This vegan pizza recipe came from a craving for something familiar but with a twist—using ingredients I had on hand, I decided to skip the usual dairy and go plant-based. It’s a quick fix for busy nights or when you want comfort without compromise. Plus, it’s a reminder that vegan food can be just as satisfying as the classics.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Vegan Pizza
It’s a reminder that comfort can be plant-based, and that simple ingredients can create complex flavors. Making it from scratch feels rewarding, and every bite sparks a little pride. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so it fits whatever mood I’m in.
Inside the Ingredients: What Makes This Vegan Pizza Work
- Vegan dough: The base is simple, with a chewy texture and neutral flavor, perfect for toppings.
- Tomato sauce: Bright and tangy, it forms the flavor backbone, so use a good quality or make your own.
- Vegan cheese: Oozy and slightly smoky, it melts well and adds richness without dairy.
- Roasted peppers: Sweet and smoky, they add a vibrant color and a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh basil: Herbaceous and fragrant, it balances the richness with a burst of freshness.
- Caramelized onions: Sweet and savory, they bring depth and a bit of chaos to each bite.
- Olive oil: A splash before baking gives a shiny crust and rich aroma.
Tools of the Trade for a Great Vegan Pizza
- Rolling pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
- Baking sheet: To bake the pizza on.
- Skillet: To pre-cook toppings or create a crispy crust base.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Crafting Your Vegan Slice: The Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
Step 2: Gather your equipment: a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and a skillet.
Step 3: Roll out the vegan dough on parchment until about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 4: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce, then sprinkle with vegan cheese.
Step 5: Add toppings—think roasted peppers, caramelized onions, and fresh basil.
Step 6: Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Step 7: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Vegan Pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) and prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Place the vegan dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out evenly with a rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick, creating a round or rectangular base.
- Transfer the rolled dough onto the prepared baking sheet, then spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the vegan cheese evenly over the tomato sauce, covering most of the surface for that gooey, melted effect.
- Distribute the sliced roasted peppers across the pizza, followed by spoonfuls of caramelized onions for sweetness and depth.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for a burst of herbaceous flavor, then drizzle with olive oil to help the crust crisp up and add aroma.
- Bake the pizza in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the vegan cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to settle the toppings and avoid burns.
- Slice the pizza into pieces, reveal the melty cheese and vibrant toppings, and enjoy the satisfying, colorful bites.
Cooking Checks: Keep an Eye on Your Pizza
- Crust should be golden and firm, not pale or soggy.
- Cheese should be melted and slightly browned, not raw or pooling.
- Toppings should be roasted or cooked through, not raw or shriveled.
Common Pizza Pitfalls and How to Fix Them
- Underbaked crust.? If the crust is soggy, bake it a few minutes longer before adding toppings.
- Toppings not adhering properly.? If toppings slide off, press them gently into the sauce before baking.
- Insufficient cheese melt.? If cheese isn’t melting, increase oven temp slightly or broil for 1-2 minutes.
- Over-torched edges.? If the crust burns quickly, lower the oven temperature or move the pizza to a lower rack.
This pizza isn’t just a meal; it’s a little rebellion against the usual. The crispy edges, gooey cheese, and vibrant toppings make every bite feel like a small victory. Feel free to customize with whatever’s in your fridge—this is about flavor, not rules. Enjoy experimenting, and don’t forget to share this with friends who need a reminder that vegan can be wildly delicious.
Hi, I’m Katie Dawson, a paediatric speech-language pathologist by day and a passionate food storyteller by night. Based in Seattle but with a love for global flavours (and a soft spot for Indian chai), I created this blog to bridge the gap between therapeutic nutrition and the simple joy of eating.
