Keto Cheese Pizza: A Delicious and Flourless Delight

For those following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, cheese crust pizza offers a satisfying and flavorful solution. This innovative approach replaces the conventional flour-based crust with a foundation of cheese, creating a crispy, chewy, and incredibly tasty base for your favorite toppings.

What is Cheese Crust Pizza?

Cheese crust pizza is a flourless pizza where the base is made entirely of cheese. This method provides a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crusts, appealing to those on ketogenic or gluten-free diets. There are variations, but the basic principle involves melting cheese to form a solid, pizza-like crust. Some people may confuse it with stuffed crust pizza, but the key difference is that the entire crust is made of cheese.

Ingredients for the Best Flourless Cheese Crust

Creating the perfect cheese crust pizza relies on selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a specific role in the texture and structure of the crust:

• Mozzarella Cheese: The primary ingredient, low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella, is ideal. You can use a pre-shredded variety for convenience or shred it yourself.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, savory flavor and contributes to the crust's firmness. Asiago or romano cheese can be used as alternatives.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent, holding the cheese together and providing structure to the crust. Whole, large eggs are recommended, as egg substitutes may not yield the same results.
• Italian Seasoning: To enhance the flavour.

Making the Cheese Crust: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious cheese crust pizza:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust Mixture

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C).
2. Grease a 10-inch pizza pan with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray.
3. Combine the crust ingredients: In a food processor, combine the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and Italian seasoning. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Alternatively, you can stir the ingredients in a medium bowl, but the texture may not be as smooth.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

1. Spread the batter: Pour the cheese mixture into the prepared pizza pan, ensuring it forms a thin, even layer.
2. Bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Step 3: Add Your Favorite Toppings

1. Choose your sauce: Options include keto pizza sauce, pesto, or alfredo sauce.
2. Add vegetables: Consider sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or sliced olives.
3. Select your toppings: Pepperoni, diced ham, keto vegetables, and olives are popular choices.
4. Return to the oven: Bake the pizza again until the cheese on top is bubbly and the toppings are heated through.

Cheese Garlic Pizza Recipe

This variation enhances the cheese crust with garlic for a flavorful twist.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella (170 g/ 6 oz)
• 2/3 cup almond flour (67 g/ 2.4 oz)
• 2 tsp butter or ghee
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Optional: fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil to drizzle on top

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180 °C/ 355 °F (fan assisted), or 200 °C/ 400 °F (conventional).
2. Melt the mozzarella: Place the mozzarella in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1 minute. Stir and continue heating in 30-second bursts until fully melted.
3. Add almond flour: Mix the melted mozzarella with almond flour until well combined.
4. Roll out the dough: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out into a circle, approximately 20 - 25 cm/ 8 - 10 inches in diameter.
5. Prick the crust: Use a fork to prick holes evenly across the crust.
6. Bake the crust: Place the crust on a lined baking tray and bake for 10 minutes.
7. Prepare garlic butter: While the crust bakes, melt the butter or ghee on high heat and add the finely chopped garlic.
8. Add garlic butter: Brush the garlic butter over the baked crust.
9. Add cheese: Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake again: Bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish (optional): Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs.

Keto Pizza Chips: A Quick and Crispy Snack

For a faster and simpler way to enjoy the flavors of keto pizza, try making keto pizza chips. These crispy snacks are perfect as an appetizer or a quick bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 12 slices of pepperoni (or other toppings)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Form cheese mounds: Place 12 flat mounds of mozzarella cheese on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each mound.
3. Season and top: Sprinkle each mound with Italian seasoning and top with a slice of pepperoni.
4. Bake: Bake for approximately 12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
5. Cool: Allow the chips to cool on the baking sheet before removing them, as they will continue to crisp up as they cool.

Tips for the Perfect Cheese Crust Pizza

• Cheese Quality: Using high-quality, low-moisture mozzarella cheese is crucial for achieving the right texture and preventing a soggy crust.
• Even Layer: Ensure the cheese mixture is spread evenly in the pan to promote uniform baking and crispiness.
• Pre-Baking: Pre-baking the crust before adding toppings helps to solidify the base and prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Topping Considerations: Avoid overloading the crust with too many toppings, as this can make it difficult to handle and may result in a less crispy crust.
• Crispiness: For a crispier crust, bake it for a longer duration, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.

Addressing Common Questions

Is Cheese Crust Pizza No Carb?

Not all cheese crust pizzas are entirely no-carb, as some recipes may include small amounts of flour or other binding agents. However, when made with a cheese-only crust, it is significantly lower in carbs than traditional pizza.

How Many Carbs Are in Flourless Pizza Crust Alone?

The carb content in a flourless pizza crust made from cheese will primarily depend on the type and amount of cheese used. Generally, it is quite low in carbs, making it a suitable option for those on a keto diet.

How Crispy Will This Crust Be?

The crispiness of the cheese crust depends on the amount of cheese used and the baking time. This pizza is chewy and on the softer side, given the amount of cheese in it. Baking it longer will result in a crispier crust.

Adapting the Recipe

Nut-Free Option:

For a nut-free low-carb pizza crust, ensure you're not using almond flour in the recipe. You can add about 4 tablespoons (57 g/ 2 oz) of cream cheese to the mozzarella before melting for added structure.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Storage and Reheating:

Store any leftovers wrapped in cling wrap in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to keep the crust crispy.

The Keto Advantage

For individuals adhering to a ketogenic lifestyle, cheese crust pizza offers a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic comfort food. By eliminating the flour-based crust, this pizza alternative significantly reduces carbohydrate intake, allowing you to stay within your macro targets while still indulging in a delicious meal.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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