Whether you're a dedicated vegan or simply trying to eat more plant-based meals, pizza is one comfort food that’s easy to reinvent. With just a few swaps, you can enjoy the same satisfying, cheesy, savory experience—entirely animal-free.
In this guide to the best vegan pizza recipes, we’ll walk you through everything from how to craft a crispy crust to how to layer the most flavorful toppings. Plus, you’ll get multiple recipes to suit every taste, including classics, gourmet twists, and gluten-free options.
Why Choose Vegan Pizza?
Vegan pizza is not only delicious—it’s also a healthier, cruelty-free alternative to traditional pies. By skipping dairy cheese and processed meats, you reduce saturated fat, cholesterol, and environmental impact. Plus, it opens the door to creative toppings that go far beyond pepperoni.
Homemade vegan pizza allows you to control ingredients, experiment with bold flavors, and tailor each slice to your personal taste. It’s also great for families and plant-curious eaters looking for a satisfying, customizable meal.
Essential Vegan Pizza Ingredients
Before diving into recipes, let’s cover the basics. You can buy many of these in stores, or make your own from scratch for extra flavor and nutrition.
1. Crust Options
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Classic Dough: Made from flour, yeast, olive oil, water, and salt.
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Whole Wheat Crust: Higher in fiber and slightly nuttier in flavor.
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Gluten-Free Crust: Made from flours like rice, almond, or chickpea.
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Cauliflower Crust: A low-carb option that’s veggie-forward and crispy.
2. Sauces
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Tomato-Based: Traditional marinara or pizza sauce, homemade or jarred.
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Pesto: Use a dairy-free basil or kale pesto for herbaceous flavor.
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Cashew Cream: Rich, cheesy, and great as a white sauce alternative.
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BBQ Sauce: Adds a sweet, smoky depth, perfect for specialty pies.
3. Vegan Cheese Options
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Shredded Store-Bought: Brands like Violife or Daiya melt well.
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Homemade Cheese Sauce: Cashew-based for gooey, stretchy texture.
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Tofu Ricotta: Crumbled tofu with lemon juice and herbs mimics ricotta.
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Nutritional Yeast Sprinkles: Add umami depth and a nutty finish.
4. Toppings
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Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions, spinach, tomatoes, olives, and more.
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Plant-Based Proteins: Tempeh, tofu, lentils, vegan sausage or chickpeas.
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Fresh Herbs: Basil, oregano, arugula, or thyme.
The Base Recipe: Classic Vegan Margherita Pizza
Ingredients:
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1 prepared pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
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1/2 cup pizza sauce
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1 cup shredded vegan mozzarella
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1–2 fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced
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Fresh basil leaves
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Olive oil for drizzling
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 475°F.
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Spread sauce over the crust evenly.
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Top with tomato slices and vegan cheese.
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Bake for 10–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
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Garnish with basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Why it works: Simple, classic, and crowd-pleasing. You don’t miss the dairy with fresh tomatoes and basil delivering bright, bold flavor.
5 More Vegan Pizza Recipes to Try
1. BBQ Chickpea Pizza
Toppings:
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BBQ sauce instead of marinara
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Roasted chickpeas
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Red onion slices
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Corn kernels
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Vegan cheddar shreds
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Fresh cilantro after baking
Flavor Notes: Smoky, sweet, and protein-packed—great for game nights or hearty cravings.
2. Pesto Veggie Delight
Toppings:
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Vegan basil pesto base
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Zucchini ribbons
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Artichoke hearts
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Sliced cherry tomatoes
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Black olives
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Pine nuts
Flavor Notes: Earthy and rich with Mediterranean flair. Perfect for summer meals.
3. Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza
Toppings:
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Cashew cream base or light marinara
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Roasted buffalo cauliflower
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Red onion
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Spinach
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Vegan ranch drizzle after baking
Flavor Notes: Spicy, tangy, and completely addictive. A hit with non-vegans too.
4. Mushroom & Truffle Oil Pizza
Toppings:
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Garlic-infused olive oil base
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Sautéed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, oyster)
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Caramelized onions
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Vegan mozzarella
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Drizzle of truffle oil
Flavor Notes: Rich, umami-heavy, and indulgent. Ideal for date night or elegant entertaining.
5. Vegan Breakfast Pizza
Toppings:
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Hummus or tofu scramble base
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Baby spinach
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Cherry tomatoes
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Vegan sausage crumbles
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Avocado slices (add after baking)
Flavor Notes: Brunch-worthy and packed with protein. Serve with a side of fresh fruit.
How to Make the Perfect Vegan Pizza Crust
If you're going the homemade route, here’s a basic crust recipe that’s chewy inside, crispy outside.
Ingredients:
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2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
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1 tsp sugar
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1 cup warm water
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2 ½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
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1 tsp salt
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1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
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Mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit until foamy (5–10 mins).
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Stir in flour, salt, and oil until dough forms.
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Knead for 5–7 minutes on a floured surface until smooth.
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Let rise in a bowl (covered) for 1 hour until doubled in size.
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Roll out and bake as directed in your pizza recipe.
Storage and Reheating Tips
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to a month.
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Reheating: For crispy crust, reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Make Pizza Night Vegan (and Fun)
Pizza night is a weekly tradition in many households—why not keep it alive with a plant-based twist? Invite friends or family to a vegan pizza party where everyone can create their own pie with a variety of sauces, cheeses, and toppings. You’ll be surprised how many non-vegans enjoy experimenting with new flavors.
For those living the vegan lifestyle inside and out, check out The Dharma Store. They offer unique, organic cotton vegan t-shirts that celebrate your commitment to animals, health, and the planet.
Final Thoughts
Vegan pizza is versatile, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. From bold BBQ to elegant truffle, the possibilities are endless—and delicious. With the right crust, plant-based cheese, and an assortment of toppings, you can turn pizza night into a vegan-friendly feast.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, the recipes above will give you a solid foundation for creating unforgettable plant-based pizzas. And don’t forget, expressing your love for vegan living goes beyond what’s on your plate—visit The Dharma Store to wear your values proudly.
Ready to roll out your dough and load up on toppings? Try these recipes and start enjoying the best of vegan pizza tonight.