant-based protein to your meal.

For a casual gathering or game day, cut the pizza into smaller squares and serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, extra barbecue sauce, or a spicy chipotle mayo.

Don’t forget to finish your meal with a sweet treat – our Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs is a creamy, delightful dessert that complements the smoky pizza flavors perfectly.

Conclusion

Vegetarian barbecue pizza is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue without meat. This recipe is simple, quick, and packed with fresh vegetables and smoky cheese that make every bite satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this pizza is sure to impress.

The flexibility to swap toppings and adjust flavors means you can make this your own every time. Plus, the homemade barbecue sauce base gives it a unique twist that differs from traditional pizzas.

Give it a try and discover just how delicious vegetarian pizza can be!

For more comforting and delicious recipes, be sure to explore our other favorites like the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe and German Stuffing Recipe. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Barbecue Pizza Recipe Vegetarian

Description: A delicious vegetarian barbecue pizza topped with smoky sauce, veggies, and cheese. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pre-made pizza dough (12-inch)
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface.
  3. Brush dough with olive oil and sprinkle smoked paprika.
  4. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the dough.
  5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  6. Add red onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and corn.
  7. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Bake pizza for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
  9. Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.
  10. Slice and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 42 g

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Marta K

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