Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza Recipe
This Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza is a delicious twist on traditional pizza, bringing together the spicy kick of buffalo-flavored cauliflower with the creaminess of vegan mozzarella cheese. Perfect for pizza lovers who are also conscious of keeping their meal plant-based, this recipe is sure to satisfy even non-vegans. The crust is homemade for that fresh, bakery-quality pizza, but you can easily swap in a store-bought dough to save time. Topped with roasted buffalo cauliflower and drizzled with vegan ranch, this pizza will soon become a family favorite, offering bold flavors and a crisp, chewy crust.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing
For the Buffalo Cauliflower:
- 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
- ½ cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot or your preferred brand)
- 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter (or margarine)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembling the Pizza:
- ½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade marinara)
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup vegan ranch dressing (optional, for drizzling)
- Fresh cilantro or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is activated and will help the dough rise.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour along with the olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- First rise: Grease a clean bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven: After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Cauliflower
- Toss the cauliflower: In a large mixing bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, melted vegan butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cauliflower florets and toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated with the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Roast the cauliflower: Spread the coated cauliflower florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cauliflower should be tender with crispy, slightly charred edges. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Roll out the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch the dough into a 12-inch round or your desired thickness. If you prefer a thicker crust, roll out a smaller diameter.
- Prebake the crust: For a crispier base, prebake the pizza crust for 5-7 minutes at 450°F before adding the toppings. This step helps prevent the pizza from getting soggy once the toppings are added.
- Add the toppings: Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle the vegan mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, followed by the roasted buffalo cauliflower.
