Unbelievably Tasty Keto Pizza Recipes You Need to Try Now!

For those following a ketogenic diet, pizza might seem like a forbidden pleasure. However, with a few smart ingredient swaps, you can enjoy a satisfying and flavorful keto pizza without derailing your dietary goals. This article provides a comprehensive guide to creating the best keto pizza, featuring crispy crusts and delicious toppings, all while keeping the carb count low.

Why Keto Pizza?

Pizza is a beloved comfort food, but traditional recipes are loaded with carbohydrates from the crust. Keto pizza offers a way to indulge in this classic dish while adhering to the principles of a ketogenic diet, which emphasizes high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrate intake. By using alternative crust recipes and carefully selecting toppings, you can create a pizza that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.

Key Ingredients for Keto Pizza

The secret to a great keto pizza lies in the crust. Traditional flour is replaced with low-carb alternatives, and other ingredients are chosen to minimize carbs while maximizing flavor and texture. Here are some essential ingredients:

Almond Flour: This is a popular choice for keto pizza crusts. It's made from blanched almonds and provides a slightly nutty flavor and a texture that can be crispy when baked correctly. Important: Use blanched almond flour, not almond meal, for the best results.
Mozzarella Cheese: A staple for any pizza, mozzarella is also keto-friendly. It's used both in the crust and as a topping, providing a cheesy, melty goodness. Plain, pre-shredded bagged mozzarella works perfectly well.
Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese to the crust helps create a softer, more pliable dough. It also contributes to the overall flavor and texture. Cream cheese from a stick or block is recommended, as tub cream cheese can add too much liquid and lead to a soggy crust.
Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure to the crust.
Baking Powder: A small amount of baking powder helps the crust rise slightly, giving it a lighter texture.
Salt and Seasonings: Salt enhances the flavor of the crust, and you can add other seasonings like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Mastering the Keto Pizza Crust

The crust is the foundation of any pizza, and getting it right is crucial for a satisfying keto experience. Here are a few popular methods for creating a delicious low-carb crust:

Almond Flour Crust

This is a widely used and versatile option. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix almond flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Melt Cheese: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mozzarella and cream cheese. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry: Add half of the almond flour mixture to the melted cheese and stir well. Then, add the remaining almond flour and beaten eggs. The mixture will be lumpy at first, but keep stirring with a silicone spatula until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Use your hands to knead the dough until a soft, pliable ball forms. This may take several minutes.
Shape the Crust: Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll it out to your desired thickness. You can also shape it by hand.
Pre-bake the Crust: Transfer the crust (still on the parchment paper) to a pizza pan or baking sheet. Pre-bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 7-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Don't skip the pre-bake!
Add Toppings and Bake Again: Remove the crust from the oven, add your favorite keto-friendly toppings, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

Fathead Dough Crust

Fathead dough is another popular keto crust option, known for its cheesy flavor and relatively easy preparation.

Melt Cheeses: Combine mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add almond flour, egg, and any desired seasonings (like garlic powder) to the melted cheese mixture.
Mix and Knead: Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough briefly until it is smooth and pliable.
Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to your desired thickness and shape.
Pre-bake: Bake the crust on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper at 400°F (200°C) for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown. The longer you bake it, the crispier it will get.
Add Toppings and Bake Again: Remove from oven and load your pizza with your favorite sauces, cheese, and toppings. Bake pizza for another 5-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Fried Cheese Crust

For a truly unique and crispy keto pizza experience, consider a fried cheese crust.

Fry the Cheese: Use orange cheddar cheese, then topped with all of your favorite taco ingredients for one incredibly satisfying meal.
Add toppings: Lemony, peppery, mascarpone alfredo sauce is smothered on a fried cheese crust then topped with tender broccoli bites. You can even add some grilled chicken for an extra tasty protein boost.
Enjoy! This quite literally tastes like a complete Fourth of July BBQ in every squee-inducing bite.

Keto-Friendly Topping Ideas

Once you have your crust sorted, it's time to get creative with toppings. The key is to choose options that are low in carbs and high in flavor. Here are some great ideas:

Meats: Sausage (Italian sausage works well), pepperoni, cooked chicken, ground beef, bacon, ham.
Vegetables: Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, black olives, tomatoes (in moderation), basil.
Cheeses: Mozzarella (of course!), cheddar, parmesan, provolone, pepper jack.
Sauces: Low-carb pizza sauce (check labels for added sugar), pesto, alfredo sauce (in moderation), enchilada sauce.

Recipe Variations

Margherita: A classic and simple option with low-carb pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
Pepperoni: A crowd-pleaser with low-carb pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices.
Meat Lovers: Load it up with sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and ground beef.
BBQ Chicken: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce, cooked chicken, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
Vegetarian: A colorful and flavorful option with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, and black olives.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Pizza

Don't Overload the Crust: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Use a moderate amount of toppings to maintain the crust's integrity.
Pre-cook Meats and Vegetables: Pre-cooking meats like sausage or ground beef and vegetables like onions and mushrooms can help remove excess moisture and prevent a soggy pizza.
Use Full-Fat Ingredients: Full-fat cheeses and cream cheese will provide the best flavor and texture.
Check Labels: Always check the labels of sauces and other ingredients to ensure they are low in carbs and free of added sugar.
Experiment with Flavors: Don't be afraid to try different combinations of toppings and seasonings to find your perfect keto pizza.

Storing and Reheating Keto Pizza

Refrigerator Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza before the final bake. Par-bake the crust, add your toppings, then freeze. Place the pizza on a pan in the freezer (with parchment paper underneath) for 2-3 hours, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap for 2-3 months.
Reheating Instructions: You can reheat the pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also microwave it at 50% power in 1-minute increments, but the crust may lose some of its crispness.

Keto Pizza Variations

Chaffle Pizzas: Make little personal pan pizzas!
Keto Pizza Pinwheels: This quick, no-cook recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Coconut Flour as a Substitute: This recipe is formulated for almond flour, I do not recommend using another flour. Using other flour options will affect texture and flavor.
Using Tub Cream Cheese: More liquid (i.e. tub cream cheese) = soggy crust.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #pizza #recipes