Craving that iconic Little Caesars pizza but committed to a vegan lifestyle? You’ve come to the right place! This recipe recreates the irresistible flavors of Little Caesars pizza, completely plant-based and bursting with deliciousness. Get ready to wow your taste buds with a Vegan Little Caesars Pizza experience that’s easy to make and even easier to devour.
Doughy Delights: Crafting the Perfect Vegan Pizza Crust
The foundation of any great pizza lies in its crust, and this vegan version is no exception. This recipe guides you through creating a soft, chewy, and flavorful base that complements the toppings perfectly.
Ingredients for Vegan Pizza Dough:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 (¼ ounce) package active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Vegan pizza dough ingredients laid out on a wooden table
Steps to Pizza Perfection:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Stir in salt and olive oil into the yeast mixture.
- Gradually incorporate flour: Add flour one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough: Knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Hands kneading vegan pizza dough on a lightly floured surface
The Sauce of Success: A Flavorful Vegan Pizza Sauce
This simple yet incredibly flavorful vegan pizza sauce perfectly complements the toppings and crust, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
Ingredients for Vegan Pizza Sauce:
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Steps for a Scrumptious Sauce:
- Sauté the aromatics: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Blend for smoothness: Remove from heat and use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender to blend until smooth.
Vegan pizza sauce simmering in a pan on a stovetop
The Cheesy Topping: Vegan Mozzarella That Melts
What’s pizza without that irresistible cheesy pull? This vegan mozzarella alternative delivers on both flavor and texture, melting beautifully and adding a creamy richness to every bite.
Ingredients for Vegan Mozzarella:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Steps for Cheesy Goodness:
- Drain and rinse cashews: Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
- Blend into a creamy dream: Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Adjust consistency: If the mixture is too thick, add more almond milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Assembling Your Vegan Little Caesars Masterpiece:
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly grease a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Shape the crust: Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. Roll out one half on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to baking sheet: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Add the sauce: Spread a generous layer of vegan pizza sauce over the crust.
- Sprinkle with cheese: Drizzle the vegan mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Adding vegan mozzarella to pizza base
Baking to Perfection:
- Bake the pizza: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool slightly: Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Vegan Little Caesars Pizza FAQs:
Can I use store-bought vegan pizza dough?
Absolutely! Using store-bought dough is a great time-saver. Look for options that are specifically labeled as vegan.
What are some topping variations for my vegan pizza?
Get creative! Some delicious options include vegan pepperoni, sausage crumbles, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, spinach, and pineapple.
Can I freeze leftover vegan pizza?
Yes, you can freeze leftover pizza. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
How do I store leftover vegan pizza sauce?
Store any leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I make the vegan mozzarella cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cheese ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This vegan Little Caesars pizza recipe proves that plant-based eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or indulgence. With its soft and chewy crust, flavorful sauce, and melty vegan cheese, this pizza is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, put on your chef’s hat, and get ready for a delicious vegan pizza adventure!
