If you are a vegan, you may be missing out on pizza. However, fret not, as there are plenty of vegan pizza dough recipes out there that are both delicious and nutritious. Making pizza dough from scratch is not as hard as you may think, and with a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious vegan pizza crust in no time. In this article, we will explore some of the best vegan pizza dough recipes to help you create the perfect pizza with all your favorite toppings.
What Is Vegan Pizza Dough
Pizza is one of the world’s favorite foods, beloved for its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings. But for those who follow a vegan diet, traditional pizza dough recipes can pose a challenge. The typical ingredients in pizza dough include flour, water, yeast, oil, and salt, but some variations may also call for eggs or milk. For vegans who prefer to avoid animal products, a few simple swaps can transform a basic pizza dough recipe into a delicious and vegan-friendly alternative.
What Makes Pizza Dough Vegan?
The main difference between traditional pizza dough and vegan pizza dough lies in the ingredients. To make pizza dough vegan, you need to avoid any animal products like eggs, milk, or butter. Instead, you can substitute with plant-based alternatives that work just as well. Here are some common substitutions:
- Flour: All-purpose flour or bread flour can be used to make vegan pizza dough. Gluten-free flour can be used as well for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil can be used instead of butter or other animal-based fats.
- Water: A vegan pizza dough recipe may use water or plant-based milk as a liquid ingredient.
- Yeast: Active dry yeast, instant yeast or sourdough starter can be used depending on desired outcome.
- Salt: Salt is essential in any pizza dough recipe and is of course vegan.
By making these simple substitutions, you can create a vegan-friendly pizza dough that is just as delicious as traditional pizza.
Benefits of Making Vegan Pizza Dough
Pizza is one of the most popular dishes worldwide, but have you ever thought about the benefits of making vegan pizza dough? Here are some of the health and environmental benefits of using vegan pizza dough:
Health Benefits of Vegan Pizza Dough
Vegan pizza dough is a healthier option compared to traditional pizza dough made with dairy products. Here are some of the health benefits:
- Reduced risk of heart diseases: Vegan pizza dough is lower in saturated fats and cholesterol than traditional pizza dough, which is made with dairy products like cheese and butter. The Harvard School of Public Health states that a plant-based diet reduces the risk of heart disease by up to 32%.
- Rich in nutrients: Vegan pizza dough is rich in nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals as it is made with whole grains and plant-based ingredients.
- Lower calorie intake: Vegans pizza dough is also lower in calories as it doesn’t contain dairy products, which are high in calories.
Environmental Benefits of Vegan Pizza Dough
Making vegan pizza dough is not only good for your health but also for the environment. Here are some of the environmental benefits of making vegan pizza dough:
- Reduced carbon footprint: A plant-based diet has a lower carbon footprint than a meat-based diet. Animal agriculture is responsible for almost 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing vegan pizza dough reduces your carbon footprint and helps combat climate change.
- Water conservation: Animal agriculture uses vast amounts of water to produce dairy products, meat, and eggs. Switching to vegan pizza dough helps conserve water and other natural resources.
- Reduced pollution: Animal agriculture is also a major contributor to pollution. It produces harmful gases like methane, which is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Choosing vegan pizza dough helps reduce pollution and its impact on the environment.
Basic Vegan Pizza Dough Recipe
If you’re looking for a tasty and simple vegan pizza dough recipe, look no further. Making your own dough from scratch not only saves money but also allows you to control the ingredients, plus it’s a fun activity to do with friends or family. This recipe makes two 12-inch pizza crusts, perfect for any pizza party!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add the water and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook.
- Place the dough in a large, oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and put in a warm area to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
That’s it! Your basic vegan pizza dough is ready to be topped with your favorite vegan ingredients. Divide the dough in half to make two 12-inch pizza crusts or keep it whole for a larger pizza. Be sure to preheat your oven to 450°F before you add your toppings and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and golden-brown.
Variations on Vegan Pizza Dough
Now that you have the basic vegan pizza dough down, why not experiment with some variations to add some extra flavor or texture? Here are some ideas:
Whole Wheat Pizza Dough:
To make a healthier version of pizza dough, swap out half or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. The dough will be denser and more wheat-y tasting, but it pairs beautifully with earthy toppings like mushrooms and spinach.
Herb Pizza Dough:
If you’re looking to add some extra zing to your pizza crust, why not infuse it with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano? Simply chop up a few tablespoons of your favorite fresh herbs and add them to the dough when you’re mixing the dry ingredients. The herbs will add a fragrant, savory flavor to your pizza crust.
Gluten-Free Pizza Dough:
If you’re gluten intolerant, you can still enjoy homemade pizza dough using gluten-free flour. Look for blends that contain rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour, and follow the same instructions as the basic dough recipe.
Cauliflower Pizza Crust:
If you’re looking for a low-carb, grain-free option, try making a pizza crust out of cauliflower. Simply rice your cauliflower in a food processor, mix it with almond flour, and bake it in the oven for a crispy, chewy base. It won’t taste exactly like traditional pizza crust, but it’s a delicious alternative if you’re watching your carbs.
Gluten-Free Vegan Pizza Dough Recipe
If you are looking for a gluten-free vegan pizza dough recipe, look no further. This recipe is perfect for anyone with gluten intolerance or who is following a plant-based diet. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make delicious gluten-free vegan pizza dough at home. Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll have fresh pizza dough in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of almond flour
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of warm water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add the warm water to the mixture and stir until it forms a ball of dough. Knead the dough for a couple of minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more gluten-free flour until it becomes manageable.
- Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a circle, approximately 12 inches in diameter. Place the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes or until it is lightly browned.
Your gluten-free vegan pizza crust is now ready to be topped with your favorite sauce and toppings.
Tips:
- If you prefer a thinner crust, roll the dough out to a larger size.
- If you want to make the dough ahead of time, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you don’t have almond flour on hand, you can substitute it with more gluten-free all-purpose flour.
This gluten-free vegan pizza dough recipe is perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions. Use it as a base for your favorite pizza toppings and enjoy a delicious homemade pizza at home.
Whole Wheat Vegan Pizza Dough Recipe
Going vegan does not mean sacrificing your love for pizza. Vegan pizza dough is easy to make at home and can be customized with your favorite toppings. This recipe for whole wheat vegan pizza dough is healthier than traditional dough and simple to follow.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons of active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- ½ cup of warm water
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, active dry yeast, and salt.
- Add olive oil and warm water.
- Stir well with a fork until all ingredients are mixed properly.
- Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes covered with a damp towel.
- After 30 minutes, roll out the dough to the desired thickness and top with your favorite vegan pizza toppings.
This vegan pizza dough recipe is perfect for making thin, crispy crust pizzas. You can add your favorite toppings, such as vegan cheese, veggies, and spices, to make your pizza unique and delicious.
Overall, this whole wheat vegan pizza recipe is simple to make and a healthy alternative to traditional pizza dough. Enjoy your vegan pizza feast!
Other Vegan Pizza Dough Variations
While traditional pizza dough is not vegan-friendly due to the inclusion of animal-based ingredients, there are many variations of vegan pizza dough that can be just as delicious and satisfying. Two popular alternatives include cauliflower crust and chickpea flour crust.
Cauliflower Crust
Cauliflower crust is a gluten-free and low-carb option that can be a great choice for those looking for a healthier option. To make the crust, simply pulse chopped cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles a rice-like consistency. Place the cauliflower rice into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until soft and tender. Once cooled, add in vegan cheese, vegan breadcrumbs, and spices of your choice. Mix and then press the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 450°F for approximately 12-15 minutes, then add your desired toppings and return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes.
Chickpea Flour Crust
Chickpea flour crust is another popular vegan option that is high in protein and fiber. The dough is made using a mixture of chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and spices. Simply mix the ingredients together until a smooth dough forms, then roll out and add your desired toppings. Bake in the oven at 450°F for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Other Variations
- Spelt Flour Crust: Spelt flour is a great alternative to traditional wheat flour and can create a delicious, nutty-tasting crust.
- Whole Wheat Flour Crust: For a healthier option, try using whole wheat flour in your pizza dough recipe.
- Gluten-Free Flour Crust: There are many gluten-free flour options available, such as almond flour, rice flour, and potato starch, that can create a delicious crust.
- Cornmeal Crust: For a unique twist on traditional pizza crust, try using cornmeal as the base. It adds a delicious crunch and can be a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Sourdough Crust: For a tangier, fermented flavor, try using sourdough starter in your pizza dough recipe.
FAQs
If you’re new to vegan pizza dough, it’s natural to have a few questions. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
1. How long does vegan pizza dough last in the fridge?
Vegan pizza dough, like any dough, will stay fresh in the fridge for a certain amount of time. On average, vegan pizza dough will last three to four days in the fridge before it starts to dry out. It’s best to store the dough in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
2. Can vegan pizza dough be frozen?
Many people freeze their pizza dough to extend its shelf life. Vegan pizza dough can also be frozen, but it’s important to thaw it out properly. To thaw vegan pizza dough, remove it from the freezer and place it in the fridge to thaw overnight. Once it’s thawed, proceed with your recipe as you normally would.
3. How can I tell if my vegan pizza dough has gone bad?
The easiest way to tell whether your vegan pizza dough has gone bad is by the smell. If it smells sour or unpleasant, it’s probably gone bad. You can also check the dough’s texture. If it’s hard, dry or too sticky, it may have passed its prime.
4. Can I make vegan pizza dough without a stand mixer?
Yes! While a stand mixer can make the process of mixing pizza dough much easier, it’s not a requirement. You can mix vegan pizza dough by hand. However, it may take a bit more elbow grease and time spent kneading the dough to reach the right consistency.
5. Do I need any special ingredients to make vegan pizza dough?
Not really. Vegan pizza dough can be made using the same ingredients that are traditionally used in pizza dough: flour, water, yeast, salt and olive oil. You can also add additional ingredients, such as herbs or garlic, to give your dough a special kick.
6. How do I prevent my vegan pizza dough from being too tough?
There are a few things you can do to ensure your vegan pizza dough comes out soft and chewy. Firstly, don’t over-knead the dough – this can make it tough. Secondly, don’t overcook the pizza. Overcooked pizza can also be tough. Also, make sure you’re using fresh yeast.
7. How do I make vegan pizza dough without gluten?
Vegan pizza dough can be made without gluten using alternative flours. Some popular gluten-free flour options include rice flour, almond flour, and chickpea flour. You’ll likely need to experiment with different gluten-free flours and ratios, as the texture of the dough will be different than traditional pizza dough. For a gluten-free vegan pizza dough recipe, try using a combination of rice flour, almond flour, and tapioca starch.
Thanks for Trying These Vegan Pizza Dough Recipes!
Whether you’re a committed vegan or just enjoy trying new recipes, these pizza dough recipes are sure to delight every time. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your perfect pie. We hope this article has inspired you to incorporate more vegan food into your diet and to try making homemade pizza from scratch. Thanks for reading, and come back soon for more tasty recipe ideas!