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Homemade Easy Vegan Pizza

Homemade Easy Vegan Pizza - Affordable Food Ideas

As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, my kitchen is often a playground. While experimenting with various flavors, I stumbled upon the challenge of creating a pizza that is not just vegan but also mind-blowingly delicious. 
After tweaking and testing different recipes, I found a perfect combination of easy-to-use ingredients, robust flavors, and the comforting feel of homemade goodness.
What follows is a journey through the creation of a homemade, easy vegan pizza. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you'll be able to whip up a pizza that even non-vegans will crave. Stick around as we explore the nuances that make this dish not just a meal, but an experience!
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Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 191
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients:
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 1 1/3 cups warm water heated to about 110°F
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting or bread flour
Basic Vegan Pizza Toppings:
  • 1 batch of homemade plant-based mozzarella
  • 1 cup to 1 2/3 cups of your preferred pizza sauce
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
Vegan White Bean Pesto Pizza Toppings:
  • 1 tbsp capers
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 of Juice lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Additional Toppings:
  • Tomato sauce
  • vegan pesto
  • sliced olives
  • sautéed mushrooms
  • plant-based cheese

Method
 

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
  1. Start by combining the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This process activates the yeast, and you'll know it's ready when it bubbles.
    In a larger bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Use a wooden spoon to stir until a dough begins to form. It’s okay if it’s a bit sticky. That just means you’re on the right track!
Step 2: Kneading the Dough
  1. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 5–7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. If it’s sticking to your fingers too much, sprinkle just a bit more flour onto your workspace.
    Once it’s ready, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
  1. While the dough rises, it’s a good time to preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Be sure to place your pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Preheating will help achieve that crispy crust we all desire.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
  1. While you wait, let’s sort out the sauce. If you’re going for a classic pizza, simply grab your favorite pizza sauce. For a twist, mix some olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This garlic oil can make a fantastic base!
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
  1. Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Dust your countertop again and roll out the dough to your desired thickness—thin crust or thick, totally your choice!
    Transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper. Spread your pizza sauce evenly across the base. 
    Now comes the fun part! Top it with the homemade mozzarella, fresh vegetables, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, and any other toppings you fancy.
Step 6: Baking the Pizza
  1. Carefully transfer your assembled pizza (using the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and toppings are bubbly.
Step 7: Garnishing
  1. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, drizzle with olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper. Slice it up, and your homemade vegan pizza is ready to serve!

Notes

  • Don’t Skip the Rise: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial. The yeast needs time to work its magic, creating that light and airy crust. Patience pays off!
  • Use a Pizza Stone: If possible, investing in a pizza stone can help achieve an authentic pizzeria texture. It retains heat better.
  • Experiment with Flours: While all-purpose flour works great, trying whole wheat or gluten-free flours opens up varied textures and flavors.
  • Preheat Everything: Not just the oven—this includes your baking sheet or pizza stone. A hot surface results in a perfect crust.
  • Let Your Dough Rest: If you’re short on time, you can utilize a no-rise dough recipe. However, allowing some time for it to rest enhances flavor and texture.