Vegan Birria Pizza: Spicy, Cheesy, Plant-Based Perfection for Any Occasion
Prepare to elevate your taste buds with this incredible vegan birria pizza! It captures all the rich, savory flavors and satisfying toppings of traditional birria tacos, but creatively reimagined on a deliciously cheesy pizza crust. This unique fusion dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, perfect for exciting game day gatherings, lively parties, or a comforting family dinner on a chilly evening. It truly might be the ultimate plant-based showstopper you’ve been searching for!
Birria, a beloved Mexican culinary tradition, is typically a hearty stew featuring slow-cooked meat that’s been generously seasoned with an intricate blend of aromatic spices. It’s famously served with a flavorful consommé, a rich broth ideal for dipping. In recent years, chefs and food enthusiasts alike have been ingeniously adapting birria into exciting new forms, from savory birria nachos to comforting birria ramen. When the concept of birria pizza emerged, I knew instantly that I had to craft a plant-based version.
The delicious challenge was clear: how to make this trending dish completely vegan? Fortunately, the groundwork was already laid! I have a fantastic vegan birria recipe right here on Jessica in the Kitchen, which forms the perfect foundation. This birria pizza recipe expertly builds upon that savory base, transforming the succulent birria “meat” and its rich broth into an extraordinary topping for a homemade vegan pizza, rather than traditional tacos. The result is a vibrant, flavorful dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Vegan Birria Pizza Recipe
- 100% Plant-Based Delight: While most birria pizza recipes rely on meat and dairy cheese, our version is entirely plant-based, offering a guilt-free indulgence for vegans and plant-based eaters. This means everyone can enjoy the rich, complex flavors without compromise.
- An Exciting Twist on a Classic: This recipe takes the deep, robust, and slightly spicy flavors of traditional birria and brilliantly reinterprets them onto a familiar, beloved canvas: pizza! It’s an unexpected and delightful fusion that offers a fresh perspective on two culinary favorites.
- The Ultimate Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a lively watch party or enjoying a cozy evening with family, this birria pizza is guaranteed to be a hit. Its savory, spicy profile, combined with abundant melted vegan cheese and a satisfyingly crisp crust, makes for an unforgettable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Bursting with Authentic Flavor: Thanks to the robust spices in our homemade vegan birria stew, every bite is packed with authentic Mexican-inspired flavors. The slow-cooked vegan “meat” (typically mushrooms or jackfruit) absorbs all the rich seasonings, delivering an incredibly satisfying taste.
- Customizable and Fun: Pizza is all about personalization, and this birria pizza is no exception. Feel free to adjust the spice level with more or fewer jalapeños, experiment with different vegan cheeses, or add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours. It’s a fun and interactive dish to prepare and enjoy.
Essential Notes on Ingredients for Vegan Birria Pizza
For precise ingredient quantities and comprehensive recipe instructions, please refer to the detailed recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil forms the base for caramelizing the onions, adding a foundational richness and facilitating their slow transformation into sweet, jammy goodness.
- Yellow onion: Thinly sliced yellow onions are cooked down until beautifully caramelized. This process deepens their natural sweetness and adds an incredible layer of savory depth to the birria pizza, complementing the robust birria flavors perfectly.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the onions during caramelization, drawing out their moisture and enhancing their flavor. It also balances the overall taste profile of the pizza.
- Pizza dough: You have options here! Feel free to use your favorite store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or opt for a homemade crust. For a truly exceptional result, I highly recommend using my easy-to-follow vegan pizza dough recipe, which yields a wonderfully chewy and crisp crust.
- Birria stew (broth only): This is the heart of the birria flavor! We use the rich, savory, and aromatic broth from my acclaimed vegan birria tacos. This consommé is spooned directly onto the pizza crust as the base “sauce,” infusing every bite with its complex spice blend.
- Shredded vegan mozzarella: Crucial for that classic cheesy pizza experience. Look for a brand that melts well and offers a creamy texture. Vegan mozzarella provides a mild, milky counterpoint to the bold birria flavors.
- Birria “meat”: In our plant-based version, the “meat” comes from the seasoned mushrooms (or other chosen protein like jackfruit) from the vegan birria taco recipe. These are slow-cooked to absorb all the delicious spices, providing a tender, savory, and wonderfully textured topping.
- Pickled jalapeños: These add a bright, tangy kick and a moderate level of spice that cuts through the richness of the birria. Adjust the amount based on your personal spice preference – a little goes a long way for some!
- Vegan Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar): This adds another layer of cheesy goodness and a slightly sharper flavor profile than mozzarella. A vegan cheddar alternative works equally well if you prefer that classic tang. The blend helps create a beautiful, gooey topping.
- Cornmeal: Used to dust the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. This simple step is vital for preventing the pizza dough from sticking and helps achieve that wonderfully crispy, golden-brown crust on the bottom.
- Fresh cilantro: A vibrant, fresh garnish that adds a burst of herbal flavor and brightens the entire dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, sliced green onions make an excellent substitute, or you can simply omit it.
How to Craft Your Own Delicious Vegan Birria Pizza
Bringing this mouth-watering vegan birria pizza to life is a straightforward process, especially if you’ve already prepared the vegan birria stew. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, flavorful pizza:
- Get the Oven Ready (Prep): First things first, preheat your oven to a scorching 500°F (260°C). Crucially, place a pizza stone or a heavy-duty baking sheet on the bottom rack as it preheats. This step is key to achieving that perfectly crispy crust.
- Master the Caramelized Onions: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in your thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook them patiently, stirring occasionally, until they transform into a soft, golden-brown, and intensely sweet caramel. This process takes time but is well worth the effort for the depth of flavor it adds.
- Roll Out Your Dough: Divide your pizza dough into four equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll each portion into a circular shape, roughly 5 inches in diameter. Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
- Layer on the Goodness (Assemble): Now for the fun part! Evenly spread a quarter of the rich birria stew broth onto each pizza dough circle, leaving a small half-inch border around the edges. Next, layer on the shredded vegan mozzarella, followed by the savory birria “meat” (mushrooms), the sweet caramelized onions, and the tangy pickled jalapeños. Finish with a generous sprinkle of vegan Mexican blend cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully pull the hot pizza stone or baking sheet from the oven. Dust its surface generously with cornmeal – this prevents sticking and adds an extra layer of crispness. Gently transfer two of your assembled pizzas onto the hot surface. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully puffy and blistered, and the vegan cheese is melted and bubbling golden. Repeat this process with the remaining cornmeal and pizzas.
- Serve and Savor: Once your pizzas are hot and ready, transfer them to a cutting board. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro, which adds a vibrant, herbal note. For an authentic birria experience, serve each slice with a small bowl of extra birria broth for dipping. Enjoy immediately while warm!
Expert Tips for Birria Pizza Success
To ensure your vegan birria pizza turns out absolutely perfect every time, keep these valuable tips in mind:
- Never Skip Preheating Your Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet: This is perhaps the most crucial step for achieving a truly exceptional crust. Preheating the stone or sheet in the oven allows it to reach a high, even temperature. When the cold pizza dough hits this hot surface, it immediately starts to cook and crisp up, resulting in that desirable crispy bottom crust that’s often hard to achieve at home.
- Allow the Pizza to Rest Before Slicing: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to pizza! Letting your freshly baked birria pizza rest for 3-5 minutes after it comes out of the oven allows the melted vegan cheese to set slightly. This prevents the cheese and other delicious toppings from sliding off or making a messy run as soon as you cut into it, ensuring each slice is neat and appealing.
- Customize Your Pizza Size: While the recipe suggests making four personal-sized pizzas, feel free to adjust this to suit your needs. You can easily make two larger pizzas, or even one standard-sized pizza if you prefer. Just remember that baking times might vary slightly for larger pizzas, so keep an eye on the crust and cheese for doneness.
- Explore Gluten-Free Options: If you’re following a gluten-free diet or looking for a low-carb alternative, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Simply swap out the traditional pizza dough for a gluten-free variety. I highly recommend trying my easy vegan almond flour pizza crust, which is not only gluten-free but also low in carbohydrates, offering a fantastic texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overload the Toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on all the delicious birria toppings, resist the urge to overload your pizza. Too many toppings can lead to a soggy crust and uneven baking. Distribute the birria meat, onions, and cheeses evenly but sparingly enough to ensure every element cooks properly and the crust remains crisp.
- Use Good Quality Vegan Cheese: The quality of your vegan cheese can make a significant difference in the final result. Look for brands known for their excellent meltability and flavor. A good vegan mozzarella and Mexican blend cheese will give you that irresistible gooey texture and rich taste.
More Delicious Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Birria Pizza
While this vegan birria pizza is fantastic as is, a few extra toppings can truly take it to the next level, adding more layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Here are some suggestions:
- Vegan Sour Cream: A dollop of creamy vegan sour cream offers a cool, tangy contrast that beautifully balances the heat from the pickled jalapeños and the richness of the birria. It adds a delightful creaminess and a refreshing finish to each bite.
- Fresh Guacamole: For an extra boost of fresh flavor and luscious creaminess, consider adding a generous dollop of homemade guacamole just before serving. Its smooth texture and vibrant avocado taste complement the spicy and savory birria perfectly.
- Diced Tomatoes: A scattering of fresh, finely diced tomatoes brings a welcome burst of acidity and a hint of natural sweetness. They add a fresh, juicy element that brightens the overall profile of the pizza.
- Salsa: Spooning a little fresh salsa over your birria pizza adds another layer of tangy, zesty flavor. I particularly love this vibrant restaurant-style blender salsa for its authentic taste and easy preparation.
- Hot Sauce: If you crave even more heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce is a must. This bold Scotch bonnet pepper hot sauce is a personal staple in my fridge and adds an incredible fiery kick, but any spicy sauce you love will work wonders.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion, either raw for a sharp bite or lightly pickled for added tang, can provide a fantastic textural contrast and a pungent flavor that stands up well to the birria.
- Avocado Slices: Beyond guacamole, simply fanning out some fresh avocado slices on top adds a buttery texture and mild flavor that cools the palate and adds healthy fats.
How to Properly Store Leftovers of Birria Pizza
Enjoying leftover birria pizza is just as delightful as the first fresh slice! To ensure your delicious creation stays fresh and flavorful, proper storage is key.
Once your birria pizza has cooled completely to room temperature, you can store individual slices by wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil. Alternatively, place the slices in an airtight container. Stored this way, leftover pizza will keep perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to indulge in your leftovers, there are a few reheating methods to choose from. For the best crispness, reheat slices in the oven at 450°F (232°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also use a microwave for a quicker reheat, though the crust may be softer. Some people even enjoy cold pizza, so feel free to eat it straight from the fridge if that’s your preference!
Can I Freeze This Vegan Birria Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely, this vegan birria pizza freezes beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option for future cravings! To freeze, I recommend wrapping each individual slice tightly in plastic wrap first. This helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps the flavors locked in. Once wrapped, transfer the slices to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
Your frozen birria pizza slices can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, for the most even reheating, I highly recommend thawing the pizza in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This gradual thawing helps to maintain the texture of both the crust and the toppings. Once thawed, you can reheat it using your preferred method, such as in the oven for a crispy crust or in the microwave for speed.
More Irresistible Vegan Pizza Recipes to Try
If you loved this vegan birria pizza, you’re in for a treat! The world of plant-based pizza is vast and delicious. Here are a few more of my favorite vegan pizza recipes that you absolutely must try:
- Effortless Vegan Naan Pizza: Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Vibrant Fruit Pizza Recipe: A refreshing and sweet dessert pizza that’s bursting with fresh fruit and a creamy topping.
- Hearty Vegan Breakfast Pizza: Start your day deliciously with a savory pizza topped with breakfast favorites.
- Spicy Vegan BBQ Chickpea Pizza: A smoky, sweet, and tangy pizza loaded with tender BBQ chickpeas.
- Gourmet Grilled Peach, Basil and Vegan “Goat” Cheese Pizza: An unexpectedly delicious combination of sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors.
Enjoy these fantastic plant-based creations, friends! If you make this mouth-watering vegan birria pizza recipe, please be sure to snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We would absolutely love to see your culinary masterpieces. Also, don’t forget to leave a comment below with your feedback and give the recipe a well-deserved rating! Your support means the world. Thanks so much!
Birria Pizza
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, 22 ml
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt, 3 grams
- 1 recipe Vegan Pizza Dough
- 1 cup Birria Stew (broth only), 237 ml
- 2 cups shredded vegan mozzarella, 227 grams
- 1 ¼ cups Birria “Meat”, 375 grams (no broth, just the meat)
- ½ cup sliced pickled jalapeños , 70 grams (more or less depending on spice tolerance)
- 2 cups shredded vegan Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar), 227 grams
- ¼ cup cornmeal, 33 grams
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro, 5 grams
- Extra Birria stew, just the broth for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) and pop a pizza stone (or a heavy-duty baking sheet) on the bottom rack of the oven.
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed skillet. Add the onion and season with salt. Cook until caramelised, stirring occasionally.
- Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each out to a ~5-inch circle.
- Spread ¼ of the Birria stew (just the broth) over each pizza, leaving ~½ inch boarder. Evenly distribute (in order) the following ingredients between the 4 pizzas: vegan mozzarella cheese, Birria meat, caramelized onion, pickled jalapenos, and vegan Mexican blend cheese.
- Pull the pizza stone (or baking sheet) out of the oven and scatter a couple of tablespoons of cornmeal over the top. Transfer 2 of the pizzas to the pizza stone (or baking sheet) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is puffy and blistered and the vegan cheese is melted and bubbly. Repeat with the remaining cornmeal and remaining pizzas.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, and drizzled with extra Birria stew (just the broth).
Notes
To freeze: I like to wrap each slice in plastic, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. I recommend thawing the pizza in the refrigerator before reheating, which helps the reheating be more even.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.