I’m always on the hunt for the best vegan pizza toppings that not only mimic the flavors of their traditional counterparts but also introduce a new realm of taste sensations.
From the rich, tangy spread of sun-dried tomato pesto to the delectable crunch of artichoke hearts, creating the perfect vegan pizza is an art form.
My personal favorites also include dollops of creamy cashew cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil to elevate the humble pie into a gourmet experience.
Artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and cashew cheese offer a delightful combination of flavor and texture.
Top 3 Best Vegan Pizza Toppings & How to Make Them?
For an exceptional vegan pizza, the best toppings include:
- Sun-dried tomato pesto
- Artichoke hearts
- Cashew cheese
1: How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto& Topping
Blend your way to the perfect vegan spread with this easy, sun-dried tomato pesto recipe!
Simply soak rich sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, then whirl them up with roasted garlic, pine nuts, fresh basil, and a pour of extra virgin olive oil for a delectably smooth pesto that will take your pizza from good to gourmet in just minutes.
Ingredients:
To whip up toppings for the best vegan pizza, you’ll want to have the following ingredients on hand:
- 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in olive oil
- 2 cloves of roasted garlic
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
To start creating this sun-kissed pesto, I first take my soaked, sun-dried tomatoes and drain them, reserving the olive oil for later use.
I toss these juicy morsels into my trusty food processor along with the beautifully caramelized roasted garlic cloves. At this point, I’m already anticipating the burst of flavors!
I then add the pine nuts for a subtle hint of nuttiness, and a generous handful of fresh basil leaves, which promise a fresh, aromatic lift.
I pour in the extra virgin olive oil as I process the mixture, watching it transform into a vibrant, smooth pesto. Finally, I season it with just the right amount of salt to enhance its rich, tangy profile.
Here’s how I do it step by step:
- Drain the sun-dried tomatoes, saving the oil for later.
- Place the drained tomatoes and roasted garlic into the food processor.
- Add the pine nuts and fresh basil to the mix.
- Start processing and slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth.
- Season with salt, tasting and adjusting as needed.
And there you have it! A sun-dried tomato pesto is sure to dazzle any pizza it graces.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor!
You Must Read: Does Pineapple Belong On Pizza?
2: How to make Artichoke Hearts and Top it on Pizza
To master the art of topping a pizza with artichoke hearts, I begin by selecting the finest marinated artichoke hearts I can find.
I prefer them marinated because they infuse the pizza with an extra layer of flavor—tangy with a hint of herbs. I drain them well and give them a rough chop to ensure each bite-sized piece is packed with that unique artichoke taste.
Ingredients:
For a sensational topping, gather the following:
- 1 jar of marinated artichoke hearts
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Artichoke Hearts Preparation:
- Drain the artichoke hearts thoroughly to remove excess oil.
- Chop the hearts into smaller pieces for an even distribution on your pizza.
- If desired, toss them with freshly chopped parsley for an additional pop of color and freshness.
Then, I simply scatter the artichoke hearts atop my freshly spread sun-dried tomato pesto base, ensuring they’re evenly distributed so every slice delivers the rich, earthy taste of artichokes.
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3: How to Make Cashew Cheese and Topping in Pizza
When I set out to create the most indulgent vegan cashew cheese, I begin by using raw, unsalted cashews that have been soaked overnight to ensure they are soft enough to blend into that perfectly creamy texture.
The beauty of cashew cheese is its versatility; you can customize the flavor to be as simple or complex as you desire.
Ingredients:
In my kitchen, I gather the following ingredients to craft my cashew cheese:
- 1 cup of raw cashews, soaked overnight
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/4 cup of water (or as needed for desired consistency)
Creamy Cashew Cheese Preparation:
- Drain the soaked cashews and toss them into my food processor.
- Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice for a tangy zest.
- Add the nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, the garlic for a bit of punch, and the sea salt to enhance all the flavors.
- Begin processing and gradually add water until the mixture is smooth and has the consistency of traditional spreadable cheese.
- Taste and adjust the flavors as needed.
Now, my cashew cheese is ready to be dolloped on top of my pizza for an indulgent, melty experience that rivals any dairy-based alternative.
Cashew cheese over my pizza crust, then baked to golden perfection, creates a truly gourmet experience that delights the palate with every bite.
Tip: For a smoky twist, add a splash of liquid smoke or a sprinkle of smoked paprika!
Conclusion
In the quest for the ultimate slice, the best vegan pizza toppings are not just about taste but also about texture and culinary creativity.
Fresh basil, cashew cheese, and artichoke hearts offer a symphony of flavors that can elevate a simple pizza into a gourmet plant-based masterpiece.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your life, experimenting with these toppings will surely lead to delightful discoveries and perhaps even some new favorites.
It’s a sublime way to indulge in the luxury of pizza, without compromise.
Note: Enjoy your culinary adventure with these vegan pizza toppings that tease the taste buds and cater to the conscience. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought vegan cheese instead of homemade cashew cheese?
Absolutely! There are many high-quality vegan cheese options available that you can use as a convenient alternative to homemade cashew cheese. Be sure to choose a brand that melts well to get that gooey pizza experience.
Q: How can I store leftover sun-dried tomato pesto, and how long will it last?
Sun-dried tomato pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up 1 week. You may also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage, and simply thaw as needed for future use.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option for the vegan pizza crust?
Yes, there are many gluten-free flour blends and premade gluten-free pizza crusts available. Look for options that suit your dietary needs. You can also make your own gluten-free crust using ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Q: What are some other vegan toppings I can use on my pizza?
A: The possibilities are endless! Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, bell peppers, olives, spinach, vegan sausage, or tofu ricotta. Get creative and tailor your toppings based on your flavor preferences.
Q: How do I prevent my pizza from becoming soggy from the toppings?
To prevent sogginess, ensure that ingredients like marinated artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes are well-drained before adding them to your pizza. You can also pre-bake your pizza crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings to create a barrier.
