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If you’ve been searching for the perfect vegan and gluten-free pizza crust that’s actually chewy and holds up to all your favorite toppings, you’ve finally found it! This homemade pizza dough is 100% plant-based and gluten-free, but still delivers that classic chewy texture we all crave—without any dairy, eggs, or wheat.
Whether you’re new to a gluten-free vegan lifestyle or just looking for a better alternative to store-bought crusts, this easy recipe is going to become a family favorite. It’s perfect for pizza nights, personal mini pizzas, and especially great for lunchbox pizzas. The crust holds up well even after reheating, and the best part? These pizzas freeze beautifully! You can prep a batch ahead of time, freeze them, and pop them into lunchboxes or reheat for a quick weeknight dinner.
Made with simple, wholesome ingredients and no weird aftertaste, this vegan gluten-free pizza crust checks all the boxes for texture, taste, and convenience. Keep reading for tips, tricks, and step-by-step instructions to make the best plant-based pizza dough from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Chewy Texture – This crust has that perfect chewy bite you’ve been missing in gluten-free pizza.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple, wholesome ingredients and no fancy equipment needed.
✔️ Perfect for Any Pizza Night – Make one big pizza, personal-sized pies, or fun mini lunchbox pizzas.
✔️ Freezer-Friendly – Bake ahead and freeze for quick meals anytime—great for meal prep or busy days.
✔️ Deliciously Gluten-Free & Vegan – No dry, crumbly crust here—just great taste and satisfying texture.
✔️ Kid & Family Approved – Even non-vegan, non-GF eaters will love it!
Jump to:
Ingredients
Active dry yeast – This is what gives the crust its light rise and airy texture. It helps create those lovely bubbles and chew you want in a good pizza base.
Warm water – Needed to activate the yeast. The right temperature helps the yeast “wake up” and do its job properly.
A touch of coconut sugar – Feeds the yeast so it becomes frothy and active. A little sweetness boosts the fermentation process.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour – The backbone of the dough. Choose a blend with xanthan gum for elasticity and structure (or add some if yours doesn’t have it).
Salt – Essential for flavor. It balances the dough and enhances the overall taste.
Apple cider vinegar – Adds a little tang and helps the dough rise better by reacting with the baking environment.
Olive oil – Adds richness and helps keep the dough tender and pliable. It also helps the crust brown nicely in the oven.
Top Tip
Let your dough rest and rise in a warm, draft-free spot like your oven with the light on. Gluten-free dough doesn’t stretch like traditional dough, but giving it time to rise properly will improve the texture and make it easier to shape. Don’t skip this step—it’s key to getting that soft, chewy crust with a golden edge!
Instructions
Step 1:
Start by adding warm water (just slightly warmer than body temp), a little sweetener, and your yeast to a small bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for it to get nice and foamy—that’s how you know it’s active and ready to go!
Step 2: Mix up the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, salt, and garlic powder if you’re using it. The garlic adds a little extra flavor, but feel free to leave it out if you want a plain crust.
Step 3: Combine and mix the dough
Pour the bubbly yeast mixture into your dry ingredients. Then add the olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Stir it all together until it forms a sticky dough. Don’t worry—it won’t feel like regular dough, and that’s totally okay for gluten-free baking.
Step 4: Let it rise
Cover your bowl with a clean towel and set it in a warm spot. I like to pop mine in the oven with the light on (but the oven off!). Let it rise for about 30 to 60 minutes. It should puff up a bit and feel lighter.
Step 5: Preheat the oven
Once your dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things from sticking.
Step 6: Shape your crust
Lightly oil your hands or a spatula, then press the dough into your desired shape on the prepared pan. You can also roll it between two sheets of parchment paper if you want a more even crust. Don’t worry about making it perfect—rustic is beautiful!
Step 7: Pre-bake the crust
Slide your crust into the oven and bake it for about 8-10 minutes. This helps it set and get slightly golden before adding any toppings.
Step 8: Add your toppings
Now the fun part! Spread on your sauce, add your favorite vegan cheese, veggies, or whatever you love on pizza.
Step 9: Finish baking
Pop the pizza back into the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and everything looks delicious and melty.
Step 10: Cool, slice, and enjoy
Let your pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Then dig in and enjoy your perfectly chewy, flavorful, vegan and gluten-free pizza!
Storage
Leftovers?
Let your pizza cool completely before storing (this helps prevent sogginess). Then pop the slices into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to reheat, I love using the air fryer or oven—it brings that crisp edge and soft center right back to life, or just a quick warm up in the microwave.
Want to freeze it?
Bake your pizza, let it cool, then freeze the slices on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and you’re set. They’ll keep for about 2 months. To reheat from frozen, just microwave, bake, or air fry until heated through.
🍕 Perfect for Lunchboxes (and Little Pizza Makers!)
This vegan and gluten-free pizza crust isn’t just great for dinner—it’s perfect for lunchboxes too! The recipe makes four 5-inch personal pizzas, ideal for kids, meal prep, or on-the-go meals. You can bake them ahead and freeze for quick grab-and-go lunches, or wrap them in foil to stay warm until lunchtime.
Want to make it fun? Turn them into a Lunchable-style pizza kit! Just pack a crust, some vegan cheese, and a small container of marinara so your kids can build their own pizza at school. It’s tasty, interactive, and mom-approved.
This recipe pairs perfectly with our Power-Packed Pizza Sauce!
More delicious pizza recipes
FAQ
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using. Just let it come to room temperature and rise fully before baking.
Gluten-free dough is naturally stickier than traditional wheat dough—this is normal! Lightly oil your hands or use parchment paper to help with shaping. Avoid adding extra flour unless it’s completely unworkable.
A high-quality gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum works best (like King Arthur Measure for Measure or Bob’s Red Mill 1:1). If your blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum, add about 1 teaspoon per 2½ cups of flour.
📖 Recipe
Easy Vegan & Gluten-Free Pizza Crust
This Vegan & Gluten-Free Chewy Pizza Crust is the perfect foundation for all your plant-based pizza creations! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this crust bakes up soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge—just like classic pizza, but 100% dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free. Whether you load it with melty vegan cheese or pile it high with veggies, this pizza crust holds up beautifully and satisfies every time. Perfect for Friday pizza nights, easy weeknight dinners, or make-ahead meal prep. Family-approved and allergy-friendly!
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- 1 tsp coconut sugar (to feed the yeast)
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Wake up your yeast
Start by adding warm water (just slightly warmer than body temp), a little sweetener, and your yeast to a small bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for it to get nice and foamy—that’s how you know it’s active and ready to go!
Step 2: Mix up the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, salt, and garlic powder if you’re using it. The garlic adds a little extra flavor, but feel free to leave it out if you want a plain crust.
Step 3: Combine and mix the dough
Pour the bubbly yeast mixture into your dry ingredients. Then add the olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Stir it all together until it forms a sticky dough. Don’t worry—it won’t feel like regular dough, and that’s totally okay for gluten-free baking.
Step 4: Let it rise
Cover your bowl with a clean towel and set it in a warm spot. I like to pop mine in the oven with the light on (but the oven off!). Let it rise for about 30 to 60 minutes. It should puff up a bit and feel lighter.
Step 5: Get your oven ready
Once your dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things from sticking.
Step 6: Shape your crust
Lightly oil your hands or a spatula, then press the dough into your desired shape on the prepared pan. You can also roll it between two sheets of parchment paper if you want a more even crust. Don’t worry about making it perfect—rustic is beautiful!
Step 7: Pre-bake the crust
Slide your crust into the oven and bake it for about 10 to 12 minutes. This helps it set and get slightly golden before adding any toppings.
Step 8: Add your toppings
Now the fun part! Spread on your sauce, add your favorite vegan cheese, veggies, or whatever you love on pizza.
Step 9: Finish baking
Pop the pizza back into the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and everything looks delicious and melty.
Step 10: Cool, slice, and enjoy
Let your pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Then dig in and enjoy your perfectly chewy, flavorful, vegan and gluten-free pizza!
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: main dishes
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: italian
- Diet: Vegan
Sandra says
This crust is terrific! Super simple to make and will be our new Friday night pizza night go to recipe!