The 11 Best Vegan Pizza Toppings
Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you have to miss out on one of the world’s favorite foods – pizza! With the availability of vegan-friendly ingredients, you can easily enjoy a delicious vegan pizza. In this article, we will explore the best vegan pizza toppings, ranging from vegan cheeses and meats to a variety of vegetables.
1. Vegan shredded mozzarella
One of the most important vegan pizza toppings is vegan cheese. Violife makes a delicious pre-shredded vegan cheese that closely resembles mozzarella in taste and texture. It melts quickly and easily, making it an essential choice for a vegan cheese pizza.
2. Dairy-Free Mozzarella Cheese Making Kit
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, consider the Urban Cheesecraft Vegan Mozzarella Cheese Making Kit. This kit allows you to make your own dairy-free mozzarella cheese from scratch in as little as 30 minutes. The resulting cheese can be sliced or shredded and used as a topping for any type of vegan pizza.
3. Vegan Pepperoni Bits
For those who enjoy the taste of pepperoni on their pizza, there are vegan alternatives. Louisville Vegan Jerky offers pepperoni bits made from textured soy protein and tamari. These realistically flavored bits can be sprinkled evenly on your pizza for a satisfying and flavorful topping.
4. Imitation Bacon Bits
Bacon is a popular pizza topping, but it’s not vegan-friendly. However, you can still enjoy the smoky flavor by using Badia’s imitation bacon bits. These vegan bacon bits have a surprisingly realistic taste, making them a great addition to plant-based Hawaiian or BBQ pizzas.
5. Sun Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor and depth to your vegan pizza. Bella Sun Luci offers oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes that are seasoned to perfection. Incorporating them into your vegan tomato sauce or using them as a topping can elevate the flavor of your pizza.
6. Fire Roasted Red Peppers
Fire-roasted red peppers add a unique and sweet flavor to your pizza. Look for all-natural and additive-free options that contain only red peppers, water, vinegar, sugar and salt. Pair them with spinach and a spicy tomato sauce for a non-traditional vegan pizza experience.
7. Black Olives
Black olives are a classic pizza topping that adds a salty kick. Pearls Olives offers pre-sliced black olives that are convenient and easy to use. Drain them and sprinkle them on your pizza for a delicious result. Black olives can be paired with sliced red onion, vegan pepperoni or sweet corn for added flavor.
8. Artichoke Hearts
Artichoke hearts make a delicious addition to any vegan pizza. Marinated artichoke hearts, like Kirkland Signature’s, provide a burst of flavor when paired with other toppings like cherry tomatoes and basil. Their marination in olive oil helps preserve and enhance their flavor.
9. Thai Sweet Fresh Basil
Basil is an essential ingredient in many pizza recipes, including vegan ones. Using fresh basil can enhance the flavor of your pizza. Consider ordering Thai sweet fresh basil online to ensure the best quality and flavor.
10. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a versatile and tasty vegan pizza topping. They add a meaty texture and are a good source of plant protein. Caramelize them for added sweetness and a silky texture, or pair them with spinach and garlic for a healthy and flavorful combination. Mushrooms can also be combined with other toppings such as black olives, roasted red peppers, and pepperoni bits for an explosion of flavor.
11. Red Onion
Red onion adds a spicy bite to your pizza. Thinly sliced and served raw, red onions provide a refreshing and flavorful element. You can also caramelize them for a sweeter taste or pair them with sautéed spinach or olive tapenade for a gourmet vegan pizza experience.
Bonus: Two Essential Vegan Pizza Spices
While not toppings themselves, oregano and red pepper flakes are essential elements for many pizza lovers. Oregano adds a distinct flavor, and imported Sicilian oregano can provide an intense flavor that pairs well with any pizza. Crushed red pepper flakes, like McCormick’s, add a spicy kick to your pizza. Use sparingly as they are potent.
Bottom line
With the availability of vegan-friendly ingredients, making a delicious vegan pizza is easier than ever. From vegan cheeses and meats to a variety of vegetables, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to topping your pizza. Whether you prefer the classic flavors of vegan shredded mozzarella or want to experiment with unique toppings like sun-dried tomatoes and fire-roasted red peppers, there is something for everyone.
Remember, the key to a great vegan pizza is using high-quality ingredients and combining them in a way that balances flavors and textures. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different combinations to discover your own favorite vegan pizza toppings. Enjoy the process of making and customizing your pizza, and enjoy the delicious results!
FAQS
What are some essential vegan pizza toppings?
Some essential vegan pizza toppings include vegan shredded mozzarella, dairy-free mozzarella, vegan pepperoni bits, imitation bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, fire-roasted red peppers, black olives, artichoke hearts, Thai sweet fresh basil, mushrooms, and red onion.
Where can I get vegan cheese for pizza?
You can find vegan cheese for pizza at health food stores, specialty grocery stores, or online retailers. Violife is a popular brand that offers delicious pre-shredded vegan cheese options that are similar in taste and texture to mozzarella.
What are some vegan alternatives to traditional pizza toppings such as pepperoni and bacon?
For a vegan alternative to pepperoni, try vegan pepperoni bits made with textured soy protein and tamari. Louisville Vegan Jerky offers a realistically flavored option. As for bacon, you can use imitation bacon bits from brands like Badia to add a smoky flavor to your vegan pizza.
How can I add flavor and variety to my vegan pizza?
You can add flavor and variety to your vegan pizza by using ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, fire-roasted red peppers, black olives, artichoke hearts, fresh Thai sweet basil, mushrooms, and red onion. These toppings add unique flavors and textures to your pizza.
Can I make my own vegan pizza cheese?
Yes, you can make your own vegan cheese for pizza with dairy-free mozzarella cheese making kits. The Urban Cheesecraft Vegan Mozzarella Cheese Making Kit allows you to make your own dairy-free mozzarella cheese from scratch in just 30 minutes.