1. Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and maple syrup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until it forms a dough.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 45-60 minutes until doubled.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic, sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and maple syrup.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until thick.
3. Prepare the Vegan Cheese
- Blend cashews (or tofu), plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and tapioca starch until smooth.
- Transfer to a pan and heat over low-medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes until thick and stretchy.
4. Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle and transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread a generous layer of tomato sauce over the crust.
- Add vegan cheese (or store-bought vegan mozzarella).
- Top with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and golden.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes.
- Drizzle with olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Slice and serve warm!
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the dough or pre-baked crust for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture.
Variants & Add-Ins
🔥 BBQ Pizza: Use BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce and top with caramelized onions & jackfruit.
🌿 Pesto Pizza: Swap tomato sauce for vegan basil pesto.
🌶️ Spicy Pizza: Add jalapeños or chili flakes for a fiery kick.
🧄 Garlic Lovers: Brush the crust with garlic-infused olive oil before baking.
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought vegan cheese?
Yes! Shredded vegan mozzarella or cashew-based cheese works great.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pizza dough or a cauliflower crust.
Q: Can I cook this in a pan instead of the oven?
Yes! Cook on a stovetop over medium-low heat in a covered pan for 10-12 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This homemade vegan pizza is crispy, cheesy, and packed with fresh flavors. It’s 100% plant-based, customizable, and easy to make at home. Whether you’re enjoying a pizza night with friends or a solo treat, this recipe will satisfy all your cravings!
🍕 Try it today and let me know your favorite toppings! 🌱🔥
