Keto Pizza: Low-Carb Indulgence Or Carby Cheat?

Pizza is a staple food for many, but for those on a low-carb or keto diet, it can be tricky to enjoy a slice without falling off the wagon. Luckily, there are plenty of keto-friendly pizza crusts that can be used as a base, such as those made from cheese, cauliflower, protein powder, almond flour, or even meat.

One of the most popular keto pizza crusts is the fathead crust, which is made from a combination of mozzarella cheese, almond flour, eggs, and other optional ingredients like baking powder, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This crust has a similar texture and flavor to traditional pizza dough and is low in carbs and high in fat, making it a perfect option for those on a keto diet.

Other keto pizza crust options include veggie crusts, such as those made from zucchini, cauliflower, or eggplant, as well as almond flour crusts, which tend to be slightly higher in carbs but also more sturdy and similar to traditional pizza dough.

So, if you're craving a slice of pizza but don't want to sacrifice your keto diet, fear not! There are plenty of low-carb options available to satisfy your pizza cravings.

Keto pizza crusts can be made from cheese, cauliflower, protein powder, almond flour, or meat

Keto Pizza Crusts

Keto pizza crusts are a great low-carb alternative to traditional pizza bases. They can be made from a variety of ingredients, including cheese, cauliflower, protein powder, almond flour, and meat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to make each type of crust:

Cheese Crust

A cheese crust is a delicious, gluten-free, and low-carb alternative to traditional pizza dough. It typically includes shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese, as well as eggs and Italian seasoning. To make a cheese crust, simply combine the cheese, eggs, and seasonings in a food processor until smooth. Press the mixture into a baking pan and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown. For a crispier crust, it can be baked on a pizza stone instead of a pan.

Cauliflower Crust

Cauliflower crust is another popular option for keto pizza lovers. It is made by grating cauliflower florets and mixing them with eggs, cheese, and seasonings. The mixture is then shaped into a circle and baked until golden. This crust can also be made with frozen cauliflower florets or pre-riced cauliflower for added convenience. To ensure a crispy crust, it is recommended to bake it on a pizza stone rather than a baking sheet.

Protein Powder Crust

For those who want a high-protein, low-carb option, a crust made with protein powder is a great choice. This crust typically includes egg whites and unflavored protein powder, which are mixed together and baked until golden brown. This crust has zero carbs and is perfect for those who want a crispy, chewy texture. It can be topped with a variety of keto-friendly toppings, such as shredded cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables.

Almond Flour Crust

Almond flour crust is a popular choice for those following a keto or gluten-free diet. It is made by mixing almond flour, eggs, shredded mozzarella, and cream cheese to form a dough. The dough is then rolled out and baked until golden. This crust can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. It is important to note that the dough may be sticky, so it is recommended to chill it in the fridge for easier handling.

Meat Crust

A meat crust, also known as "meatzza," is a unique and flavorful option for keto pizza. It is made by flattening ground beef into a thin circle and seasoning it with salt, pepper, and spices. The meat crust is then baked and topped with pizza sauce, cheese, and desired toppings. It is important to make the meat crust as thin as possible and to bake it long enough so that it can be eaten with your hands, just like traditional pizza.

Keto pizza crusts are low-carb and high-fat, making them perfect for a keto diet

The key to a good keto pizza crust is achieving the right balance of ingredients to create a dough that is easy to work with and bakes up crispy and golden. Some recipes also include baking powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and xanthan gum for added structure and flavour.

Keto pizza crusts are typically pre-baked before adding toppings, which ensures a crispy base that won't get soggy. The pre-baked crust is then topped with a low-carb sauce, such as sugar-free tomato sauce, pesto, or BBQ sauce, and a variety of keto-friendly toppings like meats, vegetables, and cheese.

Keto pizza is a versatile dish that can be customized to individual tastes and preferences. The crust can be made ahead of time and frozen, and the pizza can be enjoyed fresh or frozen for later. With its low-carb and high-fat content, keto pizza is a perfect option for those following a keto diet who want to enjoy a delicious and satisfying slice of pizza.

Keto pizza crusts can be frozen and baked from frozen

Freezing the Crust:

• Once you have pre-baked the crust, let it cool to room temperature.
• Add your desired sauce and toppings to the crust.
• Cover the pizza completely with plastic wrap.
• Place the pizza in the freezer and store it for up to 2 months.

Baking from Frozen:

• Preheat your oven.
• Place the frozen pizza directly into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
• Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted.

Additional Tips:

• If you want to freeze just the crust without toppings, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer.
• When adding toppings to the frozen crust, there is no need to thaw the crust first. Simply add your desired toppings and proceed to bake.
• You can also freeze the pizza dough before shaping it into a crust. Form the dough into a ball, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the freezer.

Keto pizza crusts can be made with a food processor, electric mixer, or by hand

Food Processor Method:

This method is convenient and helps to achieve a uniform dough consistency. Here are the steps:

• Combine shredded mozzarella and cubed cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in intervals until melted, stirring in between.
• Add the melted cheese to the food processor.
• Place dry ingredients (almond flour, oat fiber or psyllium husk, baking powder, salt) into the food processor with the cheese.
• Add an egg to the mixture and secure the lid.
• Pulse the food processor a few times to combine the ingredients, scraping down the sides as needed.
• Form the dough into a ball and chill in the refrigerator if desired to reduce stickiness.
• Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it out to the desired thickness.
• Poke holes in the crust with a toothpick or fork to prevent bubbling during baking.

Electric Mixer Method:

An electric mixer can be used to beat the eggs and combine them with melted butter before mixing in the dry ingredients. Here are the steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a skillet by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing it with butter.
• In a large bowl, beat egg whites and a whole egg with an electric mixer on high speed until light and foamy.
• With the mixer running, slowly drizzle in melted butter and beat for a few more seconds.
• In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients: almond flour, baking powder, instant yeast, gelatin powder or xanthan gum, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
• Gently mix the dry mixture into the beaten eggs using a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared skillet and spread it out evenly.
• Bake the crust for 20 minutes, then broil for an additional 2 minutes until golden brown.
• Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly before topping with your favorite Keto-friendly ingredients.

By Hand Method:

Keto pizza crust can also be made by hand, although it may be more challenging to achieve a uniform dough. Here are the steps:

• Combine shredded mozzarella and cubed cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
• In a large bowl, mix the almond flour and eggs.
• Add the melted cheeses to the flour-egg mixture and knead with your hands until a uniform dough forms with no streaks.
• Form the dough into a ball and chill in the refrigerator if the dough is too sticky.
• Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it out to the desired thickness.
• Poke holes in the crust with a toothpick or fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
• Bake the crust and add your favorite toppings for a delicious Keto pizza!

Keto pizza crusts can be made with or without xanthan gum

If you want to make a keto pizza crust without xanthan gum, you can follow this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 oz cream cheese, (or 2 tablespoons)
• 1 cup Almond Flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, optional
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
• Cheese, shredded mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, parmesan, feta etc
• Your favourite meats, chicken, beef, pepperoni, turkey, etc
• Your favourite veggies, Onion, Pepper, Jalapeno, olives, spinach, etc
• Your favourite sauce, sugar-free tomato sauce, olive oil, ranch, blue cheese, buffalo, etc
• Herbs, Parmesan, Crushed Red Peppers

Method:

• Pre-heat oven to 425F.
• Add mozzarella and cream cheese to a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 45 seconds.
• Remove from microwave and add in egg, almond flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Mix with a spoon until well incorporated.
• Transfer dough onto a large piece of parchment paper and cover with another piece of parchment paper. Flatten out dough using a rolling pin to about ¼’’ thick. Remove parchment paper and shape with hands if desired.
• Transfer pizza on the parchment paper onto a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake for 10 minutes.
• Remove from oven (keep the oven on) and load your pizza with your favourite sauces, cheese, and toppings.
• Bake pizza for another 5-8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

If you want to make a keto pizza crust with xanthan gum, you can follow this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, cubed
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional)

Method:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Put cheeses into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about a minute and 20 seconds. Measure out almond flour.
• Stir the cheeses for 30 seconds; add almond flour, xanthan gum and egg. If it is too stringy, heat for another 20-30 seconds in the microwave.
• Wet hands and form into 5 balls on a baking sheet with parchment or a baking mat. Spread with wet hands. You want it to be relatively thin so that it is crispy (unless you like really soft doughy texture for your pizza).
• Poke the crust all over with a fork. Bake for 8 minutes. Poke down bubbles with a fork and cook for an additional four minutes or until crust is browned.
• Spread with toppings of your choosing!

Frequently asked questions