The Ultimate Vegan Pizza Dough Recipe: Crispy, Chewy, and Absolutely Delicious

Pizza night doesn’t have to mean cheese and meat. In fact, some of the best pizzas I’ve ever made have been completely plant-based — starting with a perfect vegan pizza dough recipe. This dough is soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and so full of flavor that you’ll never miss dairy or eggs.

I’ve spent years testing out crusts, from thick Sicilian-style slabs to delicate Neapolitan pies, and what I’ve learned is this: the foundation of an unforgettable pizza always comes down to the dough. When you nail that, everything else — the sauce, toppings, even the drizzle of olive oil — falls beautifully into place.

And here’s the best part: making vegan pizza dough is just as simple as making any traditional dough. You don’t need special ingredients or fancy tools, just a bit of patience, good flour, and the willingness to get your hands a little messy. Let’s dive right in.

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Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pizza Dough Recipe

• Simple ingredients: No eggs, no dairy, no complicated swaps. Just flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt.
• Perfect texture: Crisp edges with a chewy bite in the center — exactly what you want in a pizza crust.
• Versatile: Use it for thin-crust pies, thick pan pizzas, calzones, or even breadsticks.
• Make-ahead friendly: The dough can rest in your fridge for up to 72 hours, developing even deeper flavor.

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Ingredients and Measurements

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this vegan pizza dough recipe:

Ingredient	Measurement	Notes
All-purpose flour	4 cups (500 g)	Bread flour also works for extra chew
Warm water	1 ½ cups (360 ml)	Around 105°F (40°C)
Active dry yeast	2 ¼ tsp (7 g)	One standard packet
Olive oil	2 tbsp	Adds flavor and helps with texture
Sugar or maple syrup	1 tsp	Feeds the yeast, optional
Salt	2 tsp	Enhances flavor

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar (or maple syrup).
• Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. You should see bubbles and foam forming. That’s the yeast coming alive.

👉 If nothing happens, your yeast may be expired, or the water may have been too hot/cold.

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Step 2: Make the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, add flour and salt.
• Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
• Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until it forms a shaggy dough.

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Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

• Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
• Knead for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky (but not sticky).
• This step builds gluten, which gives you that satisfying chewy texture.

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Step 4: First Rise

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
• Let it rise at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

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Step 5: Punch and Rest

• Punch the dough down gently to release air.
• Divide it into 2–3 equal portions depending on the size of your pizzas.
• Cover and let them rest for 20 minutes. This makes the dough easier to stretch.

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Step 6: Shape the Crust

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
• On a floured surface, stretch each dough ball into a round or rectangle, depending on your preference.
• For a thin crust, roll it out thinner. For a thicker, fluffier crust, keep it a little thicker.

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Step 7: Bake with Toppings

• Place the stretched dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
• Add your favorite vegan pizza sauce, dairy-free cheese, and toppings.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crispy at the edges.

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My Favorite Vegan Pizza Topping Combos

Sure, the dough is the star, but toppings matter too. Here are some of my go-to vegan pizza ideas:

1. Classic Margherita – Tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Mediterranean Dream – Roasted red peppers, olives, artichokes, spinach, and vegan feta.
3. BBQ Jackfruit – BBQ sauce base, shredded jackfruit, red onion, and cilantro.
4. Veggie Supreme – Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and vegan cheese.
5. Pesto Potato – Vegan basil pesto, thinly sliced potatoes, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

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Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Vegan Pizza Dough

• Cold ferment for flavor: After kneading, let the dough rest in the fridge for 24–72 hours. The longer it sits, the more complex and tangy the flavor becomes.
• Use a pizza stone: If you can, bake your pizza on a preheated stone for restaurant-quality crispness.
• Don’t overload toppings: A heavy load can make your crust soggy. Keep it balanced.
• Brush with olive oil: Right before baking, brush the crust edges with olive oil for extra crunch and color.
• Double batch it: Freeze extra dough balls for a quick future pizza night.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dough gluten-free?
Yes! Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Add 1 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.

Q: How long does vegan pizza dough last?
Stored in the fridge, it lasts up to 3 days. You can also freeze dough balls for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I cook this on a grill?
Absolutely. Grill the dough for 2–3 minutes on each side before adding toppings, then finish cooking with the lid closed.

Q: Is store-bought yeast vegan?
Yes, active dry yeast and instant yeast are naturally vegan.

Q: Do I need special vegan cheese?
Not at all. Some of the best vegan pizzas are made with no cheese — just sauce, veggies, and fresh herbs.

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Final Thoughts

Making pizza at home is already one of life’s great joys, but when you master your own vegan pizza dough recipe, you unlock endless delicious possibilities. Whether you’re serving it to friends who’ve never tried vegan pizza before, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this crust will win everyone over.

Crispy, chewy, golden, and ready for all your favorite plant-based toppings — this dough proves that pizza doesn’t need animal products to be extraordinary.

So grab some flour, get your hands in the dough, and let your kitchen smell like a pizzeria tonight.

See Also: Trader Joe’s Pizza Recipe | Easy Homemade Italian Pizza