Your Next Plant-Based Pizza
Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world, but it doesn’t have to be unhealthy – especially when it is vegan! As people start paying attention to their health, there are plenty of delicious vegan pizza toppings to choose from. Whether you are just starting your vegan journey or have been a vegan for many years, creating the best pizza without cheese or meat is simple, tasty, and healthy. This blog post will look at the most optimal vegan toppings, innovative strategies, and how to make your vegan pizza unique.
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Why Go Vegan with Your Pizza?
Going vegan does not have to mean going without taste when it comes to pizza. It is possible to make a pizza that is full of nutrition and delicious and without cheese or meat, just replace them with healthy vegan products. Also, with numerous brands of vegan cheese and meats in the market, it is possible to recreate all the favorite pizza tastes.
Popular Vegan Pizza Toppings
Here are some of the most popular and flavorful vegan pizza toppings to add to your next pizza night:
1. Vegan Cheese
The foundation of a good pizza is cheese and good news is there are many vegan cheese products out there that can melt, stretch and taste good. There are many brands which have great plant-based cheese such as Daiya, Miyoko’s, and Violife, which are made from coconut oil, cashews, almonds etc.
Best types for vegan pizza: mozzarella-style shreds, cheddar-style, or cashew-based ricotta.
Pro Tip: Add the cheese towards the end of baking to ensure it melts without overcooking.
2. Vegan Meat Substitutes
Feel like having pepperoni or sausage on your pizza? No problem! Pie toppings include several plant-based meats that imitate the taste and feel of traditional pizza meats without the meats themselves.
Popular vegan meats:
Vegan pepperoni, seitan sausage, tempeh bacon, and Beyond Meat crumbles.
Homemade Option:
You can also make your own vegan sausage using ingredients like vital wheat gluten, herbs, and spices.
3. Fresh Vegetables
Veggies are a standard ingredient on every pizza, and the choice for a vegan pizza is limitless. Besides enhancing taste, they enrich the pizza with colors while also adding a nutrition boost that makes your pizza healthier.
Best vegetables for pizza:
Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, arugula, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, coriender and olives.
Roasted veggies:
Enhance the flavor by roasting vegetables like eggplant or Brussels sprouts before adding them to the pizza.
4. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like spinach, arugula, and kale add a refreshing balance to the richness of the cheese and sauce. Add them raw after the pizza comes out of the oven for a fresh and nutritious topping.
Arugula:
Adds a peppery bite.
Best Vegan Pizza Recipes to Try
Spinach and kale: Offer earthiness and a nutrient boost.
5. Sauces Beyond Tomato
While a classic tomato sauce is always a winner, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sauces on your vegan pizza. Try pesto, BBQ sauce, or a creamy cashew-based white sauce for something different.
Pesto: Use a vegan pesto made with basil, olive oil, garlic, and nutritional yeast.
BBQ Sauce: Adds sweetness and tang to complement savory toppings.
White sauce: Made from cashews or silken tofu for a rich and creamy base.
6. Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices can elevate the flavors of your vegan pizza without adding extra calories. Sprinkle your pizza with fresh or dried oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes for added zest.
Fresh herbs: Add after baking for a pop of color and flavor.
Garlic and onion powder: Mix into your sauce or sprinkle on top before baking.
7. Nutritional Yeast
If you’re looking for that extra cheesy, umami flavor, nutritional yeast is your best friend. It’s a staple in vegan cooking and can be sprinkled on top of your pizza or mixed into sauces to mimic the flavor of Parmesan.
Unique Vegan Pizza Toppings You Haven’t Tried Yet
While the toppings listed above are popular, if you want to get creative and try something new, here are some unique ideas that will take your vegan pizza to the next level:
1. Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower
Swap traditional buffalo chicken for buffalo cauliflower. Toss cauliflower florets in hot sauce and roast them until crispy, then spread them on your pizza with vegan ranch dressing.
2. Caramelized Onions and Balsamic Glaze
Add depth to your pizza with sweet caramelized onions and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. This combination pairs well with vegan cheeses and roasted vegetables.
3. Artichoke Hearts and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
For a Mediterranean-inspired vegan pizza, top it with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. These toppings add a punch of flavor and texture.
4. Vegan Feta and Roasted Beets
Looking for a gourmet twist? Try topping your pizza with roasted beets and vegan feta. The earthy sweetness of the beets complements the tangy flavor of vegan feta.
Need some inspiration? Here are a few delicious vegan pizza combinations to try at home:
1. Classic Vegan Margherita Pizza
Base: Tomato sauce
Toppings: Vegan mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil
Tip: Add fresh basil after baking for maximum flavor.
2. BBQ Vegan Chicken Pizza
Base: BBQ sauce
Toppings: Vegan chicken strips, red onions, cilantro, and vegan cheddar
Tip: Use smoky BBQ sauce for an added flavor kick.
3. Mediterranean Vegan Pizza
Base: Olive oil and garlic sauce
Toppings: Sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, olives, spinach, and vegan feta
Tip: Sprinkle with oregano and red pepper flakes after baking.
Vegan Pizza FAQ
Q1. What is the best vegan cheese for pizza?
The best vegan cheese depends on your preference. Daiya and Violife are great for stretchy mozzarella-style shreds, while Miyoko’s Creamery offers delicious cashew-based cheeses.
Q2. Can I make vegan pizza dough at home?
Yes! Most pizza dough recipes are naturally vegan. Use simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt for a perfect base.
Q3. Can I freeze vegan pizza?
Absolutely! You can freeze pre-cooked pizza or store homemade pizza dough in the freezer for later use. Just bake and add toppings when ready to enjoy.
Conclusion: Build Your Perfect Vegan Pizza
There’s no limit to the number of delicious vegan pizza toppings you can try. Whether you’re sticking to the classics like mushrooms and vegan cheese or experimenting with bold new flavors like buffalo cauliflower and roasted beets, vegan pizzas are fun, flavorful, and satisfying. So next time you’re craving pizza, skip the takeout and create your own plant-based masterpiece at home.
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Samina Suppra is a distinguished professional with a Ph.D. in Management Sciences, seamlessly integrating her academic expertise with a vibrant career in writing and content creation. As an accomplished web blogger, content writer, and creative writer, she offers a multifaceted perspective, drawing from her extensive research background and practical experiences.
In addition to her scholarly pursuits, Samina Suppra is a passionate cooking expert, sharing her culinary expertise through a popular series of cooking blogs. Her love for cooking and household management enriches her writing, offering readers both practical advice and delicious recipes that cater to a variety of tastes.
