Delicious Keto Pizza Recipes That Let You Indulge Without the Carbs!

Is it possible to enjoy pizza while following a ketogenic diet? The answer is a resounding yes! While traditional pizza is often considered a high-carb indulgence, keto-friendly pizza options allow you to savor your favorite flavors without compromising your health goals. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying low-carb pizza that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.

Understanding the Keto Diet and Pizza

A keto diet aims to reduce your intake of carbs and sugar while increasing your consumption of proteins and fats. This metabolic shift forces the body to rely on fat for energy, leading to weight loss and other health benefits. Traditional pizza, with its wheat-based crust, is typically high in carbohydrates, making it a no-go for those on a keto diet. However, the growing popularity of low-carb lifestyles has led to the development of numerous keto-friendly pizza alternatives.

The Key: Keto-Friendly Crusts

The most crucial element of a keto pizza is the crust. Traditional pizza crusts can contain as much as 80 net carbs, while keto pizza crusts typically have around six net carbs. This significant difference stems from the type of flour used. Here are some popular keto pizza crust options:

Almond Flour Crust: Almond flour is a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. When combined with cheese, eggs, and other ingredients, it creates a crispy and satisfying crust.
Fathead Dough Crust: Fathead dough is a popular keto pizza crust made from mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, almond flour, and eggs. It's known for its cheesy flavor and crispy texture.
Cauliflower Crust: Cauliflower crust is a vegetable-based option that's lower in carbs than traditional crust. Riced cauliflower is combined with cheese, eggs, and seasonings to create a surprisingly sturdy base.
Chicken Crust: For a protein-packed option, consider a chicken crust made from ground chicken, eggs, and cheese. It's an unconventional but delicious way to enjoy a keto pizza.
Coconut Flour Crust: Coconut flour can be used as a substitute for the cheese in the crust for some extra health-promoting fiber.

Keto Pizza Recipes

Crispy Keto Pizza Crust

This recipe yields a chewy and golden crust without yeast or cauliflower.

Ingredients:

3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
4 ounces cream cheese (from a block, not spreadable)
1 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
2 large eggs

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet and set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the mozzarella and cream cheese in 20-second intervals until melted. Whisk together.
Add the almond flour to a large mixing bowl, ensuring there are no clumps.
Transfer the melted cheese mixture to the bowl of almond flour and add the eggs. Mix until a sticky dough remains.
Place a large piece of parchment paper on a flat surface. Transfer the pizza dough on top of it. Place a second piece of parchment paper over it.
Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough until it is about 1/2 inch thick. Remove the top piece of parchment paper and use your hands to shape the dough into a pizza shape and smooth out the crust.
Place the pizza dough onto the prepared pizza pan and bake for 12 minutes, until firm.
Remove the crust from the oven and add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. Lightly brush the sides with olive oil.
Place back in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden around the edges and the cheese has melted.
Remove the pizza from the oven, slice, and serve.

Toppings: The Possibilities are Endless

Once you have your keto-friendly crust, the fun begins with the toppings. Fortunately, many traditional pizza toppings are already keto-friendly. Here are some ideas:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a classic pizza topping, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, provolone, or goat cheese.
Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, and cooked chicken are all great keto-friendly meat options. Consider ordering from US Wellness Meats or other sources of 100% grass-fed, humanely-raised animal products to increase the nutrient density and health benefits of your meats.
Vegetables: Load up on low-carb veggies like mushrooms, green and red peppers, red onions, spinach, olives, and tomatoes (in moderation, as they contain some carbs).
Sauces: Opt for low-carb pizza sauces or tomato sauces.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor to your keto pizza. Garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes are all great options.

Sauce Selection

Fortunately, you should be okay with any sauce that isn’t too high in carbs. It can contain tomatoes, salt, oregano, and basil without being unfit for your keto diet.

Vegetarian Keto Pizza

If you are looking for a keto-friendly vegetarian pizza option, then bell peppers are an excellent addition, especially the red variety, you will get plenty of vitamin C and vitamin A.

Unique Keto Pizza Ideas

Sometimes you need to experiment with something new. Here are some unique keto pizza ideas:

Thai Keto Pizza: Combine peanut sauce, cheese, mung bean sprouts, carrots, and green onion for a flavorful and nutritious pizza.
Apple, Onion, and Ham Pizza: This combination offers a unique blend of sweetness and savory flavors, while also providing valuable nutrients. Onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer.
Waffle Pizza: Use keto-friendly waffles as the base for your pizza and top with your favorite ingredients.

Where to Find Keto Pizza

If you don't feel like making your own keto pizza, many restaurants and pizzerias now offer keto-friendly options. For example, Beau Jo’s in Colorado offers keto-friendly pizzas made with fresh vegetables and low-carb crusts.

Enjoying Pizza on Keto: Tips and Considerations

Read Labels Carefully: When buying pre-made crusts or sauces, always check the nutrition labels to ensure they are low in carbs and free of added sugars.
Portion Control: Even keto-friendly pizza should be enjoyed in moderation. Pay attention to your hunger cues and avoid overeating.
Experiment with Flavors: Don't be afraid to try new combinations of crusts, toppings, and sauces to find your perfect keto pizza.
Make it a Family Affair: Keto pizza can be a fun and delicious meal to share with family and friends, even those who aren't following a keto diet.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Many of the ingredients used in keto pizza offer significant health benefits:

Tomatoes: A common dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
Cayenne Pepper: Improves circulation and digestive health, fights cold and flu viruses, and boosts metabolism.
Portabello Mushrooms: A good source of ergothioneine (ERGO), an antioxidant that may help protect against chronic inflammatory diseases.
Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamin C and vitamin A.
Mung Bean Sprouts: Provide fiber, minerals like magnesium and zinc, and B vitamins.
Onions: Contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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