Keto Pizza: Carb Content And Nutritional Facts

Pizza is a popular food choice for many, but what about those who are on a keto diet? Well, there is a keto-friendly pizza option that uses a fathead dough base, which is made from mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, almond or coconut flour, and egg. The dough is then baked in the oven and topped with your favourite pizza toppings.

The nutritional value of this pizza is said to be much lower than that of a traditional pizza, with each slice containing only 2.4g net carbs. This pizza is also said to be incredibly rich, so you won't be able to overeat!

Keto pizza crust can be made with almond or coconut flour

Almond Flour Keto Pizza Crust

Almond flour is a popular choice for keto baking due to its low carb content and nutty flavor. It has a finer texture than coconut flour, resulting in a crisp and thin pizza crust. Here's a simple recipe for an almond flour keto pizza crust:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon dry active yeast (optional)
• 2 large beaten eggs or 1 flax egg
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients, including almond flour, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and yeast (if using).
• Make a well in the center and add the beaten eggs and olive oil.
• Mix with a spatula initially, and then use your hands to form a ball of pizza dough.
• Place the dough ball between two pieces of parchment paper and flatten it into a disc.
• Roll out the dough to your desired thickness, aiming for a 12-inch diameter for an ultra-thin crust or a 10-inch diameter for a slightly thicker crust.
• Peel off the top piece of parchment paper and smoothen the sides of the pizza crust.
• Slide the bottom parchment paper with the rolled dough onto a baking tray.
• Pre-bake the crust for 10-12 minutes or until it turns golden and crispy. The baking time will depend on your desired thickness.
• Remove the crust from the oven and spread a thin layer of keto-friendly pizza sauce.
• Add your favorite toppings, avoiding vegetables that release too much water, such as mushrooms, fresh tomato slices, or zucchini.
• Return the pizza to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted.
• Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious keto pizza!

Coconut Flour Keto Pizza Crust

Coconut flour is another excellent option for keto pizza crust due to its low carb content and unique flavor. It has a higher absorbency than almond flour, resulting in a slightly denser but still delicious pizza crust. Here's a simple recipe for a coconut flour keto pizza crust:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coconut flour (about 6 tablespoons)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella for topping

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a pizza pan or a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it with olive oil spray.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
• Measure out the coconut flour, breaking up any lumps, and stir it into the egg mixture until smooth.
• Mix in the grated parmesan cheese using a rubber spatula.
• Allow the mixture to rest for a couple of minutes to thicken as the coconut flour absorbs the liquid.
• Divide the mixture into two portions and spread each portion onto the prepared pans, forming an 8-inch circle.
• Bake the crusts for 10-15 minutes, until the edges are browned and the middle is set.
• Remove the crusts from the oven and spread each with pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella.
• Add any additional toppings of your choice, such as pepperoni, olives, or mushrooms.
• Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
• Cut into slices and serve while warm.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Pizza Crust:

• Use parchment paper: Always line your pan or baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the pizza.
• Pre-bake the crust: For a crispier base, pre-bake the crust before adding toppings. This is especially important for almond flour crusts.
• Avoid watery vegetables: Vegetables like mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, and zucchini release water, making the crust soggy. Either avoid these or roast them before adding to your pizza.
• Freeze leftover slices: You can freeze leftover baked pizza slices individually and reheat them later for a quick keto meal.
• Experiment with toppings: Get creative with your toppings while keeping them keto-friendly. Try different combinations of meats, vegetables, and cheeses to find your favorite pizza flavor!

The crust is made with mozzarella and cream cheese

The crust is the foundation of any pizza, and when it comes to keto pizza, the crust is what sets it apart from traditional pizza. The good news is that you can still enjoy a delicious and crispy crust while following a keto diet. The secret to a good keto pizza crust is in the cheese!

The crust for keto pizza is typically made with a combination of mozzarella cheese and cream cheese. These two cheeses are melted together and mixed with other ingredients to form a dough-like consistency. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a keto pizza crust with mozzarella and cream cheese:

Ingredients:

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Look for pre-shredded mozzarella cheese, which is best for this recipe. You can also grate your own mozzarella if you prefer.
• Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese works well, but you can also use light cream cheese if desired.
• Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: These low-carb flours are used in place of traditional wheat flour to keep the crust keto-friendly. You can choose between almond flour or coconut flour, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
• Egg: The egg helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the crust a softer texture.
• Seasonings: You can add various seasonings to enhance the flavor of your crust. Some popular options include garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to a temperature between 400°F and 425°F, depending on the recipe you are following.
• Prepare the cheese mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cream cheese. Microwave this mixture in short intervals, stirring in between, until the cheeses are fully melted and well combined.
• Add dry ingredients: Once the cheese mixture is melted, add the almond flour (or coconut flour), egg, and your desired seasonings. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form.
• Form the crust: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it out into a circular shape, about 1/4" to 1/3" thick. You can also use your hands to press and shape the dough.
• Bake the crust: Place the crust on a baking sheet or pizza pan lined with parchment paper. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 6-10 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden.
• Add toppings: Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and add your favorite keto-friendly toppings. This can include tomato sauce, more shredded cheese, pepperoni, vegetables, or anything else you enjoy on your pizza.
• Bake again: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the toppings are heated through.
• Enjoy: Let the pizza cool slightly, then slice and serve!

Tips for a Perfect Keto Pizza Crust:

• Use pre-shredded mozzarella: Pre-shredded mozzarella tends to work better than freshly grated mozzarella for this recipe. It has a lower moisture content, which helps create a chewier and less sticky dough.
• Don't over-microwave the cheese: Be careful not to overheat the cheese in the microwave. Stir it at intervals to prevent overheating, as this can affect the texture of your crust.
• Chill the dough if sticky: If your dough becomes too sticky to work with, simply chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to make it more manageable.
• Use a pizza stone: Baking your keto pizza on a pizza stone can help improve the texture of the crust, making it crispier and more like a traditional pizza.
• Experiment with toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Keto-friendly options include pepperoni, sausage, chicken, vegetables, and various types of cheese. Just be mindful of the carb count in your chosen toppings.

The crust is baked before toppings are added

The keto pizza crust is baked before adding toppings to ensure the base is cooked and has a crispy texture.

The keto pizza crust is made with a combination of almond or coconut flour, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and eggs. The dough is rolled out between two sheets of baking parchment paper and baked in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

The crust is then removed from the oven, and toppings are added. The pizza is then baked for a further 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden.

This two-step baking process ensures that the crust is fully cooked and has a crispy texture, while the toppings are heated through and melted together.

Some recipes suggest poking holes in the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling and ensure even cooking. Others recommend brushing the sides of the pizza with olive oil before the second bake to add crispness.

The keto pizza crust can be frozen after the initial bake, making it a convenient option for a quick and easy meal.

The pizza can be cooked in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Place the shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, and almond flour in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1 minute. Once the cheeses are melted, mix them together. Add the raw egg, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix again to form a cheesy dough.

Step 2: Make the pizza base

Roll the dough between two sheets of baking parchment paper into a circular pizza shape. You can roll it thin to make a thin, crispy pizza base, or a deep-pan dish. Use a rolling pin, a wine bottle, a coffee mug, or the bottom of a measuring cup.

Remove the top sheet of parchment paper and place the low-carb pizza base onto a pizza stone, baking tray, baking sheet, or pizza tray. Press all over the pizza with a fork to make small holes. This ensures your pizza base is cooked evenly and crispy.

Step 3: Bake the crust

Bake the crust in a hot oven. Using the baking paper, flip the pizza over mid-way during cooking so it goes crispy on both sides.

Step 4: Add toppings

Cover the cooked low-carb keto pizza with a sugar-free tomato pizza sauce or low-sugar tomato paste. Add your favorite toppings. Ensure any meat you use is already cooked.

Step 5: Cook the pizza

Place the pizza in the air fryer and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until golden.

The pizza can be frozen for later

Once you've made your keto pizza, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To do this, let the pizza cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. Don't forget to label it with the date!

When you're ready to enjoy your pizza, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. Then, pop it in the oven and bake until heated through. You can also bake the pizza straight from frozen, but you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.

If you're planning to make a big batch of crusts to freeze for later, it's best to freeze the crusts before baking them. This will help to ensure that they stay nice and crisp. To do this, wrap the unbaked crusts tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to use them, thaw the crusts overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.

Now you can enjoy keto pizza any time you crave it!

Frequently asked questions