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Vegan Pepperoni Pizza

In the Vegan Pepperoni Pizza recipe I show you how to make the world’s most favorite pizza in a vegan version. The key is making thin, fiery spiced zucchini slices as a vegan pepperoni alternative – let’s calls them zucchinoni and enjoy a delicious pizza together.

A slice of the Vegan Pepperoni Pizza on a small white plate with the rest of the pizza in the background.

In last weekend’s Burger vs. Pizza poll on Facebook (deciding which would be the recipe posted on Monday), the Vegan Buffalo Burger narrowly came out on top. But there is no need to be disappointed for the pizza lovers because here is already the runner-up: my Vegan Pepperoni Pizza.

Pepperoni Pizza seems to be consistently near the top of lists with favorite comfort foods. And it’s understandable – take a crust, throw pepperoni and cheese on top, bake, done. So simple. However what can you do when you want it meatless and dairy-free?

Having a good vegan cheese is one thing. The other is how to capture the pepperoni style? Of course one can go and try to find some ready-made vegan sausage, slice it and be done. Fair enough, but that’s not what I wanted to do here.

Two Vegan Pepperoni Pizzas side-by-side.

Instead I was looking for a homemade plant-based option. I found it in using thin zucchini slices that I marinated overnight in a spicy hot sauce mix. I used, for example, sambal ulek – a raw chili paste – and a bit of tamari, and balsamic vinegar.

It depends a bit on just how spicy you like your zucchini-“Pepperoni” (or “zucchironi”?!?) In fact, I also put the mix in the oven at medium temperature for a couple of minutes before I stored the zucchini-“Pepperoni” in the fridge – but I’m sure this is not essential. Just keeping it marinated will do.

What you get is not only fiery spiced (or no so much depending on your preference) but absolute delicious. You know what you get when you do it all from scratch. And who knew it could be so easy?

Top view on a Vegan Pepperoni Pizza with a slice taken out and on a plate set on a decorative cloth.

That’s right. Honestly, people, we need to do something good for us. No need to pump your body with artificial flavors when you can do so much better.

And look at the pizza! Isn’t it stunningly beautiful? Don’t you want to grab a piece out of your screen? I know I do every time I look back at this Vegan Pepperoni Pizza.

So who is in? Count of hands!

Closeup of the Vegan Pepperoni Pizza

How to make a Vegan Pepperoni Pizza

Preparing the pizza is then – again – straightforward. I like to use a simple dough for the crust, combining gluten-free flour, water, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and olive oil.

Spread a bit of tomato paste on top before you cover it with the marinated zucchini-“Pepperoni” slices. If you are really brave (or crazy), you can use some of the spicy marinade and mix it with the tomato paste for an extra spice punch. Finish off with the vegan cheese and bake for 12-15 minutes in the oven.

What you get is a fierce Vegan Pepperoni Pizza unlike any you ever had before.

Collage of two pictures of the Vegan Pepperoni Pizza with recipe title text.

As always if you try it. tag me on Facebook and Instagram. Say hello, snap a picture, and let’s meet up. Happy pizza night, Florian.

Vegan Pepperoni Pizza

Vegan Pepperoni Pizza

Yield: 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Pepperoni Pizza seems to be consistently near the top of lists with favorite comfort foods. And it’s understandable – take a crust, throw pepperoni and cheese on top, bake, done. So simple. However what can you do when you want it meatless and dairy-free? Having a good vegan cheese is one thing. The other is how to capture the pepperoni style?

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 8 oz (250 g) gluten-free flour
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 tsp aluminum-free baking powder
  • pinch salt

For the topping:

  • 2 Tbs tomato paste
  • 2 zucchini
  • hot sauce
  • 2 Tbs tamari
  • 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
  • vegan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the zucchini "Pepperoni":

  1. Wash and thinly slice the zucchini.
  2. In a baking dish, mix hot sauce with tamari and balsamic vinegar. Add the zucchini and mix, so that they are covered well.
  3. Cover and marinate over night in the fridge.
  4. Pro-tip: Put the spiced zucchini in the oven and bake at medium heat (320°F/160°C) for 10-15 minutes before storing in the fridge.

For the crust:

  1. Give all ingredients for the dough to a bowl and knead well. You should have a slightly moist but sticky dough. Let it sit for a couple of minutes.
  2. Form the pizza crust by spreading the dough.

To make the pizza:

  1. Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C).
  2. Spread the tomato paste on top of the crust. Add the marinated spicy zucchini slices. Top off with vegan cheese. You can of course use as much as you like.
  3. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 0.5 pizza
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 510Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1020mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 6g

Brenda

Sunday 15th of July 2018

Oh I'm super excited to try your "Zucchinioni"!!! What a great invention! Thanks for the vegan recipes! Brenda

Florian

Sunday 15th of July 2018

Thanks, Brenda! So easy and delicious! Let me know what you think!

Latasha

Tuesday 17th of April 2018

Hi, Florian great Idea for this pizza I have been wanted pizza for quite some time now. I wanted to make this tonight for dinner. How do you think it will taste if I don't have time to marinate over night?

Florian

Tuesday 17th of April 2018

Hi Latasha! That's not a big deal! Please allow them to marinate for around 15 minutes.

Kristin

Wednesday 4th of April 2018

pepperoni out of zucchini!? brilliant!

Florian

Wednesday 4th of April 2018

Thanks, Kristin! So good!

Danielle

Sunday 4th of March 2018

I want to make this for my family to prove to them we can still have pizza night AND be healthy! Can you give me some guidance on the hot sauce? Is this like Tabasco or more like Frank’s Red Hot... or something else?

Florian

Sunday 4th of March 2018

Hi Danielle! I would say it's like Frank's Red hot!

Vanessa

Tuesday 27th of February 2018

This looks so good! I am excited to try it!

Florian

Tuesday 27th of February 2018

Enjoy, Vanessa! So good!

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