If you’re craving a pizza that feels indulgent yet entirely plant-based, the Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe brings together a perfectly chewy, golden crust with melty vegan mozzarella, earthy sautéed mushrooms, and the briny tang of green olives in a cast-iron pan bake that’s as cozy as it is flavorful. With simple pantry staples and fresh toppings, it’s a heartwarming homemade pizza that anyone can whip up to satisfy those pizza night cravings without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe just right is all about balancing simple, fresh ingredients that contribute to every delicious bite—whether it’s the tender chew of the crust or the burst of savory toppings.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for that delightfully soft yet sturdy crust that holds all your toppings.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the dough perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast: Gives the dough a beautiful rise and airy texture.
- 3/4 cup lukewarm water: The liquid that brings the dough together—make sure it’s not too hot to keep the yeast happy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps create that crispy, golden crust once baked in the pan.
- 1 1/4 cups vegan mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a luscious cheesy layer without dairy.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: A tangy, vibrant base that ties the toppings together with classic pizza flavor.
- 6-8 green olives, pitted and sliced: Bring a salty, briny pop that contrasts perfectly with the mushrooms.
- 4 ounces sliced mushrooms: Provide an earthy, umami richness when sautéed just right.
- Red chili flakes, oregano, and basil to taste: These aromatic seasonings add layers of flavor and a bit of heat to round out the pizza.
How to Make Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
The foundation of your pizza starts here. Combine the flour, salt, active dry yeast, lukewarm water, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until a cohesive dough forms. Cover it loosely and let it rise in a warm spot overnight. This slow rise is what gives your crust that superb texture and flavor depth, so don’t rush this step.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Once your dough has risen and is bubbling with life, preheat a cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil, allowing the pan to get warm and ready to create that beautiful golden crust.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Transfer your risen dough directly into the hot, oiled pan. Use your fingers to gently stretch it out, coaxing it all the way to the edges of the pan. Don’t worry if it pulls back at first—let it rest for 15 minutes, then stretch it again. This gives the dough a chance to relax and fill the pan perfectly.
Step 4: Prepare Toppings
While the dough is resting, sauté the sliced mushrooms in a lightly oiled pan until they’re softened and juicy. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate their natural flavors. This warm, umami-rich topping will play beautifully against the other fresh ingredients on your pizza.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle half of the vegan mozzarella over the stretched dough to get a melty cheesy base. Spoon on the tomato sauce, then layer the sautéed mushrooms and sliced green olives evenly across the top. Finish with the remaining vegan mozzarella. This layering ensures every slice has gooey cheese, tangy sauce, earthy mushrooms, and that irresistible olive tang in every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the cast-iron pan in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C). Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown, and the vegan cheese bubbles and melts beautifully. This high-heat bake seals in all the flavors and helps create that perfect pan pizza crust texture.
Step 7: Final Touch
Before serving, sprinkle red chili flakes, oregano, and fresh or dried basil over your pizza. These final seasonings brighten the dish and awaken your senses with a pop of flavor that makes this Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can be added for an extra layer of flavor and a visually appealing finish. These simple garnishes elevate the pizza from everyday to special occasion with hardly any effort.
Side Dishes
Complement your pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted garlic hummus and warm pita. These sides refresh the palate and provide contrasting textures that make the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your pan pizza into rustic wedges and serving it on a wooden board for a cozy, communal feel. You can also accompany it with small bowls of chili oil or vegan pesto for dipping, turning your meal into an interactive experience that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps maintain the crust’s texture and the freshness of the toppings without any drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save your pizza for a longer time, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza slices maintain their flavor well for up to two months, giving you a quick vegan meal option anytime.
Reheating
To bring your leftover or frozen pizza back to life, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until the base crisps up again, then cover with a lid to melt the cheese evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crust from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this pizza?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for yeast baking to get a similar rise and texture. You might need to adjust the water slightly depending on the flour’s absorbency.
What is the best vegan mozzarella for this recipe?
Look for a brand that melts well and has a mild, creamy flavor. Some vegan mozzarellas are better for shredding and melting than others, so choosing one specifically marketed as melting cheese will give the best results.
Can I add other toppings to the Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, artichokes, or spinach. Just make sure any additional toppings are pre-cooked if they release a lot of moisture to keep the crust crispy.
How long should I let the dough rise if I’m short on time?
If you’re short on time, a faster rise of about 1 to 2 hours in a warm place can work, but the overnight rise is preferred to develop flavor and achieve the best texture.
Is it necessary to use a cast-iron pan?
While a cast-iron pan is ideal for achieving that crispy, golden crust, you can use a heavy oven-safe skillet or a small pizza pan as alternatives. Just make sure it can withstand the oven’s high temperature and evenly distributes heat.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring by yourself. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how delicious vegan pizza can be!
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Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes active + overnight resting time
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: Overnight (approx. 12 hours) + 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms features a homemade dough that rises overnight and a flavorful topping of sautéed mushrooms, green olives, and vegan mozzarella. Baked to golden perfection in a cast-iron pan and oven, this delicious pizza is garnished with aromatic herbs and spices for a savory and satisfying plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 1 1/4 cups vegan mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 6–8 green olives, pitted and sliced
- 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
- Red chili flakes, oregano, and basil to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Combine flour, salt, active dry yeast, lukewarm water, and olive oil in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until a consistent dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise overnight in a warm place to develop flavor and texture.
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat a cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the pan evenly, which will help prevent sticking and add flavor to the crust.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the risen dough to the hot pan. Use your fingers to gently stretch and press the dough toward the edges of the pan. Let it rest for 15 minutes so the dough can relax, then stretch again until it completely covers the pan.
- Prepare Toppings: In a separate pan, sauté sliced mushrooms over medium heat until softened. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Assemble Pizza: Sprinkle half of the vegan mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. Spread the tomato sauce on top, then layer the sautéed mushrooms and sliced green olives. Finish by adding the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly across the toppings.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the cast-iron pan in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C). Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the vegan cheese has melted and become bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with red chili flakes, oregano, and basil according to your taste. Slice and serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
- Allowing the dough to rise overnight results in better flavor and texture.
- A cast-iron pan is ideal for creating a crispy crust; if unavailable, use an oven-safe skillet.
- You can substitute green olives with black olives or other toppings based on preference.
- Adjust seasoning with herbs and chili flakes to your liking for added heat and aroma.
- Ensure the mushrooms are cooked well before assembling to prevent excess moisture on the pizza.
