The Ultimate Keto Pizza Recipe

Certified nutritionist

Elina Balode

"Pizza is no doubt one of the most popular foods in the world. However, for us Keto folk, pizza is usually a pleasure we have to leave out because of it's high carb crust. But almost everything has an alternative that is keto friendly and we can adjust our favourite guilty pleasures to meet our diet needs. Enjoy this amazing pizza recipe and enjoy it guilt free!"

Pizza, with its heavenly combination of cheese, sauce, and toppings, is a universally loved indulgence. However, for those following a ketogenic diet, traditional pizza is often off-limits due to its high carb content. But fear not, fellow keto enthusiasts! In this article, we'll explore some mouthwatering keto-friendly alternatives that will satisfy your pizza cravings, featuring the beloved cauliflower crust, and even finish on a high note with a delightful keto pizza chips recipe. So, let's dive in!

Substitutes for pizza crust

1. Cauliflower Crust - The Low-Carb Champion

Cauliflower takes center stage as the low-carb champion for keto pizza crusts. By ricing cauliflower and combining it with cheese, eggs, and herbs, you can create a flavorful and satisfying pizza crust with significantly fewer carbs than the traditional wheat-based version. Top it with your favorite keto-friendly toppings, and you've got a delicious pizza that won't derail your dietary goals.

2. Portobello Mushroom Caps - The Earthy Delight

Portobello mushroom caps provide an earthy and robust foundation for a keto pizza. Remove the stem and gills, brush the caps with olive oil, and pre-bake them for a few minutes. Once they're partially cooked, add your preferred pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. Pop them back in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and you'll have a savory, low-carb pizza that's both flavorful and satisfying.

3. Eggplant Slices - The Versatile Base

Thinly sliced eggplant can make a surprisingly delicious keto pizza crust alternative. Lightly salt the eggplant slices to draw out excess moisture, then bake them in the oven until they're tender. Top with sauce, cheese, and your favorite keto-friendly toppings, and enjoy a delightful, vegetable-based pizza that won't compromise your carb intake.

4. Cheese Crust - The Ultimate Low-Carb Option

For the ultimate low-carb pizza, try a cheese crust! This ingenious creation involves melting shredded mozzarella and mixing it with almond flour and egg until you get a dough-like consistency. Press the mixture into a pizza shape and bake it until it turns into a golden, crispy crust. Load it up with keto-approved toppings, and you'll be amazed at how satisfyingly delicious a cheese-based pizza can be.

Let’s make the ultimate cauliflower crust pizza!

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 medium cauliflower head, riced (about 4 cups)

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Pinch of salt and pepper

Toppings:

• 1/2 cup sugar-free pizza sauce or marinara sauce

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni or your favorite keto-friendly toppings (e.g., cooked sausage, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a pizza stone or a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower Crust: a. Rinse and dry the cauliflower head, then cut it into florets. Place the florets in a food processor and pulse until you get a rice-like consistency. b. Microwave the riced cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl for 5 minutes on high. Allow it to cool for a few minutes. c. Transfer the microwaved cauliflower rice to a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible. d. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower rice, eggs, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Create the Pizza Crust: a. Transfer the cauliflower mixture onto the prepared baking sheet or pizza stone. Use your hands to press and shape it into a round pizza crust, about 1/4-inch thick. You can also make it rectangular or any shape you prefer.

4. Bake the Crust: a. Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust becomes golden and holds together.

5. Add the Pizza Toppings: a. Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and spread the sugar-free pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly over the top. b. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering the entire pizza crust. c. Add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, cooked sausage, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.

6. Final Bake: a. Return the topped pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

7. Serve and Enjoy: a. Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. b. Slice your delicious Cauliflower Crust Italian Pizza and serve it hot. Enjoy your guilt-free and satisfying keto-friendly pizza!

This Cauliflower Crust Italian Pizza is sure to become a favorite in your keto recipe collection. With its flavorful crust and mouthwatering toppings, you won't even miss the traditional high-carb version. Buon appetito!