homemade vegan pizza

1. Vegan Pizza Dough

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 tsp sugar

• ¾ cup warm water (about 40–43°C / 105–110°F)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast

   • In a bowl combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.

   • Stir lightly and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix the dough

   • Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.

   • Mix until a rough dough forms.

3. Knead

   • Transfer to a floured surface.

   • Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. First rise

   • Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.

   • Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.

   • Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5. Shape

   • Punch down the dough.

   • Roll or stretch it into a 12–14 inch circle.

2. Quick Vegan Pizza Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp sugar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried basil

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a small pan on medium heat.

2. Add garlic and cook for 30–40 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, oregano, basil, and pepper.

4. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Let cool before spreading on dough.

3. Vegan Cheese Options

You can use store-bought vegan mozzarella or make a simple one.

Quick Homemade Vegan Cheese (Cashew Based)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup raw cashews (soaked 30 minutes)

• ¼ cup water

• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp tapioca starch (optional for stretch)

Blend everything until smooth.

4. Toppings Ideas

Good vegan toppings include:

Vegetables

• Mushrooms

• Bell peppers

• Red onions

• Cherry tomatoes

• Spinach

• Olives

• Corn

Protein toppings

• Chickpeas

• Tofu cubes

• Vegan sausage or plant-based meat

Flavor boosters

• Fresh basil

• Chili flakes

• Drizzle of olive oil

5. Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F) for at least 15 minutes.

2. Place rolled dough on a pizza tray or baking sheet.

3. Spread ½–¾ cup pizza sauce evenly.

4. Add vegan cheese.

5. Add your toppings.

6. Bake

• Bake for 12–15 minutes until:

  • crust is golden

  • edges are crisp

  • toppings are cooked.

Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra browning.

7. Finish

After baking, add:

• Fresh basil

• Chili flakes

• Olive oil drizzle