Cheese-Free Pizza: Keto-Friendly Or Not?

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has gained popularity in recent years. For those who are on the keto diet, pizza may seem like a thing of the past. However, there are several keto-friendly pizza crusts that can be made at home.

One popular option is a fathead pizza crust, which is made primarily of cheese, almond flour, and eggs. This crust can be made in a food processor or by hand and is then baked in the oven. It has a similar texture and taste to traditional pizza crust and can be frozen for later use.

Other keto pizza crust options include using coconut flour or a combination of mozzarella and cream cheese. These crusts offer a chewy, bread-like texture with a crispy underside.

So, while cheese-free pizza may not be keto-friendly, there are definitely some delicious keto pizza options out there!

Keto pizza crust ingredients

The Basics

Keto pizza crusts are typically made up of four staple ingredients: low-carb flour, eggs, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese. These four ingredients form the base of the pizza crust, with the option to add seasonings and other ingredients to add flavour and texture.

Low-Carb Flour

The type of low-carb flour used in keto pizza crusts is typically either almond flour or coconut flour. Almond flour is the most popular option, as it creates a crust that is closer in taste and texture to a regular pizza base. Coconut flour can also be used, but it has a stronger flavour and a grittier texture.

Eggs

Eggs are an essential binding agent in keto pizza crusts, helping to hold the other ingredients together and create a sturdy base. The number of eggs used will vary depending on the type of flour used, as coconut flour absorbs more moisture and requires an extra egg to prevent the crust from falling apart.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is the key component of keto pizza crusts, as it mimics the gluten in white flour to create a chewy texture. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella works best, and it is important to avoid fresh mozzarella, as it has too much moisture. Other semi-hard cheeses can be used, but the flavour and texture may not be as good.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese helps to make the keto pizza crust less dense, and regular or light cream cheese can be used. It is important to use cream cheese from a block or stick rather than a tub, as the spreadable kind contains more liquid and will result in a soggy crust.

Optional Ingredients

In addition to the four staple ingredients, there are several optional ingredients that can be added to keto pizza crusts to enhance the flavour and texture. These include:

• Seasonings such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or dried oregano.
• Baking powder for a more airy crust.
• Xanthan gum for a chewier texture.
• Olive oil to brush around the sides of the pizza.

Keto pizza toppings

The best thing about pizza is that you can top it with almost anything! Here are some keto-friendly topping ideas, divided into categories: protein, vegetables, and cheese.

Protein

• Pepperoni
• Ground beef
• Sausage
• Bacon
• Ham
• Shredded chicken
• Anchovies

Vegetables

• Broccoli
• Mushrooms
• Green bell peppers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Spinach
• Onions
• Olives
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Artichokes
• Pickled jalapeños

Cheese

• Mozzarella
• Goat cheese
• Blue cheese
• Feta cheese
• Parmesan
• Cheddar
• Cream cheese

Keto pizza dough alternatives

Keto pizza is a great way to enjoy the taste of pizza without the carbs. Here are some alternatives to traditional pizza dough to make a delicious keto-friendly pizza:

Fathead Dough:

This dough is made with a combination of almond flour or coconut flour, shredded mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and eggs. It creates a chewy and crispy crust that tastes similar to regular pizza dough. The dough is easy to make and can be rolled out between two sheets of parchment paper.

Almond Flour or Coconut Flour:

When making keto pizza dough, you can use either almond flour or coconut flour. Almond flour creates a slightly less gritty and less burnt crust compared to coconut flour. However, both flours have different baking properties, so it is essential to follow the specific measurements and instructions for each type of flour.

Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese:

Using low-moisture mozzarella cheese is crucial for achieving the right texture in the keto pizza crust. The cheese helps create a chewy and fluffy crust. It is best to shred the mozzarella cheese yourself or buy pre-shredded mozzarella to ensure it has a low moisture content.

Cream Cheese:

Cream cheese is another essential ingredient in keto pizza dough. It is important to use cream cheese from a block or stick rather than a tub, as the spreadable kind contains more liquid and can make the crust soggy. The cream cheese helps make the crust less dense and gives it a crispy texture.

Eggs:

Eggs are a binding agent in the keto pizza dough, helping to hold all the ingredients together. It is best to use room temperature eggs and mix them well with the other ingredients to form a sticky dough.

With these alternatives, you can create a delicious and crispy keto pizza that satisfies your pizza cravings while sticking to your keto diet!

Keto pizza dough preparation

Ingredients

• Almond flour or coconut flour
• Mozzarella cheese
• Cream cheese or butter
• Eggs
• Baking powder
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Toppings of your choice

Method

• Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
• In a large bowl, mix together almond flour, eggs, and baking powder.
• In a separate bowl, melt the mozzarella cheese and cream cheese in the microwave in 20-second intervals until melted.
• Stir the cheese mixture until smooth, then add it to the flour mixture.
• Knead the dough with your hands or use a food processor until a uniform dough forms.
• Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and roll it out to your desired thickness.
• Place another piece of parchment paper on top of the dough and roll it out to a circular shape.
• Remove the top sheet of parchment paper and transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza pan.
• Bake the dough for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
• Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Increase the oven temperature to 450F/225C.
• Spread your desired amount of tomato sauce on the crust and sprinkle with oregano.
• Top with your choice of cheese and other toppings.
• Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
• Enjoy your keto pizza!

Keto pizza dough storage

There are several ways to store keto pizza dough. If you want to make the dough ahead of time, form it into a ball, cover it tightly in plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also bake the crust ahead of time, wrap it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the dough. You can freeze the ball of dough (thaw before rolling) or freeze the pre-baked crust. If you want to freeze the entire pizza with sauce and toppings, place it in the freezer immediately after assembly so that the crust doesn't get soggy. When you're ready to bake the frozen pizza, there's no need to thaw it first—simply add any additional toppings and bake for about 20 minutes at 350°F.

• Make sure the dough is properly wrapped or covered to prevent drying out.
• If you're storing baked crusts, you can place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
• Label and date your stored dough so you know how long it's been in the fridge or freezer.
• If you're storing the dough in the freezer, you can portion it into individual servings or pizza crusts so you can easily grab what you need.

Frequently asked questions