Make delicious pizza everyone will love and celebrate pizza day.

World Pizza Day

Tomorrow, Thursday 9th February 2023, is World Pizza Day! 🍕 Pizza, as a universally loved food, has many different variations around the world and this day is dedicated to celebrating all things pizza! I apologise to my Italian friends who have their own Pizza Day in January – feel free to join in this one too!

How do I celebrate it?

There are many ways to celebrate World Pizza Day but they all involve pizza! You could simply buy your favourite pizza, visit your local pizzeria, have a pizza party or make your own pizzas at home. This day is also an opportunity to learn about the history of pizza and its evolution over time. From its humble beginnings as a simple, flatbread with toppings in ancient Greece and Rome to the wide variety of styles and toppings that exist today.

So, on World Pizza Day, grab a slice (or two), and celebrate this delicious dish that has been enjoyed by people for generations.

Pizza Toppings

While traditional pizza toppings often include cheese and meat, there are many delicious and creative ways to make a vegan pizza that is just as satisfying and flavourful. You can go simple with standard pizza toppings such as onions, mushrooms, peppers and sweetcorn, or try something a little different like marinated artichokes, avocado, or olives. You can go cheese-less, or try a vegan cheese alternative such as mozzarella, cheddar, or feta style cheeses made from coconut, nuts or soy. For a protein boost, add some tofu, tempeh, or seitan to your pizza, you could even find specific pizza style meats such as vegan alternative pepperoni, bacon or chicken strips.

You could even theme your pizza for example: for a Mediterranean pizza, top your crust with a garlic-infused tomato sauce, sliced olives, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of vegan feta cheese; for a Thai-style pizza, start with a spicy peanut sauce and top with sliced red peppers, carrots, and fresh coriander.

Here are a few toppings suggestions:

1. Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, courgettes or aubergines.
2. Fresh or sundried tomatoes, olives, and artichokes.
3. Various vegan cheese substitutes made from soy, nuts, or coconut milk.
4. Pesto made from basil, garlic, and nuts.
5. Vegan sausage or meat substitutes made from soy, seitan, or mushrooms.
6. Pineapple (not for me!)!, jalapenos, and avocado.
7. Herbs, such as oregano, basil, and thyme.
8. Nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy, nutty flavor.
9. Hummus or other spreads made from beans or tofu.
10. Caramelized onions, roasted garlic, and balsamic reduction.

Pizza sauce

Tomato based sauce is a classic option – an easy homemade version is to thin tomato puree with water, then add some garlic granules and oregano (or Italian style herbs). You could also make a chilli sauce, or use a barbeque sauce, red or green pesto, or even a creamy cheese sauce.

Pizza Crust

For many people, it is the crust that makes the pizza! For a crispy crust, try a thin, whole grain crust. For a soft and chewy crust, go for a thicker, white flour crust. Each type of crust offers its own unique flavour and texture, allowing for a wide range of pizza-eating experiences.

There are several types of pizza crusts, including:

1. Traditional: The classic pizza crust that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
2. Thin Crust: A crispy, cracker-like crust that is thin and crunchy.
3. Neapolitan: A thin, soft, and slightly chewy crust that is traditionally made with only four ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt.
4. Stuffed Crust: A pizza with a crust that has cheese or other fillings stuffed inside the perimeter.
5. Deep Dish: A thicker, heavier crust that is baked in a deep pan and has a flaky, buttery texture.
6. Sicilian: A thick, square-cut pizza that is typically made with a spongy, airy crust.
7. Gluten-Free: A crust made with gluten-free flours, such as rice flour, almond flour, or coconut flour.
8. Whole Wheat: A crust made with whole wheat flour, which provides added fiber and nutrients.
9. Vegetable crust: A crust made from grated or processed cauliflower/broccoli/carrots/courgette/butternut squash/sweet potato that is combined with some/all of flour, egg substitute and cheese to form a dough.
10. Other bread crusts: Try using tortilla wraps, pitta breads, English muffins as your pizza crust (base).
11. Aubergine Crust: A crust made from thinly sliced aubergines that is baked until tender and used as an alternative to bread bases for the pizza.

Pizza base recipe

Print

Pizza base recipe

A simple yeast free pizza base.

Course: main, Snack

Keyword: pizza, pizza day, vegan pizza

Created by:: Laurena @LifeDietHealth

Gather

• 500 g plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 240 ml lemonade or fizzy water
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Prepare

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder.
2. Pour in the olive oil and lemonade. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a dough.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for a minute or two.
4. Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rest for about 15 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 7 /220c / 430f

6. Roll the dough out to desired size, thickness and shape.

7. Place the rolled-out dough onto a lightly oiled baking sheet or pizza pan.

8. Add your pizza sauce, favourite toppings and cheese (if using).

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden brown and the toppings are cooked (please note many vegan cheese melts differently to dairy cheese).

10. Enjoy!

What do I need?

Hopefully you already have everything you need to make yourself a delicious pizza! however, if you fancy trying something different, or want ideas for Valentines Day, have a look at these! I do receive a small commission if you click through these Amazon links – but they are standard Amazon prices!

Sharing

With so many delicious and different options available, there’s something for everyone! Do you prefer a classic margherita or a unique and flavourful specialty pizza? My current favourite is an Italian style crust, with a herby garlicky tomato base, topped with onion, red & yellow peppers, artichokes, sweetcorn, vegan chicken style strips and vegan style pepperoni. I usually serve mine with salad and garlic bread! What will you make? Will you share?

I’d love to see your pizza photos (homemade or not)! tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram,  Pinterest,  Facebook or Twitter.

Leave me a comment below about anything pizza (pineapple or not?) or anything else… I love to chat!

I hope to speak with you soon

Laurena x