This vegan Mexican pizza is made with fire-roasted crushed tomatoes or salsa, refried beans, vegan roasted jalapeño cheese and topped with avocado, crushed corn tortillas, and garnished with cilantro and scallion greens.
Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also comes with the benefits of being plant-based, making it a healthier alternative to traditional pizzas. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, with most of the ingredients requiring minimal prep. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough (1 large, approx. 350 grams):
- You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough. Ensure it’s vegan if purchased. Allow the dough to come to room temperature for easier rolling.
- Fire-Roasted Crushed Tomatoes or Salsa (1 cup):
- This serves as the base sauce. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky flavor, while salsa introduces a spicier, tangy element. Choose according to your preference.
- Refried Beans (1 cup):
- These provide a creamy texture and protein-rich layer. Use vegan refried beans (check labels for no added lard or animal products).
- Vegan Roasted Jalapeño Cheese (1 cup):
- A spicy, creamy vegan cheese that enhances the flavor. If unavailable, substitute with your favorite vegan cheese, such as cashew-based or soy-based varieties.
- Red Onion (diced):
- Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch. Dice them small for even distribution.
- Scallions (sliced, whites and greens divided):
- The white part adds a mild onion flavor during baking, while the green part is used fresh as a garnish for a pop of color and freshness.
- Jalapeños (thinly sliced):
- Adds heat to the pizza. For milder spice, remove the seeds and membranes.
- Roma Tomatoes (diced):
- These are firmer and less watery, making them perfect for topping the pizza without making it soggy.
- Avocado (diced):
- Adds creaminess and richness. Use ripe but firm avocados to hold their shape on the pizza.
- Crushed Corn Tortillas (½ cup):
- Adds a crunchy texture and authentic Mexican flair. You can crush tortilla chips or lightly toast fresh tortillas and crumble them.
- Fresh Cilantro:
- Garnishes the pizza with an earthy, fresh flavor. Skip if you’re not a fan of cilantro.
- Hot Sauce:
- Served on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
How To Make Vegan Mexican Pizza
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature ensures a crisp crust and evenly cooked toppings. Use a pizza stone if you have one, as it helps distribute heat evenly and creates a crispy base.
- Prepare the Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. For a thin crust, roll it out evenly to about 12 inches in diameter. For a thicker crust, leave it slightly thicker but ensure uniform thickness to cook evenly.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the Base Layers:
- Spread an even layer of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes or salsa over the dough. Leave about ½ inch around the edges for the crust.
- Using a spoon or spatula, evenly spread the refried beans over the tomato base. The refried beans create a creamy and flavorful layer that contrasts with the tomato’s acidity.
- Add Vegan Cheese and Toppings:
- Sprinkle the vegan roasted jalapeño cheese across the pizza. Spread it out evenly for every bite to have that cheesy goodness.
- Top with diced red onions, scallion whites, thinly sliced jalapeños, and roma tomatoes. Distribute these toppings evenly to ensure balanced flavor.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the edges turn golden brown and the vegan cheese melts properly. Rotate the pizza halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Cool and Add Fresh Toppings:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 1-2 minutes. Cooling slightly prevents fresh toppings from wilting or becoming overly soft.
- Top the pizza with diced avocado, crushed corn tortillas, and garnish with cilantro and scallion greens. These fresh ingredients add a vibrant, refreshing flavor and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the pizza into 6-8 pieces and serve with hot sauce on the side. The hot sauce allows each diner to customize the level of heat.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Vegan Mexican Pizza:
- Since this pizza relies on fresh ingredients, prioritize ripe tomatoes, creamy avocados, and good-quality vegan cheese for the best flavor.
- Pat dry the roma tomatoes and any excess moisture from the salsa or crushed tomatoes before spreading to prevent a soggy base.
- If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for 30 minutes before adding the pizza. A hot surface ensures a crispy crust.
- Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your spice tolerance. For a milder flavor, use roasted poblano peppers instead.
- Don’t limit yourself to cilantro and scallions. Try adding pickled jalapeños, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or even vegan sour cream as toppings.
- Substitute the pizza dough with a gluten-free crust if needed.
- To keep diced avocado fresh and prevent browning, toss it with a little lime juice before adding it to the pizza.
- Prepare an extra batch of the toppings and sauce to make a quick pizza on another day. Store the prepared ingredients separately in the fridge.
- Add the crushed corn tortillas and avocado just before serving to maintain their crunch and freshness.
Vegan Mexican Pizza
This vegan Mexican pizza is made with fire-roasted crushed tomatoes or salsa, refried beans, vegan roasted jalapeño cheese and topped with avocado, crushed corn tortillas, and garnished with cilantro and scallion greens.
Ingredients
- 1 large pizza dough 350 grams (approximately 12.5 ounces
- 1 cup fire-roasted crushed tomatoes or salsa
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup vegan roasted jalapeño cheese
- 1 red onion diced
- 1 scallions sliced (whites and green parts divided)
- 1 jalapeños thinly sliced
- 1 roma tomatoes diced
- 1 avocado diced
- Half cup crushed corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Hot sauce to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread an even layer of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes or salsa over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Spread the refried beans over the tomato base, smoothing it out.
- Evenly distribute the vegan roasted jalapeño cheese across the pizza.
- Add diced red onions, scallion whites, jalapeños, and roma tomatoes on top of the cheese.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
- Top with avocado, crushed corn tortillas, and garnish with cilantro and scallion greens.
- Slice and serve with hot sauce on the side. Enjoy!