Kamil Perry
Cheese-free pizza is a real thing and is enjoyed by many, especially vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. Some people might argue that pizza without cheese isn't pizza at all, but the traditional pizza did not have any cheese. The oldest pizza served in pizzerias, the Marinara, does not contain any cheese. Today, many pizza places offer cheese-free options, and there are also several recipes available for making cheese-free pizzas at home.
Cheese-free pizza
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Vegan, dairy-free, lactose-free |
| Taste | Delicious, packed with flavor |
| Toppings | Olives, sweet corn, pineapple, red chili flakes, garlic, minced onion, black beans, pickled fresno chili peppers, nutritional yeast, balsamic glaze, fresh herbs, pickle onions, kimchi, cilantro garlic sauce, tahini herb sauce, turkey sausage, barbecue chicken, roasted carrots, Italian sausage, pepperoni, black olives, vegan cheese, etc. |
| Crust | Thin, gluten-free, Italian thin crust pizza dough, gluten-free pizza crust |
| Sauce | Marinara, tomato, oregano, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, basil, store-bought, homemade |
| Preparation | Bake for 15-20 minutes, let it cool before slicing |
| Availability | Pizza Pizza, Pizza Hut, MOD Pizza, Papa Murphy's, Panago Pizza, local pizzerias |
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What You'll Learn
Pizza chains that offer cheese-free pizza
While some people believe that pizza without cheese is not pizza, there are several pizza chains that offer cheese-free pizzas to cater to those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply do not like cheese.
Pizza Pizza
Technically, Panago Pizza is the most dairy-free-friendly pizza chain in Canada, with an impressive vegan menu. However, Pizza Pizza has the biggest selection of dairy-free crusts, sauces, drizzles, and toppings of any build-your-own pizza chain in North America.
Papa Murphy's
With over 1,000 locations across the country, Papa Murphy's is a favorite pizza spot for many in the US. The chain has partnered with Violife to offer vegan cheese on its Garden Veggie pizza and create-your-own options.
Pieology
Pieology offers \"fun\" and \"flavorful\" vegan pizza options. The menu includes Daiya vegan cheese, vegan beef meatballs, spicy Italian vegan sausages, BBQ sauce, and veggie toppings like jalapeños, mushrooms, and roasted peppers.
ZPizza
ZPizza is one of the biggest national pizza chains offering Daiya, a popular vegan cheese. Customers can create their own pies or grab a Berkeley Vegan, covered in roasted zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, Roma tomatoes, and Gardein vegan sausage.
MOD Pizza
MOD Pizza is attentive to allergic and special diet guests. Their staff is typically well-trained, and they have a plethora of sauce and topping options. They also offer vegan cheese and a gluten-free crust for an additional two dollars.
Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza has been expanding across the US since 2011 and now has hundreds of locations across the country. They offer vegan cheese and a gluten-free crust upon request.
Pie Five
With nearly 100 locations, mostly throughout the South and in California, Pie Five offers vegan cheese and a gluten-free crust at all of them. They also have a crust made from cauliflower on their menu.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut offers several dairy-free pizza crust and sauce options, including Udi's gluten-free crust. Chain locations can vary, but they always deliver with heaps of toppings.
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The history of cheese-free pizza
Cheese-free pizza has become an increasingly popular option for those who are vegan, dairy-free, or who simply dislike the taste of cheese. But the idea of pizza without cheese is not a new one. In fact, the earliest versions of pizza did not contain cheese at all.
Flatbreads with various toppings have been consumed by ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Persians, Romans, and Greeks. In the 6th century BCE, Persian soldiers serving under Darius the Great baked flatbreads with cheese and dates on their battle shields. In ancient Greece, citizens made a flatbread called plakous, which was flavoured with toppings such as herbs, onion, cheese, and garlic. Another term for this type of flatbread was placentae, which referred to pastries made with flour, cheese, oil, and honey.
In the 16th century, galettes, a type of flatbread, were referred to as "pizza" in Naples, Italy. At the time, pizza was considered a dish for poor people, particularly as street food. It was not until the late 18th century that the modern pizza was born when poor people in Naples started adding tomatoes to their yeast-based flatbread. The Marinara, the oldest pizza served in pizzerias, does not contain cheese and is topped with tomato, oregano, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and usually basil.
Today, pizza is enjoyed all over the world, and while cheese is a common topping, it is certainly not a necessary ingredient. Many people enjoy creating their own cheese-free pizza recipes at home, and some restaurants and pizza chains are now offering cheese-free options as well.
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How to make a cheese-free pizza dough
Making pizza dough without cheese is a great option for vegans, those with dairy allergies or intolerances, or anyone who wants to try something new. Interestingly, traditional pizza did not have any cheese on it! The oldest pizza served in pizzerias, the Marinara, does not contain any cheese and is topped with tomato, oregano, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and basil.
There are many ways to make a cheese-free pizza dough, and you can get creative with your choice of toppings. Here is one method to make a simple and delicious pizza dough without cheese:
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Pizza sauce of your choice
- Toppings of your choice (vegetables, herbs, spices, etc.)
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. You can also add any dry herbs of your choice to the dough for extra flavor.
- Mix the ingredients together by hand or use a hand-held or stand mixer.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer.
- Place the dough into a greased mixing bowl, cover tightly, and set aside to rise for about 90 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into two smaller pieces and roll them out into 8-inch circles.
- Using your fingers, press dents into the surface of the dough to prevent bubbling.
- Lightly brush olive oil over the top of the crust.
- Spread your chosen pizza sauce over the dough, and add your desired toppings. Get creative with your toppings and experiment with different combinations!
- Bake your pizza in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade, cheese-free pizza!
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make your perfect cheese-free pizza. You can also try different variations of the dough, such as a gluten-free or Italian thin crust option. Enjoy the process of creating your own unique pizza and savor the flavors of your homemade creation!
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Toppings for a cheese-free pizza
There are several options for those who want to enjoy a pizza without cheese. While some may argue that pizza without cheese isn't pizza, traditional pizzas did not have any cheese. Removing the cheese allows the flavours of the sauces and toppings to shine through.
One option is to use a generous amount of sauce to keep the pizza from drying out. For example, a Mediterranean-style pizza could include a base of hummus with basil, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, onion, pineapple, tomato, artichoke, and other vegetables. Another option is to use pesto as the base and top with sliced mushrooms, pine nuts, chicken, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and crushed red pepper. For those who like spicy food, red chili flakes, garlic, and minced onion can add a kick to any pizza.
For those who prefer more classic pizza options, a Margherita pizza can be made with just tomato and basil, with the option to add oregano or sun-dried tomatoes. A Hawaiian-style pizza with a generous base of ham and pineapple is another option, with the possibility of adding mushrooms or olives for a more supreme version. A white pizza can also be made without cheese by using a flavorful dairy-free alfredo sauce.
Cheese-free pizzas can be made at home or ordered from various pizza chains, such as Pizza Hut, MOD Pizza, and Pizza Pizza, which offer a wide range of dairy-free crusts, sauces, and toppings.
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The health benefits of cheese-free pizza
Cheese-free pizza is not only a delicious option for vegans and those with dairy allergies, but it also offers several health benefits. Firstly, removing cheese reduces the overall calorie content of the pizza. Cheese is known to be high in calories and fat, so opting for a cheese-free pizza can be a healthier choice, especially for those watching their weight.
Secondly, cheese-free pizzas allow for more creativity with toppings, encouraging the inclusion of nutrient-dense ingredients. Vegetables, herbs, and healthy protein sources such as grilled chicken or shrimp can be added to boost the nutritional value of the pizza. This not only increases the vitamin and mineral content but also provides a wider range of flavours and textures to enjoy.
Additionally, cheese-free pizzas can be a great option for those with dairy intolerances or allergies. Many people struggle to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, and may experience discomfort, bloating, and other digestive issues after consuming cheese. By eliminating cheese, individuals with lactose intolerance can still enjoy pizza without the unpleasant side effects.
Furthermore, cheese-free pizzas can help reduce the sodium content of the dish. Cheese is often high in sodium, and excessive sodium intake has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure. By opting for cheese-free alternatives, individuals can lower their sodium consumption, contributing to a healthier cardiovascular system.
Lastly, cheese-free pizzas can be a fun way to experiment with different ingredients and cuisines. For example, a Mediterranean-inspired pizza might feature a variety of vegetables, herbs, and olive oil, providing a flavourful and healthier twist on the traditional pie. So, while some may argue that pizza without cheese is not "real" pizza, it opens up a world of possibilities for both taste and nutrition.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese-free pizzas can be tasty. People who have tried cheese-free pizzas have said that they are "delicious" and "packed with flavor". You can also add dairy-free cheese to your pizza if you want to avoid dairy but still want the cheese flavor and texture.
You can make a cheese-free pizza at home or order one from a restaurant. Some pizza chains that offer cheese-free pizzas include Pizza Pizza, Pizza Hut, and MOD Pizza.
There are many toppings that go well on a cheese-free pizza. Some options include vegetables like sweet corn, aubergine, black beans, and olives; meats like Italian sausage, pepperoni, or turkey sausage; and sauces like balsamic glaze, cilantro garlic sauce, or tahini herb sauce.
