Introduction
Brooklyn’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with flavors from around the world, and its pizza scene is arguably its most iconic thread. From classic New York-style slices to innovative creations, Brooklyn has long been a mecca for pizza aficionados. But beneath the surface of this cheesy, saucy domain lies a burgeoning movement: a wave of vegan pizza that’s sweeping through the borough, offering plant-based delights that are both delicious and ethical. The rise of veganism and plant-based eating has fueled a demand for more compassionate and sustainable food options, and Brooklyn’s pizzerias are answering the call. Forget the stereotypes of bland, flavorless vegan food; the vegan pizza Brooklyn scene is brimming with creativity, quality ingredients, and pies that can satisfy even the most discerning pizza critic.
This guide will take you on a journey through Brooklyn’s best vegan pizza offerings, showcasing the innovative chefs and restaurants that are pushing the boundaries of plant-based cuisine. We’ll explore classic pizzas reimagined with vegan ingredients, discover gourmet creations that defy expectations, and even provide tips for crafting your own vegan pizza masterpiece at home. Get ready to embark on a flavorful adventure, where plant-based pizza is not just an alternative, but a destination in itself.
The Classics Reimagined: Veganizing Traditional Brooklyn Pizza
For many, the essence of Brooklyn pizza lies in its simplicity: a thin, crispy crust, a tangy tomato sauce, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella. But what happens when you remove the dairy? The answer, surprisingly, is often a pizza that’s just as satisfying, thanks to the ingenuity of Brooklyn’s vegan pizza chefs. These pizzerias are mastering the art of veganizing traditional pies, using plant-based ingredients to recreate the classic flavors and textures that we all know and love.
Screamer’s Pizzeria
Let’s start our tour with Screamer’s Pizzeria, located in Greenpoint and Crown Heights. This vegan haven has quickly become a Brooklyn institution, renowned for its dedication to crafting authentic-tasting vegan pizza. Screamer’s doesn’t just offer a single vegan option; their entire menu is plant-based, showcasing a variety of classic and specialty pies. Their vegan pepperoni pizza is a particular standout, featuring a flavorful, slightly spicy plant-based pepperoni that perfectly complements the tangy tomato sauce and creamy vegan mozzarella. What sets Screamer’s apart is their commitment to quality ingredients and their dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere for vegans and non-vegans alike. They have mastered the art of making a pizza that appeals to everyone, regardless of their dietary choices. “We wanted to create a place where people could enjoy delicious, familiar flavors without compromising their values,” explains the owner, “and pizza is the perfect vehicle for that.”
Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop
Next up is Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop in Greenpoint. While Paulie Gee’s is known for their traditional, wood-fired pizzas, they also offer an impressive selection of vegan slices. Their vegan pizza is a testament to the power of simplicity, featuring a perfectly charred crust, a bright and flavorful tomato sauce, and a generous topping of house-made vegan ricotta. This ricotta is a revelation, crafted from a blend of nuts and seeds that perfectly mimics the creamy, slightly tangy flavor of traditional ricotta. The magic of Paulie Gee’s lies in the quality of their ingredients and their meticulous attention to detail. Every pizza is made with love and care, resulting in a slice that’s both satisfying and memorable. The crispy crust, the flavorful sauce, and the creamy ricotta all work in perfect harmony to create a vegan pizza that’s worthy of its place in the Brooklyn pizza pantheon.
Roberta’s
Finally, we head to Roberta’s in Bushwick, a Brooklyn institution celebrated for its Neapolitan-style pizzas and commitment to quality ingredients. While not exclusively vegan, Roberta’s offers a delicious and satisfying vegan option that’s made with a house-made vegan mozzarella. This mozzarella is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted, boasting a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Roberta’s vegan pizza is a testament to the power of simple, well-sourced ingredients. The crust is perfectly charred, the sauce is bright and flavorful, and the vegan mozzarella adds a touch of creamy richness that elevates the entire pizza. Their commitment to quality and their dedication to crafting delicious, innovative pizzas make them a must-visit destination for vegan pizza lovers in Brooklyn.
These pizzerias demonstrate that vegan pizza can be just as satisfying and delicious as its dairy-laden counterpart. The key is using high-quality ingredients, mastering the art of plant-based cheese alternatives, and paying attention to the details that make a great pizza, like the crust, the sauce, and the toppings. They achieve that authentic New York pizza texture and flavor without dairy by experimenting with different plant-based ingredients, utilizing techniques like proper hydration of the dough for optimal crispiness and carefully sourcing vegan cheese brands that melt and stretch like traditional mozzarella. Many of them use cashew-based or soy-based cheeses, which provide a creamy texture and a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients. Each option provides a distinct taste profile, offering pizza lovers a variety of flavor choices.
Beyond the Basics: Creative and Gourmet Vegan Pizza Options
While veganizing classic pizzas is an art form in itself, some Brooklyn pizzerias are taking plant-based pizza to the next level, offering innovative and gourmet creations that push the boundaries of what’s possible. These pizzerias are not afraid to experiment with unusual toppings, unique flavor combinations, and globally-inspired ingredients, resulting in vegan pizzas that are as exciting as they are delicious.
Lighthouse
First, let’s visit Lighthouse, a Williamsburg restaurant known for its innovative and globally-inspired menu. Their vegan pizza offerings are anything but ordinary, featuring unique flavor combinations and seasonal ingredients. One standout is their vegan pizza with roasted vegetables, cashew cream, and balsamic glaze. This pizza is a symphony of flavors and textures, with the sweetness of the roasted vegetables, the creaminess of the cashew cream, and the tanginess of the balsamic glaze all working in perfect harmony. Lighthouse is not just a pizzeria; it’s a culinary destination that’s committed to showcasing the versatility of plant-based ingredients. “We want to show people that vegan food can be just as exciting and flavorful as any other type of cuisine,” explains the chef.
Sotto Le Stelle
Next, we venture to Sotto Le Stelle in Williamsburg, an Italian restaurant with a dedicated vegan menu. One of their specialties is a vegan pizza with seasonal toppings like butternut squash, pumpkin cream, vegan sausage and pistachio. These delicious ingredients on top of a crispy crust are sure to get people talking.
Double Zero
Finally, let’s stop by Double Zero in the East Village (technically not Brooklyn, but accessible and a vegan pizza pioneer). Double Zero offers a refined and innovative approach to vegan pizza. Their commitment to quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations has earned them a dedicated following.
These pizzerias demonstrate that vegan pizza can be just as innovative and exciting as any other type of cuisine. They cater to different dietary needs by offering gluten-free crusts, using organic and locally-sourced ingredients, and creating menus that are both plant-based and allergy-friendly. The overall dining experience at these restaurants is often just as important as the food itself, with many offering cozy atmospheres, friendly service, and curated wine lists.
DIY Vegan Pizza in Brooklyn: Where to Get Your Ingredients
For those who prefer to create their own vegan pizza masterpiece at home, Brooklyn offers a variety of specialty grocery stores and markets where you can find high-quality vegan cheeses, sauces, and other pizza ingredients.
Park Slope Food Coop
Park Slope Food Coop is a member-owned cooperative grocery store with a wide selection of organic produce, vegan cheeses, and other specialty items. It’s a great place to find unique and hard-to-find ingredients, and the prices are generally very competitive.
Mr. Vegan
Mr. Vegan in Park Slope is a fully vegan store that features hundreds of vegan products from local and international brands. It’s the perfect place to find different vegan cheeses, plant-based meats, and other vegan toppings for your homemade pizza.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market with multiple locations in Brooklyn is a reliable option for finding a variety of vegan ingredients, including vegan cheeses, sauces, and toppings.
To make the perfect vegan pizza at home, consider using a high-quality vegan mozzarella alternative from brands like Miyoko’s Kitchen or Daiya. For the sauce, you can either make your own or use a pre-made vegan pizza sauce. For toppings, get creative! Roasted vegetables, plant-based meats, and fresh herbs are all great options. Remember to bake your pizza at a high temperature for a crispy crust and melty vegan cheese. You can also make a delicious pesto sauce with basil, walnuts, garlic, lemon and olive oil.
Price and Accessibility
The cost of vegan pizza in Brooklyn can vary depending on the pizzeria and the ingredients used. Generally, vegan pizzas tend to be slightly more expensive than their dairy-laden counterparts, due to the higher cost of vegan cheese and other specialty ingredients. However, many pizzerias offer affordable options, and the quality of the ingredients often justifies the price.
Most of the pizzerias mentioned in this guide are easily accessible by public transportation, with many located near subway stations. Many also offer delivery services through third-party apps like Grubhub and Seamless. They are generally accommodating to other dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free and soy-free, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a slice of vegan pizza.
Conclusion
Brooklyn’s vegan pizza scene is a testament to the borough’s culinary creativity and its commitment to providing delicious and ethical food options. From classic pizzas reimagined with plant-based ingredients to innovative creations that push the boundaries of vegan cuisine, Brooklyn offers a vegan pizza experience for every palate. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply curious about plant-based eating, Brooklyn’s vegan pizza scene has something to offer.
So, ditch the dairy and dive into the delicious world of vegan pizza in Brooklyn! Your taste buds (and the planet) will thank you. With its growing number of vegan pizzerias and its commitment to quality ingredients, Brooklyn is quickly becoming a vegan pizza paradise. Start exploring today and discover your new favorite plant-based slice. The possibilities are endless, and the flavors are unforgettable. Go forth and discover why Brooklyn is leading the charge in the vegan pizza revolution.
