Vegan Pizza Toppings: Delicious Choices for Your Next Pizza

What is Vegan Pizza?

Veganism means avoiding all animal products like meat, fish, or animal-derived additives. 

Vegan pizza typically includes plant-based ingredients like vegetables, vegan mozzarella cheese or ricottacheeses, herbs, and sometimes meat substitutes like plant-based “sausage”.

Strict vegetarians may verify if cheeses use microbial rennet instead of traditional animal-derived rennet.

Ingredients commonly used in vegetarian pizza

When it comes to the base of a pizza, most people commonly choose tomato sauce, pesto, or olive oil.

For cheese, options include mozzarella, feta, ricotta, or vegan cheese, depending on personal preferences.

A variety of vegetables can be added to enhance the flavor and texture, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, olives, artichokes, tomatoes, zucchini, and roasted eggplant.

To elevate the taste further, extras like fresh basil, oregano, garlic, chili flakes, pine nuts, or sun-dried tomatoes can be sprinkled on top.

Typical calorie of vegetarian pizza

Calories vary widely based on crust thickness, cheese quantity, and toppings:

• Per slice (regular crust): ~200–300 calories.
• Entire 12-inch pizza: ~1,600–2,400 calories total.

Thin-crust or veggie-heavy options lean toward the lower end, while deep-dish or cheese/olive oil-rich versions are higher.

For example, a Margherita pizza (tomato, mozzarella, basil) averages ~250 calories per slice, whereas a veggie-loaded whole wheat crust might be closer to 200 per slice.

What are the benefits of eating vegetarian pizza?

• Health: Rich in fiber, vitamins (A, C), and antioxidants from vegetables; lower in saturated fat compared to meat-based pizzas (reducing heart disease risk).
• Digestive Health: Vegetable toppings and whole-grain crusts enhance gut health.
• Environmental Impact: Lower carbon footprint than meat-heavy pizzas (livestock farming is resource-intensive).
• Versatility: Easily adaptable to dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free crust, vegan cheese).

Popular Vegan Cheese Alternatives

In this section, Pizzello will give a look at some dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts, soy, and coconut oil, which can be just the perfect toppings for your vegan pizza.

Common Base Ingredients for Vegan Cheese:

• Nuts (cashews, almonds, macadamia)
• Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin)
• Soy products (tofu, soy milk)
• Coconut milk/oil
• Nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• Agar agar or tapioca starch (for texture)

Nut-based cheeses recipe

Nut-based cheeses are often made from cashews or almonds and are a favorite for their rich, creamy texture.

Cashew cheese is incredibly versatile. It's known for its smooth consistency that can be spread on your pizza crust or melted on top.

Almonds are also used to create almond ricotta, which has a slightly grainy texture similar to traditional ricotta.

Basic Cashew Cream Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw cashews (soaked overnight)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Drain soaked cashews
2. Blend all ingredients until smooth
3. Refrigerate for 2 hours
4. Optional: add herbs or garlic

Stretchy Vegan Mozzarella

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cashews (soaked)
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 tbsp tapioca starch
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth
2. Pour into saucepan
3. Heat while stirring until stretchy
4. Cool and shape as desired

Soy-Based Cheeses

Soy-based cheeses are another popular option, which is known for its ability to melt and stretch. High in protein, soy cheese can be a nutritious addition to your pizza. Plus, it often comes in various flavors, which means more options for you to try, like: 

• • Soy mozzarella
  • Soy parmesan

Plant-Based Toppings of Vegan Pizza

Seasonal Vegetables

• Spring: asparagus, baby spinach, leeks
• Summer: bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes
• Fall: pumpkin, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes
• Winter: kale, cauliflower, mushrooms

Fruits as Toppings

• Pineapple, for that classic sweet and savory mix
• Pears, thin slices pair well with vegan cheese
• Figs, either fresh or dried, for a richer taste
• Apples, crisp and thinly sliced for a refreshing crunch

Protein Substitutes

To make your pizza satisfying and filling, add some plant-based proteins. Here are a few great choices:

• Tempeh, crumbled or sliced for a nutty flavor
• Seitan, seasoned well and added for a chewy texture
• Beans, such as chickpeas or black beans for extra fiber

A good plant-based protein not only adds substance to your pizza but also ensures you're getting essential nutrients in every delicious slice.

Popular Vegan Pizza Recipes

New York-Style Vegan Pepperoni Pizza

Toppings

• 1/2 cup marinara
• 1/2 cup vegan mozzarella
• Vegan pepperoni slices
• Sautéed mushrooms + red onion rings

Mediterranean White Bean & Artichoke Pizza

Toppings

• 1/2 cup mashed cannellini beans (mixed with lemon zest)
• Marinated artichoke hearts
• Roasted cherry tomatoes
• Kalamata olives + spinach
• Vegan feta 

Spicy Thai Peanut Pizza

Sauce: 1/4 cup peanut butter + 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp lime juice + 1 tsp sriracha

Toppings

• Shredded BBQ jackfruit
• Thinly sliced red bell pepper
• Pickled carrots + cilantro
• Crushed peanuts

Classic Vegan Margherita Pizza

Sauce: Blend 1 can San Marzano tomatoes, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp basil, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, and salt. Simmer 15 mins.

Toppings

• Thinly sliced fresh tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Vegan mozzarella
• Optional: Vegan parmesan (blend ½ cup cashews, 3 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 garlic clove, and salt).

BBQ Jackfruit and Chick’n Pizza

Ingredients

• Jackfruit: Shred 1 can young jackfruit, sauté with ½ cup BBQ sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder.
• Vegan Chick’n: Use seitan strips or soy curls marinated in vegan chicken seasoning.

Sauce: Mix ½ cup ketchup, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp liquid smoke.

Toppings

• Caramelized onions
• Pickled jalapeños
• Vegan cheddar shreds
• Fresh cilantro

Gourmet Wild Mushroom & Truffle Pizza

Sauce: Sauté 2 tbsp flour in 2 tbsp vegan butter, whisk in 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, ¼ cup nutritional yeast, nutmeg, and salt.

Toppings:

• Sautéed wild mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, cremini) with thyme and garlic
• Caramelized shallots
• Vegan truffle cheese (blend cashews, truffle oil, and white wine vinegar)
• Arugula + balsamic glaze post-bake

 Buffalo Cauliflower & Ranch Pizza

Ingredients

• Buffalo Cauliflower: Toss 2 cups florets in ½ cup hot sauce + 1 tbsp vegan butter. Air-fry or bake until crispy.
• Ranch Drizzle: Mix vegan mayo, almond milk, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice.

Sauce: Garlic-infused olive oil or vegan ranch base.

Toppings

• Buffalo cauliflower
• Red onion slices
• Vegan blue cheese crumbles (use tofu + white miso + apple cider vinegar)
• Fresh chives

How to Reheat My Vegan Pizza?

Key considerations for vegan pizza reheating is the cheese composition

For coconut oil-based cheeses solidify when cold but melt quickly, however, tapioca/cashew-based cheeses  benefit from gentle heat to regain stretchiness.

Store-bought shreds may require shorter reheating to avoid splitting or greasiness.

For toppings:

• Veggies (e.g., mushrooms, spinach) release moisture → pat dry or reheat uncovered.
• Plant-based meats (e.g., seitan, jackfruit) can dry out → cover to retain moisture.

Best Reheating Methods

1. Oven (Best for Crispiness)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place pizza on a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly on the oven rack.
• For extra crispiness: Preheat a pizza stone or cast-iron skillet.
• Bake for 8–12 minutes (thin crust) or 12–15 minutes (thick crust).

Pro Tips:

• Lightly spray crust edges with oil to prevent drying.
• Add fresh vegan cheese shreds halfway through if original cheese looks dry.

2. Skillet (Best for Restoring Crispy Crust)

Steps:

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add pizza and sprinkle 1–2 tsp water around the edges.
• Cover with a lid to steam the toppings and melt cheese (3–5 minutes).
• Uncover and cook 1–2 more minutes to crisp the base.

Pro Tips:

• Use a cast-iron skillet for even heating.
• For extra crunch, finish under a broiler for 1 minute.

3. Air Fryer (Fast and Crispy)

Steps:

• Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place pizza in the basket (avoid overlapping).
• Cook for 3–5 minutes, checking after 2 minutes.

Pro Tips:

• Spritz crust with water if using coconut-oil-based cheese to prevent burning.
• Add a foil liner to catch drips from melty cheeses.

4. Microwave (Quick but Risk of Sogginess)

Steps:

• Place pizza on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover with a damp paper towel to create steam.
• Microwave on 50% power for 1–2 minutes.
• Finish in a toaster oven or skillet for crispiness.

Pro Tips:

• Place a cup of water in the microwave to regulate heat.
• Avoid reheating gluten-free crusts this way (they’ll turn rubbery).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you suggest some protein-rich toppings for a vegan pizza?

To add protein to your pizza, consider plant-based meats such as vegan sausage or chicken strips. For a more whole food approach, toppings like chickpeas, marinated tofu, or tempeh will do the trick.

How can I make a vegan pizza toppings combination that mimics classic pizzas?

To recreate classic pizza flavors, use a mix of vegan meats and cheeses. BBQ jackfruit can mimic pulled pork, and vegan pepperoni slices add the spiciness you might miss. Combine these with vegan cheese for a satisfying twist on your favorite classics.

Are there any easy-to-prepare vegan toppings that I can use for a quick pizza meal?

Fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes and spinach don't need much prep. Also, jarred pickled veggies, olives, and capers are convenient and add a tangy kick to your pizza without much effort.