The Ultimate Vegan Pizza Dough Recipe for Delicious Homemade Pizzas
Pizza is everyone's favorite comfort food. This delicious, topping-rich dish is perfect for family nights, dinner parties, and when you just want something warm to chow down during cold weather.
Being vegan doesn't mean you have to miss out on the perfect pizza. We'll show you how to make the best pizza dough that will get you a chewy center and a crispy pizza crust every single time. Wow your friends and family with our delicious and (more importantly) super easy vegan pizza dough recipe.
Is Pizza Dough Vegan?
Here's the good news - pizza dough is actually naturally vegan. (It's the toppings you have to watch out for.) The dough is the heart of the pizza β without the perfect pizza dough base, your entire dish falls apart.
Traditional pizza dough is actually only made with a handful of simple ingredients:
- Flour - Most pizza dough is made from all-purpose flour, but bread flour is a great shout if you need a chewier crust. Or, if you want a denser texture, we recommend whole wheat flour. You can also use gluten-free flour if needed.
- Water - This binding agent will bring all the ingredients together.
- Yeast - Without this magical little ingredient, your dough won't rise.
- Salt - A pinch or two will draw out the flavor.
- Olive Oil (Optional) - You don't have to include this, but a bit of olive oil can add richness and create a crisper crust.
Since these are all plant-based ingredients, pizza dough itself actually aligns perfectly with a vegan lifestyle.
That said, we recommend double-checking the ingredients when you order or buy pre-made dough, as some commercial or restaurant recipes might include non-vegan additions such as milk, eggs, or butter for extra softness or a bit more flavor.
However, when it comes to making homemade pizza dough, sticking to the essentials will give you a vegan result every time.
Make Tasty Vegan Pizza Without the Hassle
Prepa Pizza Dough Kit
815g - $29.97 - 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 3178 reviews
Make tasty vegan pizza dough with our Prepa Pizza kits. Easy, beginner-friendly, and delicious β bring the taste of Italy right into your home.
6 Organic Ingredients - We only use the best ingredients, including premium flour brought straight from Italy for a pizza taste that's unbeatable.
A Healthy Alternative - Make a healthy and delicious meal without the artificial flavors, additives, and processed oils of other pre-made pizza doughs and kits.
For all Types of Pizza - From classic Margherita and calzones to New York-style BBQ meat feasts, our kits work with all types of pizza dough recipes.
Fool Proof kits - Our kits are suitable for complete beginners, ensuring perfect pizza every single time.
The Best Vegan Pizza Dough Recipe
We find that the best vegan pizza dough recipe is actually the most simple. Whether you want to impress your guests at a pizza party, or you just fancy something warm, tasty, and comforting, here's how to make delicious pizza dough.
Ingredients
- 1000g flour
- 650g water
- 30g salt
- 10g yeast
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
- Pour the water and yeast into a bowl and mix. Stir lightly until the yeast starts to foam. This step is really important, as it will confirm if yeast is active and ensure a good rise. It should look like milk.
Add in the Dry Ingredients
- Add 10% of the flour into the mixing bowl and mix. This doesn't have to be exact, but it acts as a barrier between the yeast and salt.
- Add in the salt and mix to dissolve.
- Add in the remaining flour and mix until a shaggy dough begins to come together. The dough should be wet.
Knead the Dough
- Transfer everything to a clean, dry work surface and knead for 15 to 45 minutes until the dough is smooth. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to make the process easier and save time.
- You can tell if your dough is ready when you touch the top of it, and it doesn't stick to your hands.
Let the Dough Rest
- Shape the dough into a large ball and cover it with the bowl you were using, a kitchen towel, or plastic wrap. If you use plastic wrap, we recommend lightly brushing the top of the dough with olive oil. But don't use too much, as this can impact the dough's gluten structure.
- Rest the dough for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
Want a Longer fermentation? β You can also take the bulk dough and place it into a container. Put it into the refrigerator once it's rested for 30 minutes and leave it there for a maximum of three days before using it again.
Divide the Dough
- Once the dough has rested, divide it into dough balls for your pizzas.
- Place each dough ball at least 2 fingers apart on a deep sheet tray or proofing container.
Second Rest
- Rest the dough until they've doubled in size and they're touching. Once they've risen, they're ready to use.
A Quick Tip - Using the dough balls at this point will give you a more floured taste. If you want to break down the flour content, leave the dough in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before you use them.
Roll Out and Bake
Preheat your oven to 475Β°F (245Β°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. You can also cook the pizza without a baking sheet or stone.
Roll out the dough ball onto a floured surface. How thick you roll it out depends on how thick you like your pizza. For a thin pizza crust, we recommend rolling it out to 8 inches. Don't forget to add extra flour if your dough starts to stick!
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper, and add your favorite toppings and vegan cheese. Bake on the preheated stone or baking sheet for 10β15 minutes or until your pizza is golden and crispy.
Get Perfect Pizza Dough Every Time
6 Organic Ingredients - Our kits come with salt, yeast, water, olive oil, honey, and organic flour imported from Italy.
Easy to Use - Just add water. It's as simple as that.
A Healthy Alternative - Make a healthy and delicious meal without the artificial flavors, additives, and processed oils of other pizza kits and pre-made doughs.
Fool Proof kits - Whether you're cooking on a pizza stone, baking sheet, in a pizza oven, or a normal home oven, get the perfect pizza every time.
Our Top Tips for the Perfect Vegan Pizza Dough
Use Fresh Yeast - A fresh and active dry yeast makes for the best rise. Check if your yeast foams when you mix it with the water, as this will let you know if the yeast you're using is actually good.
Donβt Overdo the Flour - If your dough feels too sticky, it may be tempting to add a bit of extra flour, but too much can actually make the dough dense. Add just enough flour so the dough is soft and slightly tacky.
Add Garlic Powder - This is a great tip if you want to give your dough extra flavor.
Let the Dough Rise Properly - The longer you leave your dough to rise, the more time the flavor and texture have to develop. If you have some extra time on your hands, let the dough rise in the fridge overnight for an even more delicious flavor.
Bake on High Heat - The higher the temperature, the better the pizza. Placing your pizza on a preheated pizza stone, pizza pan, or baking sheet will cook the bottom of your pizza and make sure it crisps up nicely.
Get Creative with Toppings - Vegan pizza dough offers limitless topping possibilities, so donβt be afraid to try new combinations!
Vegan-Friendly Topping Ideas
One of the best things about homemade pizza is that you can customize it with toppings to satisfy any craving. From fresh vegetables to plant-based cheeses, the skyβs the limit for vegan pizza toppings. Here are some delicious vegan topping ideas.
Classic Veggies
Vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, spinach, and cherry tomatoes will add flavor and color to your pizza. Fresh or sautΓ©ed beforehand, theyβre perfect for layering on a thick tomato pizza sauce base.
Plant-Based Proteins
Tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, or plant-based meats can add texture and flavor. Many plant-based meat brands offer vegan sausage crumbles or pepperoni that mimic the classic flavors of a meat-lovers pizza. This means that even your non-vegan guests will be happy with your vegan pizza!
Dairy-Free Cheese Alternatives
Vegan cheese just keeps getting better and better, which means you can now enjoy melty, stretchy, dairy-free cheeses on your pizza. Look for brands that offer plant-based mozzarella, vegan parmesan, almond ricotta, or coconut mozzarella shreds. You can also make your own vegan cheese with soaked cashews or almonds.
Greens and Fresh Herbs
Add herbs like fresh basil and arugula to freshen up your pizza after baking. Or, top your pizza with spinach or kale before you slide it into the oven.
Gourmet Flavors
Looking for a more gourmet pizza to impress your friends and family? Try artichoke hearts, capers, pine nuts, drizzled tahini, or sundried tomatoes for more interesting flavors.
Sauces Beyond the Norm
You can't go wrong with a classic tomato sauce, but homemade vegan pesto, white garlic sauce, and smokey BBQ sauce will help you create a delicious pizza with a unique and rich twist. Trying different sauces is great if you're hosting a pizza party with lots of guests - it means there will be plenty of variety to explore.
Sweet and Savory
Sweet and savory is always a hit - just think of the classic ham and pineapple. But if you're looking for some interesting vegan ideas to balance sweet and savory, consider adding roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, figs, and a sprinkling of vegan feta. This unexpected blend pairs beautifully with a crispy crust, and will have everyone coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Pizza Dough
Can I Freeze Pizza Dough?
Yes, you can freeze pizza dough, which makes it great for prepping all your meals in advance. After your dough has risen, divide it into portions for separate pizzas. Lightly oil each portion, as this will help to stop it from sticking, and then slip the portions into separate bags or airtight containers.
As long as you freeze the dough straight after making it, it will last for up to three months in the freezer.
When you're ready to use the dough, take it out of the freezer and transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Make sure the dough returns to room temperature before you shape and bake it, as this will make the process much easier!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this pizza dough ahead of time! After letting the pizza dough rise, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This slow fermentation process will actually bring out the doughβs flavor, making your pizza taste even better.
When you're ready to use it, let the dough sit at room temperature for 30β60 minutes to make it easier to shape and roll out.
Is Vegan Pizza More Healthy?
Yes - vegan pizza can be a healthier alternative compared to traditional pizzas, but this depends largely on the ingredients and toppings you use. After all, vegan meats and cheeses are often pretty high in salts and fats. However, vegan pizza actually tends to include more fiber, minerals, and vitamins than traditional pizzas, thanks to all those veggies.
Does Vegan Pizza Taste Like Normal Pizza?
Since the main event of the pizza is the dough (which happens to be vegan anyway), vegan pizza definitely tastes like normal pizza - especially in terms of the texture and taste of the crust. However, for those who like a rich, cheesy flavor, vegan pizza might taste a little different. That said, vegan cheeses have come a long way in recent years, with developments happening all the time to help create that stretchy texture of original cheeses.
Sauces, seasonings, and all the different topping combinations are sure to satisfy people who love pizza. With the right ingredients, vegan pizza can be just as delicious as traditional pizza β if not even better.
What Can I Use Instead of a Pizza Stone?
A pizza stone is a sure way to achieve that crispy crust we all crave, but if you donβt have one, there are plenty of alternatives that can still help you bake a delicious pizza at home. Here are some substitutes that work just as well.
- An Upside-Down Baking Sheet - An upside-down baking sheet works because it mimics the flat surface of a pizza stone. Just like a stone, preheat the baking sheet in the oven and slide your pizza onto the back of it for a nicely crisped base.
- A Cast Iron Skillet - Cast iron gets (and stays) hot quickly, which makes it a fantastic option for pizza. Preheat the skillet in the oven or on the stovetop, then place the dough inside for a thick, golden crust.
- Baking Steel - This is similar to a pizza stone, but, as the name suggests, it's made of steel. This material actually retains and distributes heat even better than stone. Itβs a worthwhile investment for pizza lovers and works great for other baked goods as well.
- Inverted Cast Iron Griddle - If you have a cast iron griddle, use it upside down to give your pizza a large, flat cooking surface. Preheat it, then slide your pizza on for baking.
- Perforated Pizza Pan - This is a specific type of pizza pan with holes that let heat reach the dough directly from the bottom, giving you a crisp crust without the need for a pizza stone.
An Easier Way to Make Pizza Dough
Prepa Pizza Dough Kit
815g - $29.97 - 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 3178 reviews
If you're looking to bring a taste of Italy directly into your home, our Prepa Pizza Kits offer a quick, easy, and premium way to get delicious pizza every single time.
Organic Ingredients
We use flour sources directly from Italy. This means our Prepa Pizza Kits are made with high-quality ingredients that are perfect for creating a delicious crust suitable for any type of pizza.
Perfect for Beginners
If you're a complete beginner, making pizza dough might feel overwhelming. Prepa Pizza Kits are foolproof and take all the guesswork out of making pizza. Our kits are lifesavers for anyone who wants to enjoy a fresh, homemade pizza without the hassle that comes with making it.
Delicious, Time-Saving Pizza Meals
If you don't have time to spend hours measuring the ingredients to make your pizza dough, our pizza kits have got you covered. Make delicious pizza meals for the entire family - in less than an hour.
No Need for a Pizza Oven
Whether you have a home oven, an outdoor pizza oven, a Kamado grill, or even a pizza stone, Prepa Pizza Kits ensure you get the same, delicious results every single time.
Great For All Types of Pizzas
From Quattro Stagioni straight from Naples to classic New York-style pizzas, you can get tasty pizza, no matter the style. Our pizza dough kits also make garlic knots and breadsticks - perfect for a party atmosphere or a pizza night.
Conclusion
Vegan pizza dough doesn't have to be tricky to make. In fact, all traditional pizza doughs follow the same vegan ingredients that come together to create a perfectly chewy, crispy, and golden brown pizza crust.
Our vegan pizza dough recipe serves as the perfect base for any homemade vegan pizza. Load it with veggies, add protein-packed meats, or top it with your favorite vegan cheese. No matter how you choose to load your pizza, get a delicious meal that will satisfy the whole household.