Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups lukewarm water
- 1 packet dry yeast (approximately 2¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Topping Option 1: Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella & Basil
- 3 tbsp tomato sauce
- ¼ cup shredded vegan mozzarella or parmesan
- Fresh basil leaves (to taste)
Topping Option 2: Garlic Butter, Onion, Basil, Dried Tomatoes & Feta
- 3 tbsp melted vegan butter or olive oil
- 2 tbsp caramelized onions
- 1 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- ¼ cup vegan feta, crumbled
- 1 tsp fresh basil, chopped
Topping Option 3: Cream Cheese, Champignon, Onion & Parmesan
- 3 tbsp vegan cream cheese
- ¼ cup sautéed champignon mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp caramelized onions
- ¼ cup shredded vegan mozzarella
Topping Option 4: Pesto, Spinach, Cherry Tomato & Feta
- 3 tbsp vegan pesto
- ¼ cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup vegan feta, crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active. Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead using a stand mixer with a dough hook for the same amount of time.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Toppings: While the dough is rising, prepare your choice of toppings. For caramelized onions, sauté thinly sliced onions over medium heat with a little olive oil until golden and sweet. Sauté champignon mushrooms. Chop fresh herbs and other ingredients as needed.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air and divide it into roughly 12 equal balls. Lightly oil a round baking pan or a cast-iron skillet.
- Assemble the Pizza Balls: Flatten each dough ball slightly and add a spoonful of your chosen topping in the center. Seal the dough around the topping, shaping it back into a ball.
- Arrange in Pan: Place the filled dough balls close together in the pan, allowing space for them to expand and stick together, creating the tear-and-share effect.
- Second Rise: Cover the assembled balls with a cloth and let them rise again for about 20-30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the tear-and-share pizza for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden and cooked through. The topping should be melted or heated to perfection.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Tear apart the pizza balls and enjoy the variety of flavors.
Notes
- The dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight for better flavor development.
- Feel free to mix and match toppings for variety on one pizza.
- Use vegan cheese alternatives to keep the recipe plant-based.
- Ensure the water used is lukewarm for proper yeast activation but not hot enough to kill it.
- For an extra crispy crust, you may brush the outside of the dough balls with olive oil before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
