Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria in Bloomington featured vegan dishes by name, including a vegan calzone and a vegan double cheese burger. That was ahead of many neighborhood pizzerias. Vegan pizza has come a long way since, and here is how to get a good one.
Is pizza dough vegan?
Basic pizza dough (flour, water, yeast, salt and sometimes olive oil or sugar) is naturally vegan. Watch for:
- Butter or milk in some pan, deep-dish and “buttery” crusts
- Honey as a sweetener in some whole-wheat doughs
- Egg wash on calzones and stromboli
- Cheese-stuffed crusts, obviously
Is pizza sauce vegan?
Most red sauces are, but some contain parmesan or anchovy. White and alfredo sauces contain dairy. Pesto usually contains parmesan unless it is labeled vegan.
The best dairy-free cheeses for pizza
| Base | Melt | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut oil and starch blends | Good stretch and browning | Mild; closest to mozzarella |
| Cashew-based | Creamy, less stretch | Rich and tangy |
| Oat or soy-based | Varies by brand | Neutral |
Tip: vegan cheese browns best when it is shredded thin and the pizza is baked hot. A light spray of olive oil on top helps.
Great vegan toppings
- Roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted garlic
- Artichoke hearts, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, olives
- Plant-based sausage or pepperoni
- Pineapple and jalapeño; see our Hawaiian guide
- Finishers: fresh basil, arugula, balsamic glaze, chili oil
How to order vegan pizza at a pizzeria
- Ask whether the dough contains dairy, egg or honey.
- Confirm the red sauce has no cheese in it.
- Request dairy-free cheese, or no cheese with extra olive oil and vegetables.
- Skip garlic butter on the crust unless the pizzeria uses a vegan version.
- If you have an allergy, ask about shared prep surfaces.
Beyond pizza: vegan calzones
A calzone is the same dough folded around fillings, and it is easy to make vegan with the right cheese and no egg wash. See the vegan calzone guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is cheese-free pizza still good?
Yes. Marinara pizza (tomato, garlic, oregano and olive oil) is a traditional Neapolitan style with no cheese at all.
What vegan cheese melts best on pizza?
Coconut-oil and starch-based shreds melt and stretch most like mozzarella; cashew-based cheeses are creamier but stretch less.
Is thin crust pizza vegan?
Usually, but check for butter, milk or honey in the dough.
This guide is published by the team preserving the Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria website. Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria at 521 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN has permanently closed; this page offers general food information and is not an offer to order.
