Keto And Pizza: Best Friends Or Foes?

Pizza is life, but is it keto? The short answer is yes, but you'll have to make some changes. The long answer is also yes, but you'll have to make a lot of changes.

Pizza is considered junk food, but you can still enjoy your favourite flavours while on a weight-loss diet. The keto diet aims to help reduce your carb and sugar intake while increasing proteins and fats. The main issue with pizza is the wheat-based crust, which is high in carbohydrates.

However, as more people embrace the low-carb lifestyle, more alternatives to wheat-based products are being introduced. There are now many grain alternatives that you can use to make your pizza crust keto-friendly, including coconut flour, almond flour, and even vegetables such as cauliflower.

You can also make your own keto-friendly pizza at home. There are plenty of recipes available online that use almond flour, coconut flour, or even chicken as a base. So, if you're craving a slice, there are plenty of keto-friendly options available!

Keto pizza crusts can be made with almond flour, coconut flour, or cauliflower

While pizza is generally not considered keto-friendly, it can be made compatible with the keto diet by substituting the traditional crust with alternatives such as almond flour, coconut flour, or cauliflower.

Almond flour and coconut flour are popular low-carb substitutes for wheat flour in keto baking. Both have their place in keto and gluten-free baking, but coconut flour is more absorbent and can be drying, so extra eggs and liquids are needed. When it comes to pizza, some people prefer almond flour, while others opt for coconut flour as it is closer in texture to a traditional crust.

Keto pizza crusts made with almond or coconut flour typically include other ingredients such as eggs, shredded mozzarella, and cream cheese. The dough can be mixed by hand or using a food processor, and it is then spread onto a lined pan or pizza peel and baked.

Cauliflower is another low-carb option for keto pizza crusts. To make a cauliflower crust, cauliflower florets are grated to form a rice-like consistency and then mixed with eggs, cheese, and seasonings. The mixture is shaped into a circle and baked until golden, after which toppings can be added.

In addition to these options, other creative crust alternatives for keto pizzas include chicken, zucchini, and portobello mushrooms.

Traditional pizza crusts are high in carbs

As a result, those on a keto diet often have to make some changes to enjoy pizza. This includes opting for low-carb crust alternatives, such as cauliflower, almond flour, or even chicken. These options can significantly reduce the carb count, with cauliflower crust, for example, having about half the carbs of a whole-wheat or gluten-free crust.

In addition to choosing a low-carb crust, those on a keto diet also need to be mindful of the toppings they choose. Meat and vegetable toppings are generally keto-friendly, but it's important to watch out for hidden carbs in pizza sauce. Making your own pizza sauce or choosing a jarred brand with no added sugar can help keep the carb count down.

Keto pizza crusts can be made with eggs and cheese

Keto Pizza Crusts with Eggs and Cheese

Ingredients

The basic ingredients for this keto pizza crust are:

• Eggs
• Low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese

You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture, such as:

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Cream cheese
• Olive oil
• Almond flour
• Coconut flour
• Whey protein powder

Method

To make the keto pizza crust, simply:

• Preheat your oven to between 350°F and 425°F.
• Grease a small baking sheet, pie pan, or pizza pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
• In a food processor or blender, blend the eggs and cheeses until evenly mixed. You can also do this by hand in a bowl, but the texture may not be as good.
• Spread the mixture onto your prepared pan, forming it into a thin, even layer.
• Bake the crust for about 12 to 20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and feels firm to the touch.
• Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before adding your desired toppings.
• Spread your chosen pizza sauce over the crust, then add cheese and other toppings.
• Bake the pizza for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

Tips

• Use pre-shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese to ensure your crust is not too wet.
• Choose the right-sized baking sheet to get the desired thickness of your crust. A quarter sheet pan is ideal.
• Pre-bake the crust before adding toppings to ensure stability and crispiness.
• Be careful not to over-bake the crust, as it can become brittle and oily.
• Experiment with different toppings to find your favourite combinations.

With this easy recipe, you can enjoy delicious keto-friendly pizza anytime!

Keto pizza crusts can be made with chicken

Keto Chicken Crust Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. of ground chicken (or turkey)
• 1/2 a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons of almond flour (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of shredded parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 teaspoons of Italian seasonings
• 1 egg

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a medium bowl, add your ground chicken, egg, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, almond flour, and Italian seasonings.
• Using your hand, mix all the ingredients together until it forms a ball. Note that the consistency will be mushy and soft.
• Cut out two sheets of parchment paper.
• Spray one of the sheets with olive oil spray and lay your chicken mixture on it. This mixture can stick easily.
• Lay your second sheet over and press down.
• Using a rolling pin, flatten your mixture until it forms a round shape like a pizza.
• Dispose of the top parchment paper.
• Add your parchment paper and crust to a baking sheet.
• Bake in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, or when you see that your crust has a golden color, remove it from the oven.
• Now, it's time to add your favorite toppings and sauces.
• Add your sauce, cheese, and toppings just like you would for a regular pizza recipe.
• Then, bake at 400 degrees for another 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Topping Ideas:

• Alfredo sauce, topped with mozzarella cheese, spinach, bacon, and red onions.
• Marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bacon, and mushrooms.
• Marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and basil.
• Plus, so many more ways!

Keto pizza toppings include meat, vegetables, and cheese

When it comes to keto-friendly pizza toppings, you've got plenty of options to choose from, including meat, vegetables, and cheese.

Meat toppings are generally keto-approved, as long as you watch out for breadcrumbs in meatballs. Go-to choices include pepperoni, Italian sausage, and Canadian bacon, all of which are popular low-carb options. If you're a fan of spicy food, throw in some salami or shredded chicken for a flavour kick.

For vegetable toppings, you'll be hard-pressed to find an option that's not keto-friendly. From green peppers and mushrooms to onions and tomatoes, load up on these vitamin-rich toppings to your heart's content. If you're feeling adventurous, try throwing in some spinach, broccoli, or even zucchini.

And of course, what's a pizza without cheese? Cheese is a great source of fat and protein on a keto diet. The most common choice is mozzarella, but feel free to sprinkle on some cheddar, Parmesan, or ricotta for extra flavour. If you're making a BBQ chicken pizza, shredded cheese is the way to go.

Frequently asked questions