Kamil Perry
Pizza is a beloved food for many, but the traditional crust is often high in carbohydrates. For those on low-carb or keto diets, there are several alternatives to enjoy pizza without the carbs. One option is a 'fathead' pizza crust, made from almond flour, eggs, and cheese, which can be topped with traditional pizza sauces and toppings. Another option is a cauliflower crust, which is also low-carb. For an even lower-carb option, some people opt for a crustless pizza, which uses a base of ground meat and is topped with cheese and other pizza toppings. These low-carb pizza alternatives allow people to enjoy the taste of pizza while adhering to their dietary restrictions.
Is Cheese Pizza Low Carb?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carb content | Low-carb pizza crusts can be made with almond or coconut flour, eggs, and cheese. Crustless pizzas are also an option. |
| Crust | Can be made with almond or coconut flour, eggs, and cheese. Can also be made with cauliflower or ground meat. |
| Toppings | Cheese, meat, and vegetables are common toppings. |
| Sauce | Keto-friendly sauces include sugar-free, keto tomato/pizza sauce, or pesto. |
| Reheating | Can be reheated in the oven or microwave. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Crustless pizza
If you're craving pizza but want to avoid the carbs, a crustless pizza is a great option. It's a popular choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet, as it offers all the best parts of a pizza without the crust. This means you can still enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness of a regular pizza, but with almost zero carbs.
To make a crustless pizza, you'll need just one skillet and about 15 minutes of your time. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). In a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble some sausage. Drain any excess fat, then stir in shredded mozzarella cheese and flatten the mixture into a single layer. You can also add other meats and vegetables of your choice.
For an even lower-carb option, omit the marinara sauce and stick to meat and cheese toppings. If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can sauté the sausage in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish before adding your toppings.
Once you've added your toppings, bake the crustless pizza for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Remove it from the oven, slice it into portions, and serve immediately.
If you're craving that crispy crust, you can also try making a low-carb pizza crust using almond flour, eggs, and cheese. This type of crust is often referred to as "fathead pizza" dough due to its high-fat content. It's a simple and delicious way to enjoy a more traditional pizza experience while still keeping the carb count low.
Cheeseboard's Plain Cheese Pizza: A Delicious Option?
You may want to see also
Keto pizza crusts
If you're on a keto diet, you don't have to give up pizza! There are several ways to make a low-carb pizza crust that is keto-friendly. Here are some options:
Fathead Dough
Fathead dough is a popular choice for keto pizza crusts. It is made primarily of cheese, which is why it tastes so good! The base ingredients are usually mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, eggs, and a low-carb flour like almond or coconut flour. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder or Italian seasoning to give it a flavour boost. The dough is easy to work with and can be rolled out between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake at 400° F for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are crispy.
Almond Flour Crust
Another option is to use almond flour as the base for your pizza crust. It is important to use blanched almond flour, as almond meal will yield a grittier and more easily burned crust. You can combine almond flour with eggs and mozzarella cheese to form a dough, and then roll it out and bake it. However, do not substitute almond flour for coconut flour, as they have different baking properties and will not yield the same results.
Cauliflower Crust
If you're looking for a vegetable-based option, you can also make a pizza crust out of cauliflower. This option is low-carb and keto-friendly, but the preparation method may vary.
Cheese Crust
For an even simpler option, you can make a pizza crust out of cheese alone. Simply blend cheeses of your choice and spread them evenly over a non-stick pizza pan. Sprinkle with pizza seasoning and bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Then, add your favourite pizza sauce and toppings and bake until the cheese is melted.
Pre-Baking and Freezing Tips
When making any keto pizza crust, it is important to pre-bake the crust before adding toppings to ensure it is fully cooked. You can also make your pizza ahead of time and freeze it. Once your pizza is assembled and baked, let it cool to room temperature, then cover it and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, simply bake it in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
Preparing Double Cheese Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Low-carb pizza toppings
Cheese pizza can be low-carb if you use a low-carb base and toppings. Traditional pizza crusts are usually high in carbs, but there are many low-carb alternatives, such as cauliflower, almond flour, or coconut flour.
When it comes to toppings, there are plenty of low-carb options to choose from. Here are some ideas for low-carb pizza toppings to inspire your next pizza night:
Meats
Meats such as pepperoni, ham, sausage, bacon, shredded chicken, ground beef, and anchovies are all tasty options that will add protein and flavour to your pizza. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use ground chicken or beef as a base for your pizza crust!
Vegetables
Veggie toppings can add colour, flavour, and nutrients to your pizza. Some low-carb vegetable toppings to consider include mushrooms, onions, olives, green peppers, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, broccoli, and pickled jalapeños. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even use cauliflower or eggplant as your pizza crust for a truly low-carb experience.
Cheeses
Cheese is a must-have on any pizza, and luckily, there are several low-carb options to choose from. Mozzarella, cheddar, goat cheese, blue cheese, feta, and parmesan are all delicious and keto-friendly choices. You can also use cream cheese in your pizza crust to add flavour and help keep it crispy.
Sauces
No pizza is complete without a tasty sauce. Tomato-based sauces, such as tomato paste, sour cream, or sun-dried tomato pesto, are classic choices. You can also experiment with other options like green pesto, BBQ sauce, or even a simple olive oil and herb mixture. Just be sure to choose a sugar-free or low-carb option to keep your pizza keto-friendly.
Herbs and Spices
Don't forget to add some fresh or dried herbs and spices to take your pizza to the next level. Oregano, rosemary, basil, and thyme can add a boost of flavour and colour to your creation. You can also try adding garlic powder or dried oregano to your pizza crust for an extra kick.
With so many low-carb options available, you can create a delicious and satisfying pizza that fits within your dietary needs. Get creative, experiment with different combinations, and enjoy your perfect, personalised pizza!
Domino's Philly Cheesesteak Pizza: Still on the Menu?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Reheating low-carb pizza
There are several ways to reheat low-carb pizza, including using a microwave, oven, stovetop, or air fryer. Each method has its pros and cons, and the best option may depend on factors such as time constraints, desired crispiness, and convenience.
Microwave
The microwave is a quick and convenient option for reheating low-carb pizza. Simply place the pizza slice on a microwave-safe plate and cook in 30-second intervals until warmed through. While this method is fast and easy, it may not deliver the same level of crispiness as other methods. The crust may become hard and chewy as it cools, and the overall texture may be less than ideal.
Oven
Stovetop
Using a frying pan on the stovetop is an unexpected but effective method for reheating low-carb pizza. Place a non-stick pan on medium heat and put the pizza slice directly into the pan for a couple of minutes. Then, add a few drops of water to the pan's base, ensuring they do not touch the pizza. Cover the pan and continue heating for a few more minutes. This method provides a golden brown crust and melted cheese, and it can conveniently heat several slices at once.
Air Fryer
The air fryer is a popular choice for reheating pizza, as it delivers hot and crispy results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and line the basket with aluminum foil or an air fryer liner. Place the pizza slices in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure even cooking. This method is faster than the oven or stovetop and produces a super-crispy crust, but it may only fit one slice at a time.
Mod Pizza: Non-Dairy Cheese Options Explored
You may want to see also
Low-carb pizza sauce
While cheese pizza can be low-carb, the sauce you choose to go with it can make a difference. Luckily, there are many options for low-carb pizza sauces, which are also keto-friendly and can be used as a base for other recipes that require a marinara sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
- Crush and add some garlic to the pan along with some yellow onions. Sauté until translucent (about 4 minutes).
- Add tomato paste, basil, oregano, fennel, granular sugar substitute, salt, black pepper, and chilli flakes (optional). Cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes and continue to cook over medium heat for 3 minutes.
- Turn the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thick.
This recipe yields a tasty, sugar-free, and keto-friendly pizza sauce. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to a month.
If you are looking for a quicker recipe, Sugar Free Londoner has a 15-minute keto pizza sauce that is full of flavour. The recipe yields 650ml of sauce with 2.7g net carbs per 1/3 cup.
- In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes.
- For a sweet and awesome lift, add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, coconut aminos, or a low-carb sweetener.
- Use fresh tomatoes for a better taste, but note that they will take 10 minutes longer to cook down.
- Store in a Tupperware or glass jar for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 6 months.
You can also experiment with different toppings and bases, such as a pesto pizza base, to create your own unique low-carb pizza.
Boston Pizza's Vegan Options: Cheese and Beyond
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese pizza can be low carb if it has a crust made from almond flour, eggs, and cheese. Each slice of this recipe has just 2 grams of net carbs.
One recipe suggests using 1 and 1/2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese, almond meal, and cream cheese. Mix well and microwave for 1 minute, or until melted. Then, add an egg and stir until it forms a dough.
It is not recommended to replace almond flour with coconut flour as they have different baking properties and will yield different results.
You can use various low-carb toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, bacon, vegetables, or even make it a cheeseburger pizza with ground beef and caramelized onions.
You can store leftover pizza in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 6 months. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a preheated oven.
