Vegan Truffle Bbq Garlic & Shiitake Pizza

Have you always been curious in making vegan pizzas at home? If so this recipe is for you!

Craving a pizza night with a unique twist? This Vegan Truffle BBQ Pizza is the perfect blend of rich flavors and plant-based goodness, making it a standout choice for your next homemade pizza. Combining the smoky sweetness of truffle BBQ sauce with vibrant toppings like bell peppers, red onions, and a generous layer of vegan mozzarella, this pizza brings a gourmet feel to your table. Inspired by the best of Trader Joe's products, including their crispy cauliflower crustand vegan-friendly ingredients, it's a delicious and easy way to enjoy a vegan pizza that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. Whether you’re trying out new products from the frozen section or experimenting with your favorite toppings, this pizza is sure to be a hit. Plus, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh basil adds the perfect finishing touch, making this recipe one for your social media feed or a cozy dinner with friends.

Why you will love this

• Ingredients are easily accessible.
• Ready in under 30 mins.
• Will bring your family and friends together.
• A fusion of bbq, truffle and your favorite food of all time. The pizza 🍕 
• it is Vegan and it will inspire who ever you share it with that vegan food can be tasty. 

What you need

• Trader Joes Vegan Plain dough - Skip all the meticulous processes of pizza doughery. For now just get the pre made one from Trader Joe’s just to get your self a head start on making your own pizza.
• Trader Joe’s Truffled BBQ Sauce - Always keep an eye out for some new TJ products like this one!
• Marinara - A good pizza always has marinara
• Shiitake Mushrooms - shiitakes are flavorful and hearty in texture that will go perfectly with our bbq sauce.
• Onions - Our staple aromatic. The start of a good dish always starts with sautéing some of these. 
• Arugula - also called rocket will add a refreshing peppery zing to this very special pizza. 

Steps

1. Dust your workstation with flour and lay out your dough. Stretch by hand or rolling pin. Be mindful and relaxed. Be one with the dough.
2. Spread Marinara evenly all across your rustic pie, sprinkle with vegan cheese of your choice. We will get into making our own vegan cheese in future posts.
3. Pop it in your preheated oven. If you got an Ooni or Gozney that’s fantastic. But for starters, we will be using our conventional home oven. Whack it up to hi, preheat including the baking tray.
4. Take the preheated baking tray out of the oven using your mittens or pot holder. Transfer your pie from the work station to the hot tray and bake on high for 10 mins watching and turning if necessary.
5. Prepare topping by sautéing garlic and shiitakes in a hot pan with olive oil. Deglaze as you please with balsamic or wine.
6. If the sides of pizza is browned enough, take it out of the oven. Transfer to your serving platter. Scatter deglazed Shiitake & Garlic. Garnish with Arugula and finish with Truffled BBQ sauce. Cut it up and enjoy. 

Variations for Vegan Truffle BBQ Pizza

1. Cauliflower Crust: Swap the regular pizza dough with Trader Joe’s cauliflower crust for a gluten-free option that still packs flavor and adds a crisp texture to your pizza night.
2. Pesto Pizza Twist: Add a vegan pesto sauce as the base before spreading the truffle BBQ sauce for a fresh, herby layer that complements the BBQ flavor.
3. Sweet Potato Base: For a unique flavor profile, use roasted sweet potatoes as a topping instead of bell peppers, enhancing the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
4. Caramelized Onion and Mushroom: If you love rich umami flavors, top your pizza with caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms for a deeper taste.
5. Spicy BBQ: For spice lovers, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the pizza a fiery kick.

Substitutions for Vegan Truffle BBQ Pizza

1. Vegan Cheese: Replace vegan mozzarella with vegan parmesan or vegan cream cheese for a creamy, tangy twist on the cheesy layer.
2. Sour Cream Alternative: If you're looking for something creamier, use coconut milk mixed with a pinch of salt and lemon juice to mimic sour cream without any dairy.
3. BBQ Sauce: Swap the truffle BBQ sauce with Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce for a tangier, mustard-based alternative that pairs well with the sweetness of the pizza toppings.
4. Bell Peppers: If you're out of bell peppers, try using red onions or black olives to bring another layer of savory and briny flavors to your pizza.
5. Vegan Meat Options: Add veggie burgers or vegan BBQ chicken for a meatier bite without straying from your plant-based diet.

FAQ for Vegan Truffle BBQ Pizza

1. Can I make this pizza gluten-free? Yes, you can use Trader Joe's cauliflower crust or any store-bought gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe completely gluten-free while still enjoying the same delicious flavors.
2. What is the best way to get a crispy crust? For the crispiest crust, bake the pizza at a high temperature (around 450°F) on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone. This helps to cook the crust evenly and quickly.
3. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, once the pizza has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best results.
4. What’s a good substitute for truffle BBQ sauce? If you can’t find truffle BBQ sauce, regular BBQ sauce mixed with a drizzle of truffle oil will give you a similar rich flavor.
5. Can I add more veggies? Absolutely! Feel free to load the pizza with your favorite fresh veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or even spinach for extra nutrients and texture.

Top Tip for Vegan Truffle BBQ Pizza

For the best results, make sure your pizza dough is at room temperature before rolling it out. This prevents the dough from shrinking and allows you to stretch it more easily. Also, don’t overload the pizza with too many toppings, as it can make the crust soggy. A balanced amount of toppings helps the pizza cook evenly and keeps everything crisp and delicious.

Hint for Vegan Truffle BBQ Pizza

If you’re aiming to impress your guests or level up your pizza night, try finishing your pizza with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right out of the oven. This adds a burst of freshness and elevates the overall flavor profile of your homemade pizza.