This caramelized shallot and wild mushroom pizza comes from Fantastic Vegan Recipes for the Teen Cook by Elaine Skiadas. It’s a rich, flavorful take on homemade vegan pizza that balances sweet and savory elements. Caramelized shallots cook down into a jammy base, while Medjool dates add a subtle sweetness. A mix of wild mushrooms brings earthy depth, and vegan mozzarella pulls it all together.
Making pizza at home is fun, and it’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this one feels special. The crust bakes up crisp, thanks to a hot pan or pizza stone, and you can top it with almond ricotta and fresh arugula for a bright, peppery finish.
This recipe uses store-bought dough for ease, but homemade works just as well. It’s a great way to experiment with toppings and get comfortable in the kitchen. The shallots and mushrooms take a little time, but the payoff is big. Serve it hot and fresh from the oven for dinner or slice it up for a relaxed weekend lunch. Either way, it’s a solid plant-based option when you want something warm, flavorful, and a little bit elevated.
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Make your own mushroom pizza

Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil plus more as needed
- 5 large shallots sliced
- Kosher salt
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup 55 g pitted Medjool dates chopped
- 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp (3 g) fresh thyme
- 8 oz (225 g) mixed wild mushrooms roughly torn
- All-purpose flour for dusting
- 8 oz (225 g) prepared pizza dough
- 1 cup (112 g) non dairy mozzarella cheese shreds
- Almond ricotta for serving
- Arugula for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a sheet pan on the middle rack.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, add the shallots and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Deglaze the pan with the balsamic vinegar, then add the dates, garlic and thyme. Continue to cook the shallots for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until deeply caramelized. If the shallots seem a little dry, add a splash of water until they break down into a jammy consistency.
- Transfer the shallot mixture to a plate and set aside. Add another drizzle of olive oil to the pan and cook the mushrooms until they are browned and release their moisture—about 4 minutes.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick. Transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper and top with a layer of caramelized shallots, followed by the non dairy cheese and sautéed mushrooms.
- With oven mitts, remove the sheet pan from the oven and carefully transfer the parchment paper with the pizza on top to the pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and no longer doughy in the center. Serve immediately with dollops of vegan ricotta and arugula.
Reprinted with permission from Fantastic Vegan Recipes for the Teen Cook by Elaine Skiadas. Page Street Publishing Co. 2023. Photo credit: Elaine Skiadas.
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