Craving a delicious and satisfying vegan pizza? Look no further than this simple potato pizza with rosemary and olive oil.
Using olive oil instead of traditional cheese makes this an excellent vegan option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
You’ll find that this recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels. The combination of potatoes and rosemary brings a comforting, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crispiness of the pizza crust.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a homemade pizza that’s both healthy and mouthwatering.
Preparing Your Dough and Toppings
To make a delicious vegan potato pizza, start with a good vegan pizza dough and perfectly prepared potato toppings.
Making Vegan Pizza Dough
You need a mix of flour, water, yeast, and salt to make vegan pizza dough. Start by dissolving yeast in warm water and let it sit until bubbly. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Slowly add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. Once risen, shape it to fit your baking sheet or pizza stone.
Also Read: Do you know how long can pizza dough be stored in the fridge? Don’t throw it away until you’re sure!
Selecting the Best Potatoes
Choosing the right potatoes is key. Yukon Gold potatoes are a perfect choice for this recipe. They have a creamy texture and hold their shape well when baked.
Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can leave the skin on for extra nutrients and texture. Make sure to use fresh, firm potatoes without any green spots or sprouting.
Slicing Potatoes with a Mandoline
A mandoline slicer makes it easy to get consistently thin slices. Thinly sliced potatoes cook quickly and evenly, which is important for your pizza.
First, adjust the mandoline to the thinnest setting. Carefully slide each potato along the blade. Use the safety guard to protect your fingers. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a sharp knife but be careful to slice as thinly and evenly as possible.
After slicing, soak the potatoes in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat them dry with a kitchen towel before using. Now your toppings are ready for the oven.
Assembling the Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough, room temperature
- 2-3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the potatoes very thinly to ensure they cook evenly.
- In a bowl, toss the potato slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, sea salt, and chopped rosemary until well-coated.
Stretch the Dough:
- On a floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a 12-14 inch round. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone dusted with cornmeal.
Craft the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil with minced onion and a pinch of sea salt. Add minced garlic if desired.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the stretched dough. Ensure a light, even coating to avoid sogginess.
Arrange the Potatoes:
- Layer the seasoned potato slices on the dough, slightly overlapping them to create a single layer that covers the sauce.
Bake the Pizza:
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the potatoes are tender and crispy.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade vegan potato pizza, infused with the simple yet robust flavors of rosemary and olive oil! Perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual gathering.
Choosing Complementary Toppings
While the main focus is the potato and rosemary, consider adding other toppings to boost flavor. Thinly sliced onions pair well, adding a slight sweetness.
If you prefer spice, sprinkle chili flakes over the top. For a more substantial meal, add vegan mozzarella or thinly sliced olives. Drizzle a bit more olive oil before baking for a crisp finish.
Layering, sauce, and toppings combinations make your potato pizza a standout main course.
Baking and Serving
When baking and serving a vegan potato pizza with rosemary and olive oil, key factors include the type of baking surface used and how to achieve a crispy, golden crust that enhances the flavor.
Utilizing a Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone
Using the right baking surface can significantly impact your pizza’s outcome. Baking sheets are common and easy to use.
Place the dough on a lightly oiled sheet for even cooking. They provide stability and are less likely to cause sticking.
For a professional touch, consider a pizza stone. Preheat the stone in the oven to around 450°F (232°C). This mimics a traditional bakery’s stone oven, offering an ideal cooking surface. The pizza stone absorbs moisture, resulting in a crispy, authentic thin crust.
Ensure the dough is well-stretched to fit either the baking sheet or pizza stone. Dust with a bit of flour or cornmeal to avoid sticking. Using a pizza peel can help transfer the pizza to the hot stone. These steps ensure the best homemade pizza experience.
Achieving a Crispy, Golden Crust
To achieve a crispy, golden crust, start with a well-preheated oven.
Apply olive oil generously to the dough before adding toppings. This not only adds flavor but also encourages a crisp texture.
Since this is inspired by an Italian recipe, paper-thin potato slices are crucial. Thinner slices cook better and contribute to the crust’s crispness.
Bake the pizza for about 10-15 minutes or until the edges are golden and the potatoes cooked. Use a spatula to lift and check the crust’s underside.
et the pizza sit for a couple of minutes before slicing to ensure toppings settle, making serving neat and clean.
Following these steps will provide a delightful, crispy, and flavorful pizza, perfect for any occasion.
Tips for a Flawless Vegan Potato Pizza
For a flawless vegan potato pizza, it’s crucial to get the seasonings right, ensure a creamy texture without dairy, and pair the dish with the perfect wine and sides.
Harnessing the Right Seasonings
To make your vegan potato pizza flavorful, use fresh rosemary. It has a robust aroma that pairs well with potatoes.
If fresh rosemary is not available, you can use dried rosemary, but you’ll need to use a bit less since it’s more concentrated.
Sprinkle kosher salt or sea salt evenly on the potato slices to enhance flavor. A few grinds of black pepper add a bit of heat.
Minced garlic and thinly sliced yellow onion also boost flavor.
A pinch of paprika or chili powder can add some spice. Use these seasonings with a light hand; you can always add more after baking.
Ensuring Creamy Texture
Achieving a creamy texture is possible even without dairy. Mashed potatoes can be spread thinly on the pizza base before adding potato slices, giving each bite a rich, creamy feel.
For the toppings, slice the potatoes thinly so they cook evenly. Use a mandoline for uniform slices. Toss the slices in olive oil to keep them moist.
You can also add a spoonful of cashew ricotta, a dairy-free option, that will melt and blend beautifully with the potatoes.
If you like a bit of crunch, sautéed yellow onions work well. They add a slightly sweet flavor that complements the creamy potatoes.
Pairing with Wines and Sides
A well-paired wine enhances the dining experience. Choose a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. These wines are light and don’t overpower the subtle flavors of the rosemary and garlic.
For sides, consider a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness of the pizza. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts can also be a good match.
For those who prefer something starchy, dairy-free mashed potatoes or a loaf of crusty Italian bread can complete the meal without overshadowing the pizza.
The Bottom Line
Making a simple potato pizza with rosemary and olive oil is a delightful experience. It’s a dish that’s easy and requires just a few ingredients. You get to enjoy the fresh flavors of sliced potatoes, rosemary, and rich olive oil on a crispy crust.
The key to this pizza is using thin slices of potato. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender. Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant touch. Olive oil gives the pizza a rich, satisfying taste.
