Hey there, pizza lovers! Robert Kline here, and like many of you, a delicious pizza night is a sacred ritual in my home. But what happens when you’re craving that cheesy goodness while sticking to a vegan diet? Well, fret no more, because I’m about to share my secret recipe for a protein-packed vegan pizza that will have you saying “cheese” in pure delight!
Why This Vegan Pizza Recipe is a Game Changer
For years, I struggled to find a satisfying substitute for dairy-based pizza. It just wasn’t the same without that gooey layer of mozzarella. But then, I discovered the magic of homemade vegan parmesan cheese – a revelation that changed everything! This simple, 1-minute wonder is a game-changer for any vegan pizza enthusiast. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be sprinkling it on everything!
But that’s not all! This recipe goes beyond the ordinary with a special twist – sauteed veggies. That’s right, no more bland, half-cooked toppings. We’re talking flavorful, caramelized goodness that adds an extra layer of deliciousness to every bite.
Ingredients That Bring the Magic
For the Pizza:
- 1/2 of one Trader Joe’s garlic-herb pizza crust (or your favorite homemade recipe)
- 1/2 cup each red, green, and orange bell pepper (loosely chopped)
- 1/3 cup red onion (chopped)
- 1 cup button mushrooms (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp each dried or fresh basil, oregano, and garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (organic is always a plus!)
- 1/2 tsp each dried or fresh basil, oregano, garlic powder, granulated sugar
- ~1/4 tsp sea salt (adjust to your liking)
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup vegan parmesan cheese (recipe below!)
- Red pepper flakes + dried oregano (for that extra pizzazz)
Homemade Vegan Parmesan Cheese:
- Raw cashews
- Sea salt
- Nutritional yeast
- Garlic powder
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Prep Your Oven and Veggies: Preheat that oven to a toasty 425 degrees F (218 C) and get your veggies ready by chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauteed Veggie Magic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in those onions and peppers, seasoning them with a sprinkle of salt, herbs, and spices. Cook until they’re tender and slightly charred – about 10-15 minutes. Don’t forget to add those mushrooms in the last few minutes for a flavor boost!
- Sauce It Up: While the veggies are sizzling, whisk together the tomato sauce, seasonings, and a touch of sweetness with sugar in a mixing bowl. Remember, you can always adjust the seasonings to your liking!
- Vegan Parmesan Power: Now, for the star of the show – the vegan parmesan! Simply blitz together raw cashews, sea salt, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder in a food processor until you get a fine, cheesy crumb. Store it in a jar and keep it handy in the fridge.
- Pizza Assembly Time: Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and carefully transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. This parchment paper trick will be your best friend, ensuring a crispy crust and easy transfer to the oven.
- Load It Up: Spread a generous amount of that flavorful tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a little space for the crust. Sprinkle on a generous amount of that amazing vegan parmesan, and then top it off with those perfectly sauteed veggies.
- Bake to Perfection: Using the baking sheet, slide that masterpiece directly onto the oven rack (with the parchment paper, of course!). Bake for about 17-20 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is melted to perfection.
The Grand Finale
Once your pizza is out of the oven, give it a final flourish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and dried oregano. Slice it up, grab a napkin, and get ready to savor the taste of pure pizza perfection.
Sliced homemade Vegan Pizza on a piece of parchment paper
Tips from Your Resident Pizza Aficionado
- For a richer flavor, use a high-quality can of San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings! Roasted garlic cloves, artichoke hearts, or even pineapple (if you’re feeling adventurous) can add a unique twist.
- This recipe makes for amazing leftovers! Cold pizza is always a good idea, but you can also reheat it in a pan for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Using a spoon to spread pizza sauce onto dough for the Best Vegan Pizza
Share Your Pizza Masterpieces
There you have it – a vegan protein pizza that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and flavor. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and unleash your inner pizza chef! And when you’re done, don’t forget to share your culinary creations with me. I’d love to see your delicious masterpieces! You can find me over at Robert Kline Art, where we celebrate the art of crafting beautiful things, including delicious homemade pizzas!