Easy Pizza Recipe
Great Pizza Dough for Vegans, Vegetarians, and Omnivores
This is the easiest recipe for pizza dough that you'll ever find!
These delicious crusts serve equally well for vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore pizzas.
The pizza dough does not require kneading or time to rise, so it can be quickly prepared just prior to assembling the pizza. The dough can also be made up to a week ahead of time, making it a flexible option for busy people. This recipe yields enough dough for two pizza crusts.
The "secret ingredient" in this recipe is beer. Beer takes the place of the yeast but does not require the kneading and rising time of most pizza dough and other bread recipes. The alcohol in the beer burns off while baking, and the finished product does not taste like beer. I buy a case of the cheapest beer available to keep on-hand solely for the purpose of making this pizza dough. (And I don't even like beer!) All other ingredients are standard pantry items.
Ingredients for the Easy Pizza Dough Recipe
Here's everything you need for a basic cheese pizza. I try to shred the cheese ahead of time to make the pizza assembly go more quickly.
To these ingredients, you can add any toppings you like. Chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, and broccoli are all great on pizza. You might also like vegan or meat pepperoni or sausage.
NATIONAL PIZZA WEEK is the second week of January –
But of course you can enjoy pizza any time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- spices to taste -- I typically use a lot of garlic powder (at least a tablespoon) as well as basil and oregano
- 1 (12-oz) can of beer
- 1 jar of pizza sauce (or use homemade sauce)
- pizza toppings (optional). This may include chopped veggies and/or real or vegan pepperoni
- cheese -- either vegan or dairy
Instructions
- Combine the flours, baking powder, and spices in a mixing bowl. Add the beer. Using a stiff spoon or fork, and then your hands, thoroughly mix the batter. The batter may be used immediately or refrigerated for up to a week.
- To assemble the pizza, start by preheating the oven to 450F. Prepare your pizza toppings of choice.
- Prepare a pizza peel or baking sheet by spraying with cooking oil and sprinkling with all-purpose flour.
- Sprinkle additional flour on the pizza dough to make it easier to handle. Divide pizza dough into two sections. (Or more, if you want to make "personal" pizzas.) Work with your hands to flatten the dough to the desired thickness on the baking sheet. If you'd like, you can brush the dough - particularly the edges - with olive oil. Spread pizza sauce on the dough, leaving about 1/4-inch around the edge without sauce. Add whatever toppings you like, then sprinkle with vegan or dairy cheese.
- Bake at 450F until the cheese is melty and gooey, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool a bit before slicing into individual servings.
Shred the Cheese, If Necessary
Vegan Cheese
If you'd like to make a pizza with vegan cheese, there are two excellent options: Follow Your Heart Vegan Gourmet and Daiya -- the mozzarella versions, of course!
DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT USING ANY OTHER BRANDS!!!! Most vegan cheeses are pretty nasty. Both Vegan Gourmet and Daiya, however, are FANTASTIC!!! They have excellent flavor and actually melt in dishes like pizza and grilled cheese. (See the picture below of the pizza coming out of the oven if you don't believe me!)
This is my absolute favorite brand of vegan cheese. I am particularly fond of the mozzarella style.
Daiya mozzarella cheese tastes just as good as Vegan Gourmet. It comes pre-shredded, which adds convenience. However, the convenience will cost you, as the Daiya is more expensive per ounce than Vegan Gourmet.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pizza
Here are pictures illustrating how to make this great pizza recipe!
Flatten the Dough to Form Pizza Crust
Add the Sauce
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Add the Toppings
Add the Cheese
Pizza Stone
Folks I know who have a pizza stone say they make a big difference when making pizza. If you have a pizza stone and a pizza slicer, you're all set to go!
Pizza - Ready to Bake
Perfect Pizza - Ready to Take Out of the Oven
A Regular Meal at My House
Because this is such a simple recipe and having pizza feels like a party, I make this recipe on a regular basis.
The easy-to-assemble crust is key, and I far prefer this to ordering out for pizza!
Your Comments Are Welcome!
I've never made my own pizza dough, I have always bought it made and then added my own ingredients on top. Thanks for the recipe.
- AUTHOR
@clouda9 lm: Thanks! It's a good opportunity to get in a little whole wheat.
Love the addition of whole wheat flour for the dough. Wishing you lots of luck in the January Food Club Contest :)
I love trying different pizza. This one sounds pretty tasty and easy too!
- AUTHOR
@Mickie Gee: The great thing about this recipe is that the dough is fantastic and easy to make. It just so happens to be vegan, making it a perfect option for vegans and omnivores alike!
I enjoy mushrooms and onions! Thanks for the vegan recipe. Even though I use cheese that is not vegan, I learned a lot from your recipe.
- AUTHOR
@dumpstergourmet: Yes! The spices in the dough definitely makes a difference -- enjoy!
- AUTHOR
@aylsbillones1: MMMMM....PIZZA!!!!!
I love pizza!
I've been doing weekly pizza experiments for the past month or so - the addition of spices to crusts...hello!?! Why didn't I think of that? Great lens!
- AUTHOR
@Fran Tollett: Fantastic! I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
Thanks for such a great recipe. Great secret ingredient. I will have to make this. We love pizza at my house :-)
- AUTHOR
@PromptWriter: I'd like one, too! Folks I know who have one say they're fantastic!
Well, happy National Pizza Week! I see you are celebrating in style by giving others the secret to an easy crust with a surprise ingredient...beer! I can see by the patina on your pizza pan that you use it often, now that's the best recommendation of all....yummy!
I really need to get a pizza stone.
- AUTHOR
@anonymous: What a good eye you have! Yes, we use that pizza pan on a regular basis in my house!
This looks yummy!
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