If you’re a vegan and love pizza, you can still indulge in your favorite food without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. With the rise of veganism, there’s been no shortage of delicious and tempting vegan pizza recipes that you can try at home. With a range of toppings and crust options, you can customize your vegan pizza to suit any taste. Whether you’re a cheese lover or a fan of veggie-loaded toppings, there’s a vegan pizza recipe out there that will satisfy your cravings. This article will explore some of the best vegan pizza recipes that you can make easily and quickly in the comfort of your own kitchen.
What Are Vegan Pizza Recipes?
Veganism has gained massive recognition in recent years due to the increased awareness of the unethical treatment of animals. It has advanced beyond a trend or lifestyle choice to a belief system that informs a person’s eating habits. Vegan pizza recipes are a perfect example of how to eat delicious food without using animal-based ingredients like meat, eggs, or cheese.
Non-vegan pizzas are eaten worldwide and have become a convenient comfort food that most people indulged in on a consistent basis. However, vegan pizza recipes have changed the landscape for people who have converted to veganism, or those looking to cut back on meat-based ingredients, cheese, and eggs.
Ingredients Used In Vegan Pizza Recipes
A vegan pizza isn’t an ordinary pizza as it has to meet specific ingredient requirements to qualify as vegan. Vegan pizza recipes rely on plant-based ingredients to replace animal-based ingredients. The plant-based ingredients used in vegan pizzas include:
- Pizza crust: The crust is the foundation of every pizza, and vegan pizza crusts lean on grains such as wheat, oats, quinoa, and spelt. Gluten-free options also exist.
- Sauce: Tomato sauce is the goto vegan pizza sauce. It’s easy to find and is versatile. However, there are also alternatives like pesto, olive oil, or even barbecue sauce.
- Cheese: Vegan cheese is a new addition to the world of vegan pizza. Traditional cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar have vegan counterparts. Vegan cheese options include cashew cheese, soy cheese, and almond cheese. Most vegan cheeses melt adequately, making them perfect for pizza.
- Meat: Vegan meat alternatives have gained traction in recent years. The alternatives have evolved from tasteless and lousy texture to mouth-watering and satisfying. Vegan meats options include seitan, tofu, tempeh, and Beyond Meat.
- Vegetables: Vegan pizza recipes usually come with vegetables as a topping. The possibilities are endless – spinach, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, artichokes, olives, and more.
Health Benefits of Vegan Pizza Recipes
Vegan pizza recipes are often healthier than traditional pizza recipes due to their high fiber, nutrient-packed ingredients like veggies and plant-based proteins. A vegan pizza can contribute to your daily intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, essential for maintaining a healthy body. Here are the health benefits of vegan pizza recipes:
Veggies Increase Nutrient Intake
Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach are common pizza toppings for vegan pizza recipes. Aside from adding flavor and texture, these veggies also provide a good amount of vitamins and minerals that your body needs daily. Mushroom, for instance, provides Vitamin D, which is essential for improving bone and muscle function, while spinach is rich in Vitamin K, which helps blood to clot properly.
Moreover, veggies contain antioxidants that help to prevent cell damage, reduce inflammation, and protect against chronic diseases. Bell peppers, for example, are a rich source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent colds, flu, and infections.
Plant-Based Proteins are Good for Heart Health
Plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, beans, and lentils are not only suitable for vegans and vegetarians, but they also offer numerous health benefits. Incorporating plant-based proteins into your diet can reduce your risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, and maintain healthy blood pressure. Besides, plant-based proteins are high in fiber and low in saturated fat, which are good for overall health.
High Fiber Content Aids Digestion
Vegan pizza recipes are often high in fiber, thanks to the whole grain crust and plenty of veggies. High-fiber diets can help to regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and maintain a healthy digestive system. Additionally, consuming fiber-rich foods can help to control blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol levels, and lower the risk of certain cancers.
No Cholesterol Content is Good for Heart Health
Traditional pizza recipes typically use cheese, which is a source of cholesterol. Vegan pizza, on the other hand, uses a variety of plant-based ingredients in place of cheese, which is free of cholesterol. A diet that is high in cholesterol can cause the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, leading to various cardiovascular diseases. Switching to vegan pizza recipes can reduce the risk of heart disease and keep your heart healthy.
Types of Vegan Pizza Recipes
Vegan pizza is an excellent alternative for those who avoid animal-based products. It is not only delicious but also nutritious due to the abundance of vegetables and herbs used to make the toppings. There are many types of vegan pizzas, and here are some of the most popular recipes:
Margherita-Style Pizza
The Margherita-style vegan pizza is a classic recipe that has been reinvented with plant-based ingredients. The pizza has a tomato base, fresh basil leaves, and vegan mozzarella cheese. This vegan pizza recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a simple and straightforward recipe to make.
Veggie-Loaded Pizza
The Veggie-loaded pizza is perfect for vegans who want to ensure that they eat a lot of vegetables in one meal. This pizza is loaded with different types of veggies like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, and more. You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough to make this pizza.
BBQ Chickpea Pizza
If you’re looking for a vegan pizza that has a spicy kick to it, try making a BBQ Chickpea Pizza. The pizza has a BBQ sauce base, vegan mozzarella cheese, chickpeas, red onions, and corn. To make the chickpea filling, mix chickpeas with the BBQ sauce, and cook on the stovetop until they are tender.
Mushroom Pizza
This vegan pizza recipe is for mushroom lovers. The Mushroom pizza recipe has a garlic-infused tomato base, vegan mozzarella cheese, and sautéed mushrooms with herbs like rosemary, basil, and thyme. This pizza is perfect for dinner or as an appetizer for a party.
Vegan Pesto Pizza
Another fantastic vegan pizza recipe is vegan pesto pizza. The pizza has a pesto base made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. The toppings on the pizza may vary, but some of the common toppings include cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and red onions. The pizza is a great way to use up leftover basil that you have in your kitchen.
How to Make Vegan Pizza Dough
For those who are vegan or have dietary restrictions, pizza can still be enjoyed by making a few simple adjustments to the recipe. Traditional pizza dough typically contains eggs and dairy products, but these ingredients can be easily replaced with vegan substitutes. Here are some tips on how to make vegan pizza dough:
Ingredients
To make vegan pizza dough, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 cup of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water)
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons of vegan butter, melted
Instructions
Follow these steps to make vegan pizza dough:
- Mix the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm water, olive oil, flax egg, almond milk, and melted vegan butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for about an hour in a warm place.
- Punch down the dough and use it to make your pizza.
Baking Tips
Here are some tips to ensure that your vegan pizza dough turns out perfectly:
- After rolling out the dough, pre-bake it in the oven for about 5-7 minutes before adding your toppings. This will help prevent the pizza from becoming too soggy.
- Use a pizza stone or a baking sheet to ensure that the crust cooks evenly.
- Bake the pizza at a high temperature (around 450-500°F) for about 10-15 minutes.
- If you want a crispy crust, brush the edges of the dough with olive oil before baking.
Tips for Making Delicious Vegan Pizza
Whoever said vegans can’t enjoy pizza clearly hasn’t tried vegan pizza. With the right ingredients and techniques, vegan pizza can be just as delicious as its non-vegan counterparts. Here are some tips for making delicious vegan pizza:
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is crucial for any pizza, but it’s especially important for vegan pizza. When using vegetables, make sure they’re ripe and in season. Fresh herbs also add great flavor. When using pre-made veggie toppings, make sure to read the label to ensure they’re free from animal products.
Make Your Own Sauce
Many store-bought pizza sauces contain dairy or other animal products. Making your own sauce not only ensures it’s vegan, but also allows you to customize it to your preference. A simple sauce can be made with canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Experiment with Toppings
Vegan pizza doesn’t have to be boring. Experimenting with toppings can take your pizza game to the next level. Vegan cheese shreds, cashews, and nutritional yeast add a cheesy flavor to vegan pizza. Spices like smoked paprika and cumin can add a smoky flavor, while veggies like mushrooms and olives can add texture and flavor.
Make Your Own Crust
While there are vegan pizza crusts available at some grocery stores, making your own crust allows you to customize it to your liking and ensures it’s free from animal products. A simple crust can be made with flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and water. Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can add additional flavor.
Preheat Your Oven and Use a Pizza Stone
For a perfectly crisp crust, preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go. Using a pizza stone or baking steel also helps create a crispy crust. If you don’t have a pizza stone or baking steel, a preheated baking sheet can also work well.
FAQs About Vegan Pizza Recipes
As many people become more conscious of their food choices and the impact it has on the environment, veganism has become a more popular lifestyle choice. One of the most beloved comfort foods is pizza, and vegan pizza options are becoming more and more common. Here are some frequently asked questions about vegan pizza recipes:
Can I use regular pizza dough for vegan pizza recipes?
Yes, you can use regular pizza dough to make vegan pizza. The key is to ensure that the dough ingredients are all vegan-friendly. This means no animal products such as eggs, milk, or honey. If you are buying pre-made dough, make sure to read the labels carefully to ensure that it is vegan. Alternatively, you can make your own pizza dough with flour, yeast, water, and salt. There are plenty of vegan pizza dough recipes available online.
What can I use as a vegan cheese substitute?
There are several vegan cheese substitutes available in grocery stores, health food stores, and online. Some popular options include cashew cheese, almond cheese, soy cheese, and nutritional yeast. Each type of vegan cheese has a slightly different taste and texture, so it’s worth trying a few to see which one you prefer. You can also make your own vegan cheese at home using ingredients such as cashews, tofu, or coconut milk.
Can I add meat alternatives to my vegan pizza?
Yes, there are several meat alternatives available that can be used as pizza toppings. Some popular options include jackfruit, seitan, tofu, and tempeh. These ingredients can be flavored to mimic the taste of meat and can be a great addition to your vegan pizza. Just make sure that the meat alternative you choose is vegan-friendly and free of any animal products.
Can I use a pre-made pizza crust for my vegan pizza?
Yes, you can use a pre-made pizza crust for your vegan pizza. Just like with pizza dough, you’ll need to read the label carefully to ensure that the crust is vegan-friendly. Some pre-made crusts may contain animal products such as eggs and milk. Alternatively, you can make your own vegan pizza crust at home using flour, yeast, water, and salt.
How do I make a vegan pizza sauce?
Making a vegan pizza sauce is incredibly easy. All you need is a can of crushed tomatoes, garlic, basil, oregano, and salt. Simply mix the ingredients together and spread the sauce on your pizza crust. You can also experiment with different add-ins to customize your pizza sauce to your liking, such as red pepper flakes or diced onions. If you’re short on time, there are also pre-made vegan pizza sauces available at many grocery stores.
What Are Some Delicious Vegan Pizza Recipes?
- Vegan Margherita Pizza – with cashew cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil
- Vegan BBQ Chickpea Pizza – with barbecue sauce, chickpeas, red onions, and cilantro
- Vegan Mushroom Pizza – with vegan cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and a garlic sauce
- Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Pizza – with vegan cream cheese, spinach, and artichokes
Happy Eating! Thanks for Reading
We hope you enjoyed exploring these vegan pizza recipes, and that you found them as delicious as we did. With plant-based options becoming more popular lately, it’s great to know that we can still enjoy our favorite foods while being mindful of our health and the environment. Don’t forget to bookmark this page for later, or share it with your vegan friends. As we get ready to chow down on our pizza pie, we bid you farewell, and until next time – stay healthy and cook on!