Vegan Flatbread Pizza with Pesto Sauce

The Ultimate Vegan Flatbread Pizza Recipe You Can't Resist Trying!

Looking to satisfy your pizza cravings without the guilt? Say goodbye to greasy meat and hello to a veggie-packed delight. This flatbread pizza recipe elevates the traditional pizza experience with a luscious pesto sauce base, blending the vibrant flavors of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Get ready to dive into a scrumptious journey that will have you forgetting all about the meat. From herby flavorful topping ideas to a step-by-step guide on assembling and baking your pizza, Ive got you covered. So, get ready to unleash your inner chef as we explore the ultimate veggie flatbread pizza recipe and discover a whole new world of deliciousness.

Pizza is one of those dished that seems simple - just get the base and assemble a bunch of toppings! Yes that’s true. However, if you’re making a pizza form scratch, there are a number of separate processes. So I like to make them in advance and then once the little ones ask for a pizza dinner, all I have to do is the easy part! So you could make the dough and pesto separately and refrigerate. You could also sauté the mushrooms and store them (try not to exceed 24 hours so they stay fresh). I’ll walk you through all my separate processes and the final assembly. With a couple tips here and there. Let’s go!

The Dough:

This recipe includes a process for making the dough from scratch, but if you’d rather not, you can simply skip that entire section by using your go-to store-bought pizza dough. I personally like to go the whole nine yards when I have the time, so I thought having this in the recipe would cater to anyone else who’s like me or who simply wants to experiment.

Pesto Sauce:

For all things pesto and how to make the prefect pesto sauce from scratch, please refer to my homemade spicy pesto recipe. This recipe is the perfect base for this pizza. Please note that I have used parmesan in the pesto recipe. So feel free to replace with your vegan cheese of choice, as you please.

Vegan Cheese:

Vegan cheese has slowly but gradually made its way into the mainstream market, predominantly serving as an alternative to regular mozzarella for pizza. This plant-based alternative caters to a wide array of people, including lactose intolerants, dietary vegans, or simply those aiming for healthier food choices. Contrary to conventional belief, vegan cheese carries a similar decadent profile to dairy-based cheese. It melts, stretches, and browns much like its counterpart, offering a unique richness and depth of flavor. This is achieved by using ingredients such as cashews, almonds, soy, and root vegetables.

The nutritional value of vegan cheese is another aspect that greatly appeals to people - vegans and non-vegans alike. It significantly eliminates cholesterol and decreases the percentage of saturated fats, given that it's derived from plant sources. Moreover, it provides a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, especially when made from nuts. In terms of environmental sustainability, vegan cheese leaves a smaller carbon footprint. It requires less water, land, and energy to produce than dairy cheese. Hence, its adoption supports conscious consumerism and an eco-friendly lifestyle.

I used the Nuts for Cheese Smoky Gouda for this recipe.

Topping Ideas to Make Your Veggie Flatbread Pizza Burst with Flavor:

Now that you have a solid foundation with your luscious pesto sauce base, it's time to take your veggie flatbread pizza to new heights with an array of flavorful toppings. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or want to experiment with unique combinations, here are some topping ideas for you:

1. Fresh and Vibrant Veggies: Load up your pizza with an assortment of colorful veggies to add both flavor and visual appeal. From thinly sliced tomatoes and bell peppers to tender mushrooms and zucchini ribbons, the possibilities are endless. Don't forget to sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs like basil or oregano for an extra burst of freshness.

2. Nutty Crunch: Add some texture and depth to your pizza by sprinkling a handful of your favorite nuts. Toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or even crushed walnuts bring a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness that pairs well with the vibrant veggies and creamy cheeses.

3. A Spicy Kick: If you're a fan of some heat, don't be shy to add a touch of spice to your veggie flatbread pizza. Thinly sliced jalapeños or sprinkles of red pepper flakes can give your pizza the perfect kick. You can also experiment with drizzling a spicy hot sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra fiery flavor.

Remember, the key to creating a burst of flavors is to strike a balance between your toppings. Feel free to mix and match different ideas to discover your personal favorite combinations.

Sauteed Mushrooms: Adding Earthy Goodness to Your Pizza

Adding mushrooms to your veggie flatbread pizza will not only enhance the overall flavor profile, but also provide a satisfying textural element that will take your pizza to the next level.

To begin, select your favorite variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, button, or portobello. Clean them thoroughly and slice them evenly for consistent cooking. In a hot skillet, melt a knob of butter or heat a drizzle of olive oil. Once the butter is melted or the oil is heated, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Allow the mushrooms to cook undisturbed for a few minutes, allowing them to get a nice sear and develop a deep, earthy flavor. As they cook, you'll notice the mushrooms releasing their natural juices. Continue to cook them until the juices have evaporated and the mushrooms have become golden brown and slightly crispy.

For added flavor, you can enhance the sautéed mushrooms with some fresh herbs, such as thyme, oregano or rosemary. I have used fresh thyme and oregano in this recipe. Simply sprinkle a pinch of these fragrant herbs over the mushrooms and toss them gently to incorporate.

Once the sautéed mushrooms are done, remove them from the heat and set them aside. Now, you're ready to move on to the next step of assembling and baking your veggie flatbread pizza—a step that will bring all these delicious components together to create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your ultimate veggie flatbread pizza. Whether you decide to add some unexpected toppings or experiment with different sauces, the key is to have fun and let your creativity shine. So go ahead and try out these delicious variations or come up with your own signature twist – the choice is yours.,

This ultimate vegan flatbread pizza recipe offers a tantalizing alternative that will entice vegans, vegetarians, and even die-hard meat lovers. By harnessing the power of a luscious homemade pesto sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and a variety of customizable toppings, this pizza bursts with flavors that will make you forget about traditional meat-heavy options.

and if you’re living the purely plant-based lifestyle. trust me when i say you don’t need meat to enjoy a delicious pizza! Remember, deliciousness awaits those who dare to try something new.

Yield: 8-10

Author: Mae

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Vegan Flatbread Pizza with Pesto and Fresh Herbs

Looking for a vegan pizza that will make you forget about the meat? Look no further! Our ultimate flatbread pizza recipe features a luscious pesto sauce base that blends the vibrant flavors of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. The dough itself is infused with dried oregano to give that savory herby flavour. Topped with a heavenly mix of sauteed mushrooms, juicy tomatoes, vibrant yellow bell peppers, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh red onions, this pizza is a symphony of taste. Trust us, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to pizza night favorite!

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 20 MinInactive time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 35 M

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Ingredients

Pizza Dough

• 1 teaspoon active dry or instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus some extra for the kneading and rolling process
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus 2 teaspoons for brushing the dough
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Pizza Toppings

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups cremini or shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped thyme
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups Pesto (see recipe here)
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 large juicy tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 fresh red onion, thinly sliced
• 6-10 basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: Whisk the yeast, honey or maple syrup, and warm water together in the bowl of your stand mixer or a large bowl (if you intend to knead the dough manually). Cover with a clean cloth and allow to sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy on top, showing that the yeast has activated.
2. Combine the dough ingredients: Add the flour, olive oil, salt, oregano and garlic powder. If using a mixer, mix on low speed with the dough hook attachment until combined, about 2 minutes. (If using your hands, knead until you achieve the required dough consistency.) You'll know it's ready to knead further when the dough is thick and only slightly sticky. If your dough is too sticky, add a couple tablespoons of flour until it reaches this consistency, being careful not to add too much and make the dough hard.
3. Knead the dough: Beat with the dough hook on low speed in your mixer for an additional 8 minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for the same amount of time. When the dough is soft, smooth and if it slowly bounces back when poked, your dough is ready to rise.
4. Place the dough in a deep greased bowl (with enough space for the dough to rise upwards) and cover with cling film/ plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel. Store at room temperature for about 45 minutes to one hour until it has risen by about 50%.
5. While the dough is rising/ proofing, prepare the sauteed mushrooms: Over medium heat, melt the butter in a saucepan. Then add in the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 1 minute, then add the thyme and oregano. Season with salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushroom is tender. Take the pan off the heat.
6. When the dough is fully risen, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F
7. Flatten the dough: Punch the dough to release air. Divide the risen dough in half, to flatten it into two pizza bases. For each dough piece, lightly flour the kneading surface (I use my clean kitchen counter) and lightly flour your hands as well. Using a floured rolling pin, roll and stretching the dough until it is 1/4 inch thick (or as thin as you would like). Repeat this process for the second piece of dough. Carefully transfer both pieces of dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, or directly on to a pizza stone if you have one.
8. Poke holes all around the flattened dough with a fork, and brush olive oil across the dough.
9. Add your toppings as desired
10. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 17 - 20 minutes or until the crust and toppings look good enough for you. Slice, serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

485.49

Fat

30.13 g

Sat. Fat

8.62 g

Carbs

39.53 g

Fiber

5.27 g

Net carbs

34.25 g

Sugar

6.21 g

Protein

15.47 g

Sodium

728.86 mg

Cholesterol

32.37 mg

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did you try this recipe? i’d love to see your photos and hear from you in the comments about how you found the recipe! :)