If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect homemade pizza crust but want to keep it entirely plant-based and bursting with flavor, then this Vegan Garlic Herb Pizza Dough Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s a delightful combination of fragrant garlic, vibrant herbs, and a tender, chewy texture that holds up beautifully under any topping you choose. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just dipping your toes into plant-based cooking, this dough promises a richly flavored, beautifully textured base that elevates your pizza night to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Vegan Garlic Herb Pizza Dough Recipe starts with simple and wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect dough—from the yeast that gives it a lovely rise to the herbs that infuse aromatic warmth, this list is all about balance and flavor.
- 1 cup warmed water: Essential for activating the yeast and creating a pliable dough.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (1 packet): The rising agent that brings life and fluffiness to the dough.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds smoothness and richness, plus helps the dough stay moist.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your crust, providing structure; add a bit more if dough feels sticky.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Vital for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors—don’t skimp on this!
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a subtle, sweet herbal flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic pizza herb that layers in a savory earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings that irresistible garlic punch throughout the dough.
How to Make Vegan Garlic Herb Pizza Dough Recipe
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
Start by combining your warmed water with the yeast in a mixing bowl. This step is important because it wakes up the yeast and verifies it’s active. After about five minutes, you should see bubbles and some cloudiness—that means you’re good to go!
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Once your yeast is bubbly and ready, add the olive oil to the mixture and stir it in gently. Then, add your flour, salt, basil, oregano, and garlic powder. You can toss everything in at once if you’re feeling adventurous or add the flour gradually to get a feel for the dough forming—either way works!
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Now it’s time to get hands-on. Flour your surface well and knead the dough by hand for 5 to 8 minutes until it becomes stretchy and elastic. If you prefer, use a stand mixer with a bread hook, which makes kneading easier. The dough will be a little sticky to touch, so sprinkle flour as needed. You’ll know it’s ready when you can stretch the dough without it tearing easily.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a well-oiled bowl and roll it around so it gets a light coating of oil. Cover it tightly—either with plastic wrap or a damp cloth—and leave it to rise until doubled in size. For same-day pizza, 1 to 2 hours in a warm spot works well. But for wonderfully complex flavors, refrigerate the dough for 6 to 48 hours and let the magic develop slowly.
Step 5: Prepare Your Oven and Stone
With your dough risen, preheat your oven to 450°F and place your pizza stone in to heat up. This step ensures your pizza base cooks evenly and develops a crispy, golden crust without sticking or sogginess.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Lay your dough on a flour-dusted surface and mark an imaginary line about one finger-width from the edge; this will be your crust boundary. Next, draw a line down the middle and gently stretch the dough from the center outwards towards that crust “line.” Flip the dough and repeat on the other side. This technique traps air bubbles and lends that lovely chewy texture we prize in great pizza dough.
Step 7: Stretch and Thin the Dough
When your dough is soft and stretchable enough for your hands to fit inside, begin spreading it evenly outward with your palms. You can gently stretch it on the surface or pick it up for a light toss, using knuckles to pull it gently. If you spot any tears, pinch them closed—nobody wants holes in their pizza! Aim for a thin center that’s not so thin it’s transparent.
Step 8: Transfer and Top
Carefully place the shaped dough onto your preheated pizza stone; a light dusting of flour or an olive oil coating will prevent sticking. Add your favorite toppings, but remember: a thin layer of sauce and cheese keeps your crust deliciously crispy. For an extra golden crust, brush the edges with olive oil before baking.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pizza for 14 to 20 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the toppings are cooked through. Be sure to rotate your pizza halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. The exact time depends on your dough thickness and topping choices, so keep an eye on it!
Step 10: Slice and Enjoy
Once baked, remove your pizza and slice it into eight even portions with a pizza cutter. Grab a slice immediately because this Vegan Garlic Herb Pizza Dough Recipe makes a pizza so mouthwatering you won’t want to wait!
How to Serve Vegan Garlic Herb Pizza Dough Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or oregano sprinkled just before serving add a fresh pop of color and brightness. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can boost flavor and make each bite exciting. Vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast sprinkled on top also amps up that cheesy, savory vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a bowl of garlic-roasted vegetables. These sides balance the richness of the pizza and round out your meal perfectly. A tangy vegan coleslaw can also add a refreshing crunch alongside your pizza night favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices on a rustic wooden board to bring a warm, inviting feel to your table. For a fun twist, make personal-sized pizzas, allowing everyone to customize their toppings and enjoy the fresh, herby dough. Turning leftovers into crunchy pizza chips by baking thin dough strips with olive oil and herbs is another clever way to enjoy this dough.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover dough or pizza, store it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the dough fresh and ready for your next craving without losing the fantastic vegan garlic and herb flavors.
Freezing
This Vegan Garlic Herb Pizza Dough Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before shaping.
Reheating
To reheat leftover pizza, pop it in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and less enjoyable to eat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this dough?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture and rise, you can substitute with bread flour for a chewier crust or a gluten-free blend, but expect some differences in stretchiness and crumb.
Is fresh garlic better than garlic powder in the dough?
For this recipe, garlic powder is ideal because it evenly distributes throughout the dough without adding moisture that might affect texture. Fresh garlic is strong and can cause uneven spots in the dough.
How long should I proof the dough if I want to refrigerate it?
If refrigerating, let the dough rise in the fridge for 6 to 48 hours. Longer fermentation develops richer flavor. Before baking, bring the dough to room temperature for about 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
Can I make this dough in a bread machine?
Yes, most bread machines have a dough cycle that works perfectly for this recipe. Add ingredients according to your machine’s guidelines, and let it do the kneading and rising for you.
What’s the best way to prevent my pizza dough from sticking?
Dust your work surface and hands with flour while shaping the dough, and use olive oil or flour on your pizza stone or baking sheet. Using a hot pizza stone also helps keep the crust crisp and less sticky.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a hot, fragrant pizza from your own oven, especially when that beautiful base is made from this easy and flavorful Vegan Garlic Herb Pizza Dough Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to bring friends and family together over good food with love baked right in. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your kitchen as well!
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Vegan Garlic Herb Pizza Dough Recipe
This Vegan Garlic Herb Pizza Dough recipe creates a soft, flavorful dough infused with garlic and Italian herbs, perfect for homemade vegan pizzas. It uses simple ingredients, including olive oil and a blend of dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder to elevate the flavor. The dough requires proofing, kneading, and a slow rise for optimal texture and taste. It’s ideal for pizza lovers seeking a delicious, plant-based crust that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza crust
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup warmed water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (1 standard packet)
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus 1–2 Tbsp more as needed if dough is too sticky)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Proof the yeast: Add the warmed water and yeast to a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbles form and the water turns cloudy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine ingredients: Add olive oil into the yeast mixture and stir. Then add the flour, salt, dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder. You may add all at once or gradually mix as preferred.
- Knead the dough: Remove the dough from the bowl onto a floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until stretchy and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for kneading. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough is ready when it stretches without tearing easily.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a well-oiled bowl, rolling it to coat in oil. Cover tightly and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours. For more flavor, refrigerate to rise slowly for 6-48 hours.
- Preheat oven and pizza stone: Once risen, preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a pizza stone inside to preheat, which helps prevent sticking.
- Shape the dough: Form the dough into a pizza shape by creating a border about a finger-width thick around the edge for the crust. Stretch and dimple the dough starting from the center line toward the crust, flipping and repeating on both sides to trap air bubbles for structure.
- Final stretching: Carefully stretch the dough outward with your palms or hands in fists, taking care not to create tears. If tears develop, pinch the dough to reseal. The dough center should be thin but not see-through.
- Prepare for baking: Place the shaped dough gently onto the hot pizza stone, which can be dusted with flour or lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Add a thin layer of sauce and vegan cheese toppings, optionally brushing the crust with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake the pizza: Bake for 14-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. Halfway through baking, rotate the pizza 180 degrees for even cooking. Bake time varies depending on dough thickness and pizza size.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, slice into 8 equal pieces with a pizza cutter, and enjoy immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use warmed water around 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If the dough feels too sticky during kneading, gradually add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
- Allowing a longer, slow rise in the fridge (6-48 hours) develops more complex flavor.
- Use a pizza stone preheated in the oven for a crispier crust and to prevent sticking.
- Keep toppings light—too much sauce or cheese can make the crust soggy.
- Brush crust edges with olive oil before baking for an appealing golden, crispy edge.
- If tears form in the dough while shaping, gently pinch them back together rather than stretching too thin.
- Rotate the pizza halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pizza Dough
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
