Vegan Veneziana from PizzaExpress features a flavorful combination of tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella, roasted red peppers, red onions, and fresh basil on a thin, crispy crust, delivering a vibrant and satisfying plant-based pizza experience.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle (for sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking tray or pizza stone
- Grater (for vegan mozzarella, if needed)
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 3 1/4 cups (400g) bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water
- For the toppings:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup (90g) vegan mozzarella, grated or sliced
- 1/2 cup (70g) roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup (30g) red onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (7g) fresh basil leaves
Using bread flour with a high protein content ensures a chewy and sturdy pizza dough that can hold the toppings well. Active dry yeast requires activation in warm water, so make sure your water is around 110degF (43degC) to promote proper fermentation. Grated or sliced vegan mozzarella varies in melt and stretch, so choose the form based on your preferred texture and ease of use. Fresh basil and roasted red peppers added after baking retain their vibrant flavors and colors, enhancing the overall taste profile. Your Vegan Veneziana from PizzaExpress copycat menu will faithfully replicate the restaurant's balance of tangy tomato sauce, creamy vegan mozzarella, and fresh, aromatic toppings.
Instructions
- Preheat pizza oven to high temperature (450°F/230°C or as hot as possible).
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; let sit until foamy (5–10 min).
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to yeast mixture; mix to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic (8–10 min).
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1–2 hours).
- Punch down dough; transfer to floured surface.
- Divide dough as desired (1–2 pizzas); shape into smooth balls.
- Roll out dough thinly using rolling pin.
- Place rolled dough onto pizza peel dusted with flour/semolina (or baking tray with parchment).
- Ladle tomato sauce evenly over dough, leaving a border.
- Sprinkle vegan mozzarella over sauce.
- Evenly distribute roasted red peppers and red onions.
- Bake in preheated oven or on pizza stone until crust is golden and crisp (7–12 min).
- Remove pizza and scatter fresh basil leaves on top.
- Slice and serve hot.
Substitution
The Vegan Veneziana from PizzaExpress copycat menu combines tangy tomato sauce, creamy vegan mozzarella, roasted red peppers, red onions, and fresh basil on a thin, crisp crust. If vegan mozzarella is unavailable, you can substitute it with cashew-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. When preparing the dough, room temperature ingredients help activate the yeast more efficiently for better rise and texture. Using a pizza stone or baking tray ensures consistent heat distribution, delivering a perfectly crisp crust similar to the original. Your homemade pizza will benefit from preheating the oven thoroughly to achieve a bakery-quality bake.
Tips
Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated properly by waiting until it becomes foamy before mixing it with flour; this step is crucial for a light, airy dough. When kneading, work the dough until it's smooth and elastic to develop gluten, which provides the pizza its perfect structure. Use semolina or flour on the pizza peel to prevent sticking, and avoid overloading the pizza with toppings to maintain a crispy crust. Don't forget to add fresh basil after baking to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma for the best taste experience.
Nutritions
Vegan Veneziana offers a nutritious meal rich in plant-based ingredients, supplying carbohydrates from the bread flour in the thin crust for energy. The vegan mozzarella provides a source of plant-based protein and calcium, essential for bone health. Roasted red peppers and red onions add antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber to support your immune system and digestion. Fresh basil contributes phytonutrients and enhances flavor without adding calories, making this pizza both satisfying and wholesome.
Storage
Store your Vegan Veneziana pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 2-3 days to ensure optimal taste and texture. For the best reheating results, warm it in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melty vegan mozzarella.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap roasted red peppers with sun-dried tomatoes or grilled zucchini for a different burst of flavor and texture. Use smoked vegan cheese instead of basic vegan mozzarella to add smoky depth to your pizza. For a crispier crust, try par-baking the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings. You can also experiment by tossing fresh basil with a bit of olive oil and garlic for an aromatic finish right before serving.
Allergies
The Vegan Veneziana from PizzaExpress contains wheat flour, which is a common allergen for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. The vegan mozzarella may contain soy or nut-based ingredients, posing potential allergies for individuals sensitive to these components. You should always check ingredient labels or contact the restaurant to ensure the pizza meets your allergy requirements.
Why this recipe?
The Vegan Veneziana menu from PizzaExpress stands out for its rich blend of plant-based ingredients that deliver authentic Italian flavors without compromising on taste or texture. The menu features expertly crafted vegan cheese, seasoned vegetables, and a perfectly baked crust, appealing to both vegans and those seeking healthier dining options. Attempting a copycat recipe allows you to recreate this unique culinary experience at home, ensuring control over ingredient quality and customization. Your kitchen becomes a space to enjoy a delicious, guilt-free meal that balances tradition with modern dietary preferences.