This easy vegan pizza dough recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special ingredients. It yields enough dough for one 12-inch thick crust pizza or a 16-inch thin crust pizza, depending on your preference. The preparation is fairly quick, but there is a small wait time of about an hour for the dough to rise. Don’t be tempted to skip this step – a rushed dough often ends up being chewy and hard to roll out, which is far from ideal for a perfect pizza.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Before you dive into mixing the ingredients together, the first thing you’ll need to do is activate the yeast. This step ensures that the yeast is still alive and will make your dough rise properly.

In a large bowl, mix together some warm water, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. The sugar helps to feed the yeast, encouraging it to activate. It's important to note that the water should be warm, but not hot – too much heat can kill the yeast, leaving your dough flat. Some experts recommend a water temperature between 105-110°F (40-43°C), while others suggest 80-90°F (27-32°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, a quick test with your finger should suffice; it should feel comfortably warm to the touch, not hot.

Allow the yeast mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes. If the water begins to foam up, then it’s ready to go! If there’s no foam, then the yeast is likely no longer active, and you’ll need to get some fresh yeast.

Step 2: Add the Other Ingredients

Once the yeast is ready, stir in the olive oil and salt. Olive oil not only enhances the flavour of the dough, but it also adds a lovely richness. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or any other vegetable oil you prefer.

Now, it's time to add the flour. I use standard all-purpose white flour for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other types if you’re feeling adventurous. I haven’t tested this dough with gluten-free flour yet, but if you do, let me know how it turns out! Gradually add 1/2 cup of flour at a time, stirring well to incorporate the flour into the mixture.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Once all the flour is added, it’s time to knead the dough. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, this will make the job easier. Otherwise, you can knead the dough by hand on a clean surface. Continue kneading for around 5 minutes, until the dough forms a cohesive ball. It should be slightly sticky, but not so much that it sticks to your hands. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as it could make the dough too tough.

If you’re using a stand mixer, simply let it knead the dough for 5 minutes. Whether you knead by hand or with a mixer, the dough should eventually come together into a smooth, soft ball.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Now comes the hardest part – waiting! Place the dough in a large greased bowl, and cover it with a towel or cling film. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for around an hour, or until it has doubled in size. If you have an oven with a light, it’s the perfect place to let the dough rise. Just be sure to keep the oven switched off!

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to deflate it. Knead it a few more times until it becomes smooth again. At this point, you can either use the dough immediately to make your pizza, or you can refrigerate it or freeze it for later use.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen and you’re ready to make your pizza, sprinkle some flour on your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. If you prefer, you could use parchment paper instead.

Now, it’s time to roll out the dough. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on the shape of your pizza pan. I’ll be honest, my dough never ends up as a perfect circle – but that’s part of the charm! Try your best to get the dough as even as possible.

Once rolled out, transfer the dough to your prepared pizza pan. You can sprinkle a little flour on the pan to make sure the dough doesn’t stick. Gently press the dough into the edges, and then brush it with a little olive oil to keep the top from drying out. Don’t forget to poke the dough all over with a fork – this will prevent it from bubbling up in the oven.

Step 6: Pre-Bake the Crust

Before adding your toppings, it’s a good idea to pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes. This helps to firm it up and gives it a head start so the base doesn’t end up soggy once the toppings are added. You want the crust to be just a light golden brown. After pre-baking, brush the crust with a little melted vegan butter. This step will give the crust a lovely, golden and slightly crispy finish.

Step 7: Add Your Favourite Toppings

This is where you get to be creative! You can add whatever toppings you love, from a classic tomato sauce and vegan cheese combo to more adventurous options like roasted vegetables, chickpeas, or olives. If you want to recreate the pizza shown in the photos, I used a combination of 365 Plant-Based Mozzarella shredded cheese, chickpeas, zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions. After baking, I finished it off with some fresh basil and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan. Simple yet delicious!

Once your toppings are ready, place the pizza back in the oven and bake it for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your oven and the size of your pizza pan.

Can You Prep Pizza Dough Ahead of Time?

If you’re planning ahead, you can easily make the dough in advance. Simply follow the recipe up until it’s time to roll it out, and then wrap the dough in parchment paper followed by plastic wrap. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to defrost it overnight in the fridge if you’re using frozen dough.

Adding Flavour to Your Dough

This basic pizza dough is delicious on its own, but you can certainly enhance the flavour by adding seasonings. I personally love to add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil to give it a bit more depth. Other great options include marjoram, rosemary, or oregano. These herbs can add a subtle but delightful flavour to the dough that complements the toppings beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Making your own vegan pizza dough is a fun and rewarding process. Not only does it save you money, but it also lets you control every aspect of the pizza – from the dough to the toppings. With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious pizza every time. Whether you prefer a thick, hearty crust or a thin and crispy base, this dough will work wonders for all your pizza creations.

And if you’re looking for more inspiration for quick meals to pair with your homemade pizza, check out some convenient vegan meals and vegan meal ideas that you can enjoy throughout the week. These easy meals will help you maintain a healthy, plant-based diet without spending too much time in the kitchen. You could even explore vegan food delivered straight to your door for those days when you’re just too busy to cook! Don’t forget that plant-based food can be affordable, and there are plenty of cheap vegan food options to explore as well.

So next time you’re craving pizza, why not skip the store-bought options and make your own? It’s simple, satisfying, and most importantly – it’s delicious!