The luscious sweetness of caramelized onions with the creamy goodness of vegan ricotta, all topped with fresh, peppery arugula on a perfectly crispy crust. This flavor-packed masterpiece will delight both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Each bite of this delectable pizza offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for another slice before you know it! The idea for this delicious recipe came to me during a casual conversation with a local chef at his wine bar. While sharing my pizza plans for dinner, I asked for his topping recommendations and he suggested caramelized onions and arugula. Intrigued, I took his advice and added my twist.

The results were nothing short of spectacular. My non-vegan daughter, Alex, and hubby couldn’t get enough of it. And let me tell you, Alex isn’t usually a fan of vegan cheese, but this pizza won her over!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Caramelized Onion and Arugula Vegan Pizza is not only rich in flavor and easy to prepare but also versatile enough to please everyone at the table. I know you’ll love this recipe for all these reasons and more:

Rich Flavor

The magic of this pizza lies in the rich, sweet depth of flavor brought by the slow-cooked caramelized onions. Cooking the onions low and slow transforms them into a golden, sugary delight that pairs beautifully with the creamy vegan ricotta. The tangy, peppery arugula adds a fresh contrast, balancing the sweetness of the onions and the creaminess of the cheeses. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, creating a truly unforgettable pizza experience.

Easy Preparation

One of the best things about this pizza is how simple it is to prepare. With store-bought pizza dough and just a handful of ingredients, you can create a gourmet pizza without spending hours in the kitchen. The process is straightforward: caramelize the onions, prepare the dough, and assemble the toppings. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious homemade pizza ready to enjoy.

Versatility

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it a perfect choice for various tastes and dietary preferences. Sticking to the vegan version? Enjoy the delightful combination of caramelized onions, vegan ricotta and mozzarella, and arugula. Catering to non-vegans? Top the pizza with some sliced prosciutto for an extra layer of flavor.

What You Need To Make Caramelized Onion & Arugula Vegan Pizza

To craft this delectable pizza, you’ll need a selection of simple yet flavorful ingredients:

Store-Bought Vegan Regular or Gluten-Free Pizza Dough: Opt for your preferred type of pizza dough. Store-bought dough saves time without compromising on taste. Whether you choose regular or gluten-free, make sure it’s vegan-friendly.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is essential for sautéing the onions and adding a lovely golden crust to your pizza. It also enhances the overall richness of the dish.
Yellow or White Onions: These are the stars of the show. Slowly caramelized, they bring a sweet, deep flavor that elevates the entire pizza.
Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic infuses the pizza with its robust, aromatic essence, complementing the sweetness of the onions.
Vegan Ricotta: Choose a high-quality vegan ricotta, like Kite Hill. It adds a creamy, tangy layer that pairs beautifully with the onions.
Vegan Mozzarella: A good vegan mozzarella, such as Miyoko’s Creamery, melts wonderfully and adds that classic cheesy texture and flavor.
Arugula: Fresh arugula provides a peppery bite that balances the richness of the onions and cheeses, adding a burst of freshness to each bite.
Lemon: The lemon juice is used to dress the arugula, adding a zesty brightness that ties all the flavors together.
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the pizza. Adjust to your preference to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned.

@thestephaniedreyer ✨ Spoiler Alert: Your new favorite pizza has arrived! ✨ Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Caramelized Onion and Arugula Vegan Pizza 🌱I’m obsessed and can’t get enough of this flavor combo. With creamy vegan cheeses, sweet onions, and a zesty arugula topping, it's not just a pizza, it's a slice of gourmet heaven. 🍕Bookmark this recipe to make tonight! Ingredients: ¼ cup + 1 Tbsp olive oil 2 yellow or white onions, thinly sliced 1 store-bought vegan or gluten-free pizza dough 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced ¼ cup vegan ricotta (such as Kite Hill) ¼ cup vegan mozzarella (such as Miyoko’s Creamery), grated 2 cups arugula ½ lemon, juiced kosher salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 400°. 2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. When hot, add the onions. Season with salt and pepper and let cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring about every 5 minutes. (You want them to look brown and sugary, not charred.) 3. Meanwhile, roll out your dough and place on a pizza stone or pan. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and spread across the dough. Season with salt and pepper and spread the garlic slices across the pizza. 4. Crumble the vegan ricotta across the crust. Sprinkle with the vegan mozzarella. Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. 5. Remove the pizza from the onion and top with the caramelized onions. 6. In a small bowl, toss the arugula with the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Top with the pizza with the arugula. Slice and serve. 🔗 Comment "YUM" for the link to the full recipe. Who's joining me for a slice tonight? ✨ #VeganPizza #PlantBasedEats #CaramelizedOnions #HealthyDinner #FamilyMeals #VeganRecipes #PizzaLover #VeganFamily #EasyDinnerIdeas #FoodInspo #HomeCooking #TastyTuesday #EatWellLiveWell #CapCut ♬ Bright and pop EDM(1157713) - Until You Laugh

How to Make Caramelized Onion & Arugula Vegan Pizza

Creating this mouthwatering pizza is a straightforward process that yields impressively mouthwatering results. Follow these steps to bring this delightful dish to life:

Caramelizing the Onions

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté the Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Cook Until Caramelized: Let the onions cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. You want them to become golden brown and caramelized, developing a rich, sweet flavor. Be patient and avoid rushing this step—perfectly caramelized onions are worth the wait.

Preparing the Pizza Dough

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the pizza.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your store-bought vegan pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or pan.
Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the dough and spread it evenly.
Add Garlic Slices: Sprinkle the thinly sliced garlic cloves over the dough. Season with a bit more kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Assembling the Pizza

Spread the Vegan Ricotta: Crumble the vegan ricotta evenly across the crust.
Sprinkle the Vegan Mozzarella: Scatter the grated vegan mozzarella over the ricotta, ensuring an even distribution.
Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Adding Toppings

Top with Caramelized Onions: Carefully remove the pizza from the oven and evenly spread the caramelized onions over the top, ensuring every slice gets a generous amount.

Finishing Touches

Prepare the Arugula: In a small bowl, toss the arugula with the fresh lemon juice. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Scatter the Arugula: Just before serving, scatter the dressed arugula over the hot pizza. The fresh, peppery greens add a vibrant contrast to the rich, savory toppings.
Slice and serve!

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: Prepare the caramelized onions and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Pizza Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer according to package instructions.
Leftovers: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe if preferred.

Can I omit the vegan ricotta or mozzarella?

Absolutely! Customize the pizza toppings to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this pizza gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. Ensure all toppings and ingredients are also gluten-free to suit dietary preferences. To reheat vegan twice baked garlic herb potatoes, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

How can I reheat leftover pizza to maintain its crispiness?

To reheat leftover pizza and maintain its crispy crust, we recommend using an oven or toaster oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the slices on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy again.

Can I substitute arugula with another type of greens?

Yes, if you prefer a different leafy green or have spinach or kale on hand, you can substitute arugula with your preferred greens. Adjust seasoning and lemon juice to taste accordingly.

Caramelized Onion & Arugula Vegan Pizza

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