Description
Enjoy a delightful vegan pesto pizza with a unique stuffed crust filled with vibrant pesto and melted vegan mozzarella. This recipe features a seasoned vegan dough, tender Yukon gold potato slices, and a rich marinara base, all baked to golden perfection on a hot pizza stone. Perfect for a satisfying plant-based meal that combines fresh flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Sauce
- 2 cups Vegan Mozzarella (Use homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup Easy Vegan Pesto (Vibrant sauce adds depth)
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (Rich tomato layer)
Dough
- 3 cups Seasoned Vegan Pizza Dough (A flavorful base)
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 2 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes (Thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella: Start by making the vegan mozzarella and place it in the fridge to chill, ensuring it firms up for handling during assembly.
- Make the Dough: Whip up the seasoned vegan pizza dough and let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, developing flavor and elasticity.
- Preheat the Oven: Place your pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) to ensure a crisp crust when baking.
- Cook the Potatoes: Boil Yukon gold potatoes in water until fork-tender, then drain and slice them thinly for even pizza topping.
- Prepare the Pesto: If not already made, prepare the easy vegan pesto to add fresh herbal notes and richness.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface and gently stretch it into a 16-inch diameter circle, being careful not to tear the dough.
- Add the Cheese to the Crust: Distribute two-thirds of the chilled vegan mozzarella around the perimeter of the dough, forming the base of the stuffed crust.
- Stuff the Crust: Spoon a generous amount of pesto over the cheese on the edge and carefully fold the dough over this filling, sealing it firmly to trap the cheese and pesto inside the crust.
- Assemble the Pizza: Transfer the prepared dough onto the hot pizza stone. Spread a layer of marinara sauce evenly over the center, arrange the thin potato slices on top, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven until the crust turns golden and the cheese is melted, about 18-20 minutes. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve a nicely browned top.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Top with the remaining pesto and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and additional flavor.
Notes
- Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust and even baking.
- Thinly slice the potatoes for consistent cooking and texture.
- Chilling the vegan mozzarella helps in managing the stuffed crust assembly.
- Broiling at the end enhances cheese browning and adds a slight crispness.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference or omit for mild flavor.
