For those following a ketogenic diet, pizza can seem like a distant memory. Traditional pizza crusts are typically high in carbohydrates, making them unsuitable for keto. However, with a little creativity, it's possible to enjoy pizza while staying within your macros. Fathead dough has become a popular option for keto pizza crusts, but some people may be tired of the taste or find it difficult to make. Fortunately, there are several delicious and easy-to-make keto pizza crust recipes that don't rely on fathead dough.
The Appeal of Fathead-Free Keto Pizza Crusts
Fathead dough is a popular choice for keto pizza crusts because it's relatively easy to make and has a good texture. However, some people find the taste overpowering or simply want to explore other options. Additionally, those with nut allergies may need a nut-free alternative to almond flour-based fathead dough.
Whey Protein Pizza Crust
One alternative to fathead dough is a whey protein-based crust. This recipe uses whey protein powder, almond flour, and a few other simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying pizza crust.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup whey protein powder (hemp protein powder can be used as a vegan alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup warm water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, protein powder, salt, xanthan gum, and baking powder.
- Pour in the oil and warm water.
- Mix thoroughly until a dough forms.
- Place the dough onto a piece of parchment paper and use wet hands to flatten it into a pizza shape. Avoid using a rolling pin, as the dough may stick to the parchment paper.
- Make sure the middle of the dough is fairly thin, as it will rise a little in the oven.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Take out and add your favorite toppings.
- Bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips and Variations
- Add oregano and garlic powder to the dry ingredients for extra flavor.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings.
- If the dough is too thick, flatten it out more before baking.
- Coconut flour can be used instead of almond flour.
Nut-Free Keto Pizza Crust
For those with nut allergies, a nut-free keto pizza crust is a must. This recipe uses a combination of cream cheese, eggs, and seasonings to create a simple and delicious crust.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 12-inch pizza pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, combine eggs, cream cheese, and seasonings.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined pizza pan.
- Spread the mixture out in a thin, even circle.
- Bake for 22 minutes, flipping 12-14 minutes in.
- Add your favorite toppings and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pork Rind Pizza Crust
For a truly unique and low-carb pizza crust, consider using pork rinds. This recipe uses pork rind flour as the base, resulting in a surprisingly delicious and crispy crust.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
- 2 cups pork rinds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- Olive oil, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pulse pork rinds in a blender or food processor until finely ground.
- In a microwaveable bowl, heat shredded cheddar and cream cheese until smooth, about 45 seconds.
- Mix cheeses together, add egg, and stir. Work quickly, and if the cheese becomes stiff, microwave for 10 seconds.
- Add pork rind flour and stir until combined.
- Press dough out onto a parchment-covered baking sheet.
- Top with a bit of olive oil and your favorite toppings.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Two-Ingredient Mozzarella Pizza Crust
This incredibly simple recipe uses just two ingredients: cheese and eggs. It's a quick and easy way to satisfy your pizza cravings without any complicated steps or ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pre-shredded, low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan with parchment paper. You can also use a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Add ingredients to a food processor or blender.
- Blend until eggs are completely incorporated and cheese is the size of large crumbs. Your mixture should look something like cottage cheese.
- Spread mixture evenly across your prepared pie pan.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the entire surface is light brown. The surface should also feel firm.
- Remove crust from oven. Turn oven up to 400°F (200°C).
- Add tomato sauce, cheese, or other desired toppings.
- Bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Almond Flour and Mozzarella Crust
This recipe combines almond flour with mozzarella and cream cheese to create a dough that is easy to handle and results in a slightly chewy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- Pizza toppings of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mozzarella and cream cheese. Microwave in 20-second intervals until melted, stirring in between.
- Stir in almond flour and egg until a dough forms.
- Place dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll out to desired thickness.
- Transfer the crust to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes, until firm.
- Remove the crust from the oven. Top with pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Lightly brush the sides with olive oil and place back in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden around the edges and the cheese has melted.
Yeast-Raised Keto Pizza Crust
For those who miss the bready taste of traditional pizza crust, adding yeast to a keto pizza dough can help. This recipe uses yeast, almond flour, flaxseed meal, and other keto-friendly ingredients to create a flavorful and fluffy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dry active yeast
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (for feeding the yeast)
- 1/2 cup warm water (105-110°F)
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup finely ground flaxseed meal (or more almond flour)
- 2 teaspoons psyllium husk
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (or more flaxseed meal)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add yeast and maple syrup. Heat up water to 105-110°F and pour over yeast mixture. Cover bowl with a kitchen towel and allow to rest for 7 minutes, until bubbly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, flaxseed meal, psyllium husk, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt.
- Once your yeast is proofed, add in the egg, egg whites, olive oil, and vinegar. Mix with a whisk or electric mixer for a couple of minutes until light and frothy.
- Add the flour mixture in two batches, mixing until thoroughly incorporated.
- Line a pizza dish or baking tray with parchment paper and grease with olive oil.
- Dip a spatula (or your fingers) in water and spread the dough until even in thickness of choice. Fold the edges inward to create thicker edges (optional).
- Cover with a kitchen towel and place in a warm draft-free space for 40-50 minutes until lighter in texture.
- Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C (or 375°F/190°C for high altitude).
- Transfer the dish gently into the oven and blind bake without toppings for 10-14 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add your favorite toppings and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Pizza Crust
- Use quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will affect the taste and texture of your pizza crust. Use blanched almond flour for a smoother crust, and make sure your mozzarella cheese is low-moisture.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in a tough crust. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
- Pre-bake the crust: Pre-baking the crust helps it to crisp up and prevents it from becoming soggy when you add the toppings.
- Get creative with toppings: There are endless possibilities for keto-friendly pizza toppings. Experiment with different combinations of meats, vegetables, cheeses, and sauces.
- Adjust baking time as needed: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the crust and adjust the baking time as needed to prevent it from burning.
Low-Carb Pizza Topping Ideas
- Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, cooked chicken, ground beef, ham
- Vegetables: Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, spinach, olives, tomatoes, zucchini
- Cheeses: Mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, provolone, ricotta
- Sauces: Sugar-free marinara sauce, pesto, Alfredo sauce, olive oil, buffalo sauce
- Herbs and Spices: Oregano, basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning
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