Pizza is a universal favorite, but if you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply trying to cut back on dairy, the traditional pizza dough might not always work.
But don’t worry; plenty of dairy-free options still give you that chewy, crispy crust we love.
Whether you’re a seasoned pizza maker or a newbie in the kitchen, these 12 dairy-free pizza dough recipes will not only satisfy your pizza cravings.
Still, they will also make you wonder why you ever needed dairy in the first place. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and explore the delicious world of dairy-free pizza dough!
1. Classic Dairy-Free Pizza Dough
Let’s start with the basics. The classic dairy-free pizza dough is as straightforward as it gets. It has five ingredients: flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt. There are no fancy substitutes or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple pantry staples that form a perfect canvas for any topping.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: Mix the yeast with warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough: Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise warmly for 1-2 hours or until it doubles.
- Shape and bake: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the dough, shape it into a pizza base, and add your favorite dairy-free toppings. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy.
2. Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Pizza Dough
Being gluten and dairy-free doesn’t mean you must give up pizza. This recipe combines almond flour and tapioca starch for a chewy and crisp crust, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup tapioca starch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup warm water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine almond flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the egg (or flax egg), olive oil, and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Roll the dough between two pieces of parchment paper until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Add toppings and finish: Remove the dough from the oven, add your favorite toppings, and bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the toppings are cooked.
3. Cauliflower Pizza Dough
If you want to sneak extra veggies into your meal, cauliflower pizza dough is the way. It’s naturally dairy-free and offers a unique, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with various toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced
- 1 egg (or chia egg for vegan)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rice the cauliflower by grating it or using a food processor. Steam the riced cauliflower for 5 minutes, drain well, and press out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, egg, nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, salt, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Shape and bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the cauliflower mixture into a pizza crust about ¼ inch thick. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Top and finish: Remove from the oven, add your toppings, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
4. Sweet Potato Pizza Dough
Try sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist on your pizza crust! This dough is naturally gluten- and dairy-free, adding a delightful sweetness to your savory toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Cook the sweet potato: Microwave or bake it until soft, then peel and mash it.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, almond flour, olive oil, baking powder, and salt. Stir until a dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough between two pieces of parchment paper until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Add toppings and finish: Remove the dough from the oven, add your toppings, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the crust is crispy.
5. Chickpea Flour Pizza Dough
Chickpea besan or gram flour makes a fantastic dairy-free and gluten-free pizza crust. It’s high in protein and has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with a wide range of toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup warm water
Instructions:
- Mix the dry ingredients: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Whisk together the chickpea flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the olive oil and warm water until a smooth batter forms.
- Bake the crust: Pour the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it into a thin layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges start to brown.
- Top and finish: Add your favorite toppings and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until everything is golden and delicious.
6. Quinoa Pizza Dough
Quinoa is not just for salads! This superfood makes a protein-packed, gluten-free, and dairy-free pizza crust perfect for a healthy pizza night.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, soaked overnight
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Blend the quinoa: Drain the soaked and place it in a food processor with the baking powder, salt, olive oil, and water. Blend until smooth.
- Bake the crust: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the quinoa mixture onto the sheet and spread it into a thin layer. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Add toppings and finish: Remove from the oven, add your toppings, and bake for another 10-12 minutes.
7. Spelt Flour Pizza Dough
Spelt flour is an ancient grain that’s easier to digest than regular wheat. It makes for a wonderfully rustic, dairy-free pizza crust. Its nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture make it a fantastic alternative to standard pizza dough.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups spelt flour
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: Mix the yeast with warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy.
- Mix the dough: Combine the spelled flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the well in the center. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise warmly for 1-2 hours or until it doubles.
- Shape and bake: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the dough, shape it into a pizza base, and add your toppings. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy.
8. Oat Flour Pizza Dough
Oat flour is a fantastic gluten-free option that’s easy to make at home by grinding oats in a blender. This dough has a slightly sweet flavor and a chewy texture, making it perfect for a hearty, comforting pizza.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup warm water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the olive oil and warm water until a dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Top and finish: Remove from the oven, add your toppings, and bake for 10-15 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
9. Zucchini Pizza Dough
Zucchini is another vegetable that can be transformed into a delicious, dairy-free pizza crust. This dough is light and slightly crisp, and it’s a great way to sneak some extra greens into your diet.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the zucchini: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, egg, nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, salt, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Shape and bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the zucchini mixture into a pizza crust about ¼ inch thick. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Add toppings and finish: Remove from the oven, add your favorite toppings, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
10. Sourdough Pizza Dough
Sourdough pizza dough brings a tangy flavor and a chewy texture that’s hard to beat. This dairy-free version is perfect for anyone who loves the depth of flavor that only sourdough can provide.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sourdough starter (unfed)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, flour, warm water, olive oil, and salt. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead and let rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 3-4 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape and bake: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the dough, shape it into a pizza base, and add your toppings. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy.
11. Polenta Pizza Dough
Polenta makes a wonderfully crispy and slightly crumbly pizza crust that’s naturally dairy-free and gluten-free. It’s perfect for when you want something a little different, with a unique texture that complements a variety of toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook the polenta: Bring the water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat and cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- Shape the crust: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cooked polenta onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping it into a about ¼-inch-thick pizza crust.
- Bake the crust: Bake the polenta crust for 20 minutes or until it’s firm and brown at the edges.
- Add toppings and finish: Remove from the oven, add your toppings, and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
12. Buckwheat Pizza Dough
Buckwheat flour is a gluten and dairy-free option that offers a rich, earthy flavor to pizza crusts. It’s dense and hearty, making it an excellent base for robust toppings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups buckwheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the buckwheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the olive oil and warm water until a dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Add toppings and finish: Remove from the oven, add your toppings, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the edges are crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze dairy-free pizza dough?
Yes, most dairy-free pizza doughs freeze well. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic and place it in a freezer bag. It should last for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight.
2. How do I make my pizza crust crispy?
Preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to get a crispy crust before adding your dough. Roll the dough out as thin as possible and bake it at a high temperature.
3. Can I use these doughs for other types of bread?
Absolutely! These dough recipes can be adapted for flatbreads, rolls, or calzones. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
4. Do these doughs rise like regular pizza dough?
Some, like the classic and spelled doughs, will rise like traditional doughs, while others, like the cauliflower or chickpea flour doughs, won’t rise much but will still provide a delicious base for your pizza.
5. Are these recipes kid-friendly?
Yes, these dairy-free doughs are kid-friendly and a great way to introduce healthier alternatives to traditional pizza crusts. Plus, kids can help make the dough, which makes pizza night even more fun!
Final Thoughts
You can explore a world of options with these 12 dairy-free pizza dough recipes. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, a veggie-packed base, or just something new to try, these recipes will ensure your pizza nights are anything but boring.
So, grab your favorite dairy-free cheese, load up on toppings, and get ready to enjoy some of the best homemade pizza you’ve ever had in dairy-free style!
Whether you’re a pizza purist or a culinary adventurer, there’s a dough that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Time to get baking!
Jesmin Bithi, the co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a culinary maestro who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the platform. Jesmin’s journey in the food world started in her home kitchen, experimenting with different recipes and flavors. Her passion for cooking soon transcended the boundaries of her kitchen, leading her to become a professional chef.