Name: Vegan Protein Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: ¼ cup + 2 teaspoons vital wheat gluten; ¼ cup + 1 teaspoon all purpose or bread flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; ½ cup water; ¼ cup tomato or marinara sauce (Rao’s recommended); ¼ cup vegan mozzarella (Follow Your Heart recommended)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying pizza that packs a serious plant-based protein punch, this Vegan Protein Pizza Recipe is about to become your new obsession. With a crispy, flavorful crust made from vital wheat gluten and a gooey layer of vegan mozzarella on top, it delivers an amazing 40 grams of protein while staying 100% dairy-free and totally delicious. Whether you’re looking to fuel your workout, enjoy a guilt-free treat, or simply switch up your pizza game, this recipe nails it with just a few simple ingredients and only 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a creamy, pale beige spread that has a slightly rough texture on the surface. The spread fills the bowl evenly, showing small lumps and a thick consistency. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the simple and natural look of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Vegan Protein Pizza Recipe shines because of its thoughtful combination of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and nutrition—making the process both straightforward and rewarding.

Vital wheat gluten: This ingredient is the superhero of your crust, giving it that chewy, protein-rich texture that makes this pizza stand out.
All-purpose or bread flour: Helps to structure the dough while keeping it soft yet sturdy enough to hold toppings.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the crust and dough.
Baking powder: Lightens up the crust just enough without losing its hearty bite.
Garlic powder: Brings subtle savory notes that complement the sauce perfectly.
Onion powder: Adds depth and a touch of sweetness to the dough.
Nutritional yeast: Offers a cheesy, umami flavor plus an extra protein kick.
Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking powder to give the crust a slight lift and tenderness.
Water: Binds everything together and creates the ideal dough consistency.
Tomato or marinara sauce: Choose your favorite (like Rao’s) for a robust, zesty base.
Vegan mozzarella cheese: Follow Your Heart or any good melting vegan cheese will give you that classic, melty finish.

How to Make Vegan Protein Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together vital wheat gluten, flour, baking powder, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast in a medium bowl. This blend is the flavor and texture powerhouse for your crust, ensuring every bite is packed with protein and richness.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the water and apple cider vinegar, then mix well until a wet, elastic dough forms. The dough might feel a bit sticky and elastic, which is perfect for achieving a chewy, satisfying crust.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Lightly grease an eighth sheet pan and spread your dough evenly using the back of a spoon. Don’t worry if it has small holes or looks thin—that’s exactly what you want for a crispy base. If you prefer, you can spread it onto a larger pan and shape it round, but the rectangular pan works great for even baking.

Step 4: Parbake the Crust

Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes. This step partially cooks the pizza base so it becomes firm enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese, then Bake

Take the crust out of the oven and slather on your tomato or marinara sauce, then sprinkle the vegan mozzarella evenly over the top. Pop it back in the oven and bake for another 15 minutes at the same temperature. By the end, you’ll have a bubbling, golden pizza that tastes like a dream.

How to Serve Vegan Protein Pizza Recipe

A stack of four thick, square slices of focaccia bread with a golden brown crust sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. Each slice shows a soft, airy inside with visible bits of herbs and melted cheese baked within the bread. The top layer of each slice is covered with a slightly chunky red tomato sauce sprinkled with dried herbs, adding rich color and texture. The slices are neatly stacked on top of each other, showing clear layers of bread, cheese, and sauce. The lighting highlights the bread’s crispy edges and the moist inside, creating a warm and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your Vegan Protein Pizza Recipe to the next level, sprinkle fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving. These simple garnishes add a burst of freshness, a kick of heat, or a touch of richness that perfectly complements the cheesy, saucy crust.

Side Dishes

Since the pizza is packed with protein and flavor, pair it with a light, crisp side salad using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or a small bowl of homemade vegan soup can also make wonderful companions to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the pizza into strips and serve with vegan ranch or pesto for dipping. You can also present it family-style on a wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for a rustic, inviting feel that makes everyone want to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any pizza left after enjoying a fresh slice, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day snack or lunch.

Freezing

You can freeze this Vegan Protein Pizza Recipe either baked or unbaked. For best results, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up your leftover pizza, pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps keep the crust crispy and melts the vegan cheese just right without making it soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this Vegan Protein Pizza Recipe gluten-free?

This recipe relies heavily on vital wheat gluten to create its unique high-protein crust, so substituting it with gluten-free flour won’t yield the same texture or protein content. However, you can try experimenting with other gluten-free pizza crust recipes.

What if I don’t have nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast adds that signature cheesy flavor and boosts protein, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or replace it with a small amount of vegan cheese powder or more garlic and onion powder for flavor.

Can I double the recipe for more servings?

Absolutely! The recipe scales up well—just double the ingredients and bake on a larger sheet pan or two eighth sheet pans as needed.

Is vital wheat gluten safe for everyone?

While vital wheat gluten is safe for most people, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid it. This recipe is not suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes, feel free to customize your Vegan Protein Pizza Recipe with your favorite veggies, vegan meats, or herbs. Just add them after parbaking the crust to avoid sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Protein Pizza Recipe is a total game-changer if you want a delicious, nutritious pizza that fits perfectly into a plant-based lifestyle. With its impressive protein content and straightforward preparation, it’s sure to become your go-to anytime pizza craving strikes. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making pizza night a weekly habit all over again!