Name: Best Vegan Pizza with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Jalapeño, and Cashew Cream Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 small head broccoli, florets chopped into small pieces, top of stalk diced (½ cup); ⅓ cup halved cherry tomatoes; Kernels from 1 ear fresh corn; ¼ cup coarsely chopped red onion; ½ jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced; 4 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, diced; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling and brushing (about 2-3 tablespoons); Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade; ½ cup fresh basil leaves; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; Pinches of red pepper flakes; Water (optional, to thin the cashew cream if needed)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 29 reviews

There is something truly magical about the Best Vegan Pizza with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Jalapeño, and Cashew Cream Recipe that captivates every bite with vibrant colors, robust flavors, and a creamy texture that feels like a warm hug. This pizza brings together fresh broccoli, sweet corn, spicy jalapeño, and those irresistibly tangy sun-dried tomatoes atop a perfectly crisp crust, all balanced by the smooth, herb-infused cashew cream. It's not just a meal; it's a celebration on your plate that will delight vegans and non-vegans alike.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a fresh vegetable salad that has many colorful layers. The bottom layer has small pieces of light green celery and diced purple onions. On top of that are bright green broccoli florets scattered evenly, mixed with small yellow corn kernels. There are also bright red cherry tomatoes sliced in half, placed around the bowl adding a pop of color. The texture of the vegetables is fresh and crunchy, and the overall look is vibrant and healthy. Two woman's hands are holding the bowl from opposite sides, gently mixing the salad. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You'll Need

Keeping ingredients simple but thoughtfully selected lays the foundation for this pizza’s incredible taste and texture. Each component plays an essential role, offering freshness, spice, creaminess, or crunch that makes this dish unforgettable.

Broccoli florets and stalk: Provides a fresh, crunchy texture and a subtle earthiness that complements the tangy toppings.
Cherry tomatoes: Adds bursts of sweetness and juiciness, balancing spice and richness.
Fresh corn kernels: Brings a pop of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Red onion: Infuses a mild sharpness and a touch of crunch.
Jalapeño pepper: Thinly sliced for a perfectly spicy kick without overwhelming heat.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These oil-packed jewels add an intense, tangy savoriness critical to the flavor profile.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for drizzling and brushing, it helps roast vegetables to perfection and enriches the crust.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Elevate every ingredient, ensuring balanced seasoning.
Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade): The sturdy yet tender canvas that holds all toppings beautifully.
Fresh basil leaves: Adds aromatic brightness and an herbal lift.
Fresh thyme leaves: Offers subtle earthiness that deepens flavor complexity.
Cashew cream: Blended with basil, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to create the luscious, dreamy "cheese" base.
Red pepper flakes: Sprinkled on top for heat that lingers delightfully.

How to Make Best Vegan Pizza with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Jalapeño, and Cashew Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Vegetables

Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 450°F, which will ensure your pizza develops a crisp, golden crust. Meanwhile, mix the chopped broccoli, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh corn kernels, red onion, sliced jalapeño, and diced sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything well so each bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Shape the Dough and Layer the Cashew Cream

Stretch out your pizza dough onto a 14-inch pizza pan, aiming for an even thickness to get that perfect balance of chewy and crunchy. Lightly brush the edges with olive oil for a lovely golden finish. Next, dollop a few spoons of your herby cashew cream toward the center and spread it thinly across the base — this creamy layer elevates the pizza with luscious moisture and herbaceous notes.

Step 3: Top and Bake to Perfection

Distribute your well-seasoned vegetable mixture evenly over the cashew cream spread, ensuring every slice will have a bit of everything. Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for a crust that’s golden and slightly crisp, with tender, slightly roasted broccoli that’s perfectly cooked.

Step 4: The Finishing Touch

Once out of the oven, drizzle more cashew cream over the pizza for that extra creamy indulgence — if it feels too thick, just stir in a little water to reach that drizzle-friendly texture. Finish with fresh basil leaves, thyme, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a vibrant herbal lift and gentle heat that truly makes this recipe shine.

How to Serve Best Vegan Pizza with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Jalapeño, and Cashew Cream Recipe

The image shows a two-step process of making a vegetable pizza on a round pizza dough placed on a metal pan. In the first step, a woman's hand is spreading a thick white sauce evenly over the light beige dough base, which has a slightly rough texture. In the second step, another woman's hands are placing fresh vegetable toppings including bright green broccoli florets, diced light yellow corn, small red cherry tomato halves, and tiny purple onion pieces on top of the white sauce layer. The pizza pan is on a white marbled surface, and nearby there are small glass bowls with additional sauce and olive oil, plus a white bowl with more mixed vegetables. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your pizza by garnishing with freshly torn basil leaves and a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. A quick drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil just before serving adds a glossy finish and rich aroma that will absolutely wow your guests or family.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green side salad featuring arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted nuts, balancing richness with refreshing bites. You might also try a light bowl of roasted garlic hummus and crisp vegetable crudités for a complementary, colorful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, slice the pizza thinly into bite-sized squares as part of a party platter or serve on rustic wooden boards with fresh herb sprigs scattered around. Another fun idea is to offer small plates with dollops of extra cashew cream and chili flakes so everyone can customize their slices right at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a surprisingly tasty next-day snack or lunch.

Freezing

If you want to preserve a whole pizza, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 2 months without sacrificing the wonderful flavors and texture.

Reheating

When reheating, avoid the microwave to keep the crust crisp; instead, pop slices in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. This method revives the pizza’s freshly baked quality beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cashew cream with another plant-based option?

Absolutely! While cashew cream offers a creamy, mildly nutty flavor, you could also use almond cream, tofu-based ricotta, or even a store-bought vegan cheese spread to keep that luscious texture.

How spicy is the jalapeño in this recipe?

The jalapeño adds a gentle heat that complements the creaminess and sweetness of the other toppings. You can adjust the amount or remove seeds to tame the spice if you prefer a milder bite.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil and thyme?

Fresh herbs really brighten this pizza, but if all you have are dried, use about one-third of the amount and sprinkle them on before baking to allow their flavors to infuse properly.

Is it necessary to brush olive oil on the crust edges?

Brushing olive oil on the crust edges before baking promotes a beautiful golden color and adds subtle richness. While not mandatory, it definitely enhances the overall eating experience.

Can I prepare the toppings ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop and toss the vegetables with oil and seasoning a few hours before baking. Just keep them covered in the fridge until ready to use to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say the Best Vegan Pizza with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Jalapeño, and Cashew Cream Recipe is destined to become a weekly favorite. It's bursting with fresh flavors, satisfying textures, and a beautiful balance of creamy, spicy, and savory elements that make every bite memorable. Dive in, share it with friends, and watch this vibrant pizza disappear fast from your table!

Best Vegan Pizza with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Jalapeño, and Cashew Cream Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need