Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza Recipe

This Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza is a delicious twist on traditional pizza, bringing together the spicy kick of buffalo-flavored cauliflower with the creaminess of vegan mozzarella cheese. Perfect for pizza lovers who are also conscious of keeping their meal plant-based, this recipe is sure to satisfy even non-vegans. The crust is homemade for that fresh, bakery-quality pizza, but you can easily swap in a store-bought dough to save time. Topped with roasted buffalo cauliflower and drizzled with vegan ranch, this pizza will soon become a family favorite, offering bold flavors and a crisp, chewy crust.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing

For the Buffalo Cauliflower:

  • 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
  • ½ cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot or your preferred brand)
  • 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter (or margarine)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembling the Pizza:

  • ½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade marinara)
  • 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup vegan ranch dressing (optional, for drizzling)
  • Fresh cilantro or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is activated and will help the dough rise.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour along with the olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
  4. First rise: Grease a clean bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Preheat the oven: After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.

Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Cauliflower

  1. Toss the cauliflower: In a large mixing bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, melted vegan butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cauliflower florets and toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated with the buffalo sauce mixture.
  2. Roast the cauliflower: Spread the coated cauliflower florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cauliflower should be tender with crispy, slightly charred edges. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Roll out the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch the dough into a 12-inch round or your desired thickness. If you prefer a thicker crust, roll out a smaller diameter.
  2. Prebake the crust: For a crispier base, prebake the pizza crust for 5-7 minutes at 450°F before adding the toppings. This step helps prevent the pizza from getting soggy once the toppings are added.
  3. Add the toppings: Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle the vegan mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, followed by the roasted buffalo cauliflower.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

  1. Bake the pizza: Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake at 450°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Drizzle with ranch and garnish: Once the pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, drizzle vegan ranch dressing over the top of the pizza. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
  3. Slice and serve: Use a pizza cutter to slice the pizza into wedges, and serve hot. Enjoy the combination of the spicy buffalo cauliflower, creamy cheese, and the zesty ranch drizzle.

Nutrition Information (per slice, based on 8 slices):

  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Fat: 9g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg

Note: Nutrition values can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, especially with the choice of vegan cheese and ranch dressing.

Tips for Success

  1. Cauliflower roasting: Roasting the cauliflower at a high temperature is key to achieving a crispy texture. Don’t skip this step, as it adds an irresistible crunch to the pizza, contrasting nicely with the soft dough and gooey cheese.
  2. Customizable dough: For those in a rush, you can substitute a store-bought pizza dough, but making your own dough will give you a fresher, more artisanal result. Gluten-free flours work well in this recipe if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
  3. Cheese selection: The vegan mozzarella melts beautifully in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other vegan cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a more complex flavor profile. If you prefer, you can make a homemade cashew-based cheese sauce for a creamy alternative.
  4. Adjust the spice: Not everyone can handle the heat! If you or your guests prefer a milder pizza, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with a little more vegan butter to tame the spiciness.
  5. Meal prep option: This pizza can be prepped ahead of time. Make the dough and roast the cauliflower in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble right before baking for a quick weeknight dinner. The buffalo cauliflower also makes a great side dish on its own!
  6. Vegan ranch dressing: If you prefer a more health-conscious option, you can make your own vegan ranch dressing using cashew cream, unsweetened plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley.