🧀 Cashew Mozzarella Ingredients:

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20–30 minutes, drained)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp tapioca starch (for stretchiness)
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 clove garlic (optional, for flavor)

🍕 Pizza Dough (Basic)

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

🍅 Toppings (suggested)

  • ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Sliced cherry tomatoes
  • Sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or olives

🥣 Directions

1. Make the Dough

  1. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead for 7–8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise 1–1.5 hours.

(Skip if using pre-made dough or crust.)

2. Make Cashew Mozzarella

  1. Blend all cashew cheese ingredients until completely smooth.
  2. Pour into a saucepan and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly.
  3. After 3–5 minutes, it will thicken into a stretchy, gooey mozzarella-like cheese.
  4. Remove from heat and let slightly cool.

3. Assemble the Pizza

  1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
  2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into your desired shape.
  3. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce.
  4. Add cashew mozzarella in dollops (it will spread and melt in the oven).
  5. Add your favorite toppings.

4. Bake

  • Bake for 12–15 minutes, until crust is golden and toppings are cooked.
  • Remove and garnish with fresh basil or arugula.

💡 Tips

  • For extra melty cheese effect, bake 10 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes.
  • You can store leftover cashew mozzarella in a sealed container in the fridge for 4–5 days.
  • Great for calzones, lasagna, or stuffed bread too!