If you are craving something warm, savory, and loaded with delightful Mediterranean flavors, this Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe is a must-try. It brings together a perfectly chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, creamy vegan mozzarella, earthy sautéed mushrooms, and briny green olives all baked to bubbly perfection. This pizza is such a joy to make from scratch, and it’s sure to become a cherished favorite whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging solo on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients for this Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe come together beautifully to create an explosion of flavors and textures. Every single element plays a role in shaping the dough, boosting the zestiness, or enhancing that perfect golden finish.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender but sturdy crust that crisps just right.
- Salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors in the dough and toppings.
- Active dry yeast: Gives the dough its airy, light lift by fermenting slowly overnight.
- Lukewarm water: Activates the yeast gently, ensuring a perfect rise.
- Olive oil: Adds richness to both the dough and the pan for a golden, crispy base.
- Vegan mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that creamy, cheesy texture.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a tangy, vibrant layer that ties all toppings together.
- Green olives: Impart a salty, briny punch that contrasts wonderfully with the mild mushrooms.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed until just tender, their earthy flavor adds depth and heartiness.
- Red chili flakes, oregano, and basil: Seasonings that bring warmth, fragrance, and classic pizza herbs.
How to Make Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining the flour, salt, active dry yeast, lukewarm water, and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Stir and knead until you get a smooth dough. Cover it up and leave it somewhere warm to rise overnight. This slow fermentation builds flavor and helps develop a perfectly airy yet chewy dough that forms the base of your pizza.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Once your dough is ready, preheat a cast-iron pan over medium heat for a few minutes. Drizzle a little olive oil into the pan to create a lightly oiled surface that will give your crust that golden crunch and prevent sticking as you cook.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Transfer the risen dough to the hot pan and use your fingers to gently stretch it out toward the edges. Let it rest for 15 minutes so the gluten relaxes, then stretch it again until the entire pan is covered with an even layer of dough. This double-resting allows the dough to keep its shape without shrinking back.
Step 4: Prepare Toppings
Sauté the sliced mushrooms in a little olive oil over medium heat until they soften and release their juices. Give them a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out their rich, earthy notes. Meanwhile, slice your green olives and have your tomato sauce and vegan mozzarella ready for assembling the pizza.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Scatter half of the vegan mozzarella over the stretched dough, then spoon on the fragrant tomato sauce. Top with the sautéed mushrooms and sliced green olives before finishing with the remaining mozzarella. Pop the whole pan into a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes. The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese melted with bubbly spots.
How to Serve Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle the pizza with red chili flakes for a subtle kick along with a generous dusting of dried oregano and fragrant basil. These final touches enhance the vibrant Mediterranean character, making each bite fresh and exciting.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy lemon vinaigrette or a simple bowl of roasted garlic hummus. These light sides keep the meal balanced, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe into generous wedges and serving it right from the pan for a rustic, cozy feel. For a party, cut into smaller squares and arrange on a large wooden board with fresh herb sprigs to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the flavors while keeping the crust from getting too soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza slices by individually wrapping them in foil or freezer-safe bags. Frozen this way, they’ll last for up to 2 months, making for a great quick meal option any time you get a pizza craving.
Reheating
To revive the texture and flavor of your Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid the microwave to keep that perfect crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of vegan cheese?
Absolutely! While vegan mozzarella works best for melt and stretch, you can experiment with other vegan cheeses like cashew-based or almond-based varieties. Just keep in mind that texture and meltiness may vary.
Do I have to let the dough rise overnight?
Allowing the dough to rise overnight develops richer flavor and better texture, but if you’re short on time, a 1-2 hour rise in a warm place can work as a quicker alternative.
Can I add other toppings besides mushrooms and olives?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding bell peppers, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, or spinach. Just make sure to sauté or prepare toppings that release moisture to avoid a soggy crust.
Is cast-iron pan necessary?
While a cast-iron pan gives that crispy golden crust and even heat distribution, if you don’t have one, a heavy oven-safe skillet or pizza stone can work as alternatives.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
If you don’t have active dry yeast, instant yeast can be used in the same quantity. Just mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients instead of activating it in water first.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with every bite. Its balance of chewy crust, melty vegan cheese, and those punchy green olives will quickly make it a go-to for your homemade pizza nights. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find yourself making it again and again.
Print
Vegan Pan Pizza with Green Olives and Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight rising)
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes (including dough rising time)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make vegan pan pizza featuring a crispy crust, topped with savory sautéed mushrooms, tangy green olives, and melty vegan mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe combines simple ingredients and minimal prep time, utilizing a cast-iron skillet and oven baking for an authentic pizzeria-style pizza at home.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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, to taste
- Oregano, to taste
- Basil, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and active dry yeast. Add lukewarm water and olive oil, then mix until a rough 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 skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Drizzle a little olive oil into the pan to prevent sticking and to help develop a crispy crust.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the risen dough to the hot skillet. Use your fingers to gently stretch the dough evenly to the edges of the pan. Let it rest for 15 minutes and then stretch again if necessary until it completely covers the pan.
- Prepare Toppings: In a separate pan, sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium heat until they are softened and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Pizza: Sprinkle half of the vegan mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough in the skillet. Spoon and spread the tomato sauce on top of the cheese, then add the sautéed mushrooms and sliced green olives. Finish by sprinkling the remaining vegan mozzarella over the toppings.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 450°F (230°C). Bake for 18-20 minutes until the pizza crust is golden brown and the vegan cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with red chili flakes, oregano, and basil according to your taste. Slice and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Letting the dough rise overnight enhances the flavor and texture of the pizza crust.
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve a crispy bottom crust similar to pan pizzas from pizzerias.
- If you don’t have vegan mozzarella, you can substitute with any vegan melting cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor alternative.
- Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite vegetables or olives.
- Be cautious when handling the hot skillet after baking; use oven mitts.
