When you think of pizza, you might automatically imagine mountains of bubbly, rich mozzarella cheese. However, for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free lifestyle, traditional pizza may not be an option. Fear not – creating a delicious dairy-free pizza is not only possible but can lead to exciting new flavor combinations. Here’s how to make a scrumptious dairy-free pizza from scratch.

Ingredients:

1) Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

2) Dairy-free cheese alternatives (e.g., cashew cheese, almond cheese, soy cheese)

3) Tomato sauce or alternative base sauce (pesto, salsa)

4) Toppings of your choice (veggies, fruits, herbs, meats – if not vegan)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: First, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while the oven heats up.

2. Dough: Prepare your pizza dough according to the instructions on the package or recipe (check for dairy ingredients if store-bought). Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness and shape.

3. Sauce: Thinly spread your chosen sauce over the rolled-out dough. Tomato sauce is the most common base for pizzas, but dairy-free pesto or other creative sauces can enhance a dairy-free experience.

4. Cheese alternatives: Sprinkle your chosen dairy-free cheese alternative over the sauce. There are many options available in the market, such as cashew cheese, almond cheese, and soy-based cheeses – giving you plenty of versatility with flavors and textures. Be sure to read the labels, as some vegan cheeses may contain casein.

5. Toppings: Now comes the fun part – adding toppings! Feel free to unleash your creativity with various combinations of vegetables, fruits, spices, and proteins. Some popular dairy-free pizza combinations include:

a. Veggie delight: bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives

b. Mediterranean: sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, red onion, kalamata olives

c. Barbecue chicken: grilled chicken breast (can be vegan or mock-chicken), sliced red onion, dairy-free barbecue sauce

6. Baking: Once your pizza is fully assembled and decorated as desired, transfer it to the oven or the preheated pizza stone using a pizza peel or a flat baking tray. Bake it for 12-15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese alternative is melted.

7. Serving: Allow the pizza to cool slightly before cutting into slices using a pizza cutter or chef’s knife. Enjoy the delicious