Vegan Pizza Dough

Making your own vegan pizza dough couldn’t be easier! It comes together with pantry staples and is ready in an hour. Prepare it with your favorite toppings for an at-home pizza night, or keep it on hand for dinners during busy weeks!

If you love the idea of homemade vegan pizza but are short on time, this vegan pizza dough recipe is a game-changer. It uses everyday kitchen staples to give you fresh, flavorful pizza any night of the week.

Why I love this recipe

Some pizza dough recipes include milk or honey, but not this vegan pizza dough! It requires just 7 basic ingredients, all of which are dairy-free and plant-based. It bakes into a golden base with a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior.

With how easy this recipe is to put together, you’ll be able to get your kids involved in the process. They’ll also love preparing their own pizza with their favorite toppings!

Ingredient notes

You only need pantry staples for this vegan pizza dough recipe. Find a full breakdown and suitable substitutes below!

All-purpose flour
I use all-purpose flour for this recipe since it’s versatile and generally stocked in most people’s pantries. It provides a tender yet chewy texture.

Substitute: You can use bread flour for an even chewier texture, using a 1:1 ratio. Remember, bread flour will make the dough slightly denser and chewier due to its higher protein content. Also, allow the dough more time to rest to help the extra gluten bonds relax and tenderize.

Cane sugar
Cane sugar feeds the yeast and enhances the browning of the crust. I prefer organic cane sugar to activate the yeast, but any vegan-certified granulated sugar you have on hand can be used.

Instant yeast
Go for instant yeast for this dough since it can be added directly to the dry ingredients. It also creates a light, airy texture in the baked pizza crust.

Substitute: You can use the same amount of active dry yeast, but you will need to dissolve it in water first until it’s frothy.

Garlic powder
I like to add a dash of garlic powder to the dough to create an incredible savory aroma and depth of flavor. I highly recommend it!

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

How to make

Learn the best way to make vegan pizza dough with my straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions. Look for the tips in green throughout this section for consistent and successful results!

Assembly

Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast, 1 teaspoon cane sugar, ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Incorporate the ingredients as much as possible using a spatula or electric stand mixer to evenly distribute the yeast.

Step 2
Add ¾ cup of lukewarm water and 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix everything with a spatula or dough hook on a stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms.

The temperature of the water should be around 120 degrees Fahrenheit to optimally activate the yeast without killing it.

Step 3
Once mixed, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, and knead it with your hand for 7-8 minutes or until it is smooth and elastic.

Kneading develops gluten, giving the pizza dough structure and chewy texture. If the dough feels sticky, add more flour, but be sparing to avoid a dry dough.

Step 4
Lightly oil a clean bowl, then place the dough inside. Cover it with cling wrap and a towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes until it doubles in size.

The oven with a light on provides the perfect environment for rising dough.

Step 5
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then roll or stretch it into a ¼-inch thick circle on a floured surface.

Leave the dough thicker around the edges, or form a crust by folding some of the dough under or over on itself.

Step 6
Place the shaped dough onto a pizza stone or baking pan. Add your desired toppings, starting with San Marzano tomato sauce and ending with vegan cheese. Bake, and enjoy. Happy eating!

Serving suggestions

The best part about homemade pizza is how many ways you can serve it! Add whichever veggies you like, top it with vegan chicken, stuff the dough, or even turn it into garlic bread.

Serve it alongside a kale Caesar salad, vegan Buffalo cauliflower wings, or corn ribs. Whatever you do, just don’t forget some classic dips like vegan ranch, vegan Caesar dressing, or creamy balsamic dressing.

Cooking tips

Use warm water: Warm water is essential to activate the yeast. Scorching water will kill the yeast, and cold water won’t activate it quickly enough.

Don’t overwork the dough: Once it has rested, don’t overwork the dough too much. Continuing to roll and adjust the dough will result in a tough and dense pizza dough.

Measure ingredients accurately: Use a digital kitchen scale for the flour and liquids. This will give you the most consistent and accurate results.

Adjust the cooking time: Every oven bakes differently. Be sure to monitor the dough, and adjust the cooking time as needed to prevent burning.

Frequently asked questions

Storing & reheating

Once made, you can easily store this vegan pizza dough for future pizza nights! Gently punch out the air and form the dough into a small ball before storing it.

Fridge
Pizza dough can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container or a freezer bag with a light layer of oil. It will last for up to 3 days this way.

Freezer
Freezing is a great option for longer storage. Wrap individual dough balls in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thawing
Thaw frozen dough in the fridge overnight, then let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This helps the dough maintain its texture and flavor.

More vegan staples

Recipe

Note: I’ve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.