The Ultimate Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Recipe
If you’re gluten free or have a sensitivity to wheat, you know the challenges of finding a delicious pizza crust that doesn’t make you feel left out while everyone else is indulging in their gooey cheesy pies. But fear not! I’m happy to share with you my tried and tested gluten free pizza crust recipe.
This pizza crust is not only gluten free, but also dairy free and full of healthy ingredients, making it a guilt-free option for those who are health-conscious. Almond flour, rice flour, xanthan gum and olive oil create a perfect base for the crust that is crispy, chewy and holds all your favorite toppings without falling apart.
Whether you like thick and fluffy or thin and crispy pizza crusts, this recipe has got you covered. It’s also versatile enough to use for traditional Neapolitan style pizza or even Brazilian cheese bread. Plus, it’s yeast-free so there’s no need to wait hours or overnight for the dough to rise. You can have your homemade pizza ready in no time!
So get ready to enjoy a piping hot, freshly baked pizza hot out of your own oven with this easy-to-follow recipe. Get ready to impress your guests with your culinary skills and give yourself an excuse to indulge in a slice (or two) without any guilt. Let’s begin!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a delicious pizza? But for those of us with dietary restrictions, finding a satisfying gluten-free and dairy-free version can be a challenge. That’s where this pizza crust recipe comes in.
First of all, it’s gluten-free, which means it’s safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. But even if you don’t have dietary restrictions, you’ll love the crispy yet chewy texture of this crust. It’s made with a unique blend of gluten-free flours, including brown rice flour, white rice flour, and tapioca flour. This creates a more complex flavor profile than just using one type of flour.
Plus, this recipe uses fast-rising yeast, so you can have fresh homemade pizza ready in just over an hour. No more waiting around for dough to rise overnight! This makes it perfect for those weeknight pizza cravings or last-minute dinner guests.
The crust also has a touch of cornmeal for added texture, and xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together. And because it’s made with olive oil instead of butter or cheese, it’s dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Whether you prefer thick or thin crust, this recipe is versatile enough to suit your preferences. Make it into a Neapolitan-style pie with simple tomato sauce and fresh basil, or load it up with veggies and vegan cheese for a healthier take on classic pizza.
Overall, this gluten-free pizza crust recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy homemade pizza without sacrificing taste or texture. Give it a try and see why you’ll love this recipe too!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you need to make the best gluten-free pizza crust recipe of your dreams!
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 2 teaspoons fast-rising yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Flour Blend Ingredients:
For a gluten-free flour blend, mix together:
– 1 1/2 cups white rice flour
– 3/4 cup brown rice flour
– 1/2 cup tapioca flour
– 1 tsp xanthan gum
Alternative Flour Blend:
Here is another flour blend, in case you want to experiment or don’t have access to the first:
– 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons warm water (about 110ºF)
– 3 Tbsp. olive oil
– 1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. sugar
– 1 (0.25 oz.) packet or 2¼ tsp. fast rising yeast
– 1 Tbsp. + ¾ tsp. psyllium husk powder
– ½ tsp. baking powder
– ¾ tsp. salt
– Optional: For a thicker crust, use up to 3½ cups total of GF all-purpose flour and only ½ cup water for blending and kneading.
Some people opt for already made gluten-free purpose flour mixes like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill, but a homemade blend like this one will save you some money and let you have control over the consistency of your crust!
If you are lactose intolerant, go for non-fat dry milk instead of dairy milk. For a vegan and dairy free option, feel free to substitute for almond milk.
Now that you’ve made sure you have all the ingredients you need, let’s move on to the recipe instructions
The Recipe How-To
Now, the fun part begins! In this section, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect Gluten-Free Pizza Crust.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) fast-rising yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp xanthan gum
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, mix together gluten-free flour blend, sugar, fast-rising yeast, salt and xanthan gum.
Step 2: Stir in the warm water and olive oil until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Knead dough for about three minutes until it’s smooth and stretchy.
Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F.
Step 5: Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface. Knead with your hands to a desired thickness, whether that be thin crust or thick crust.
Step 6: Place pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Add your favorite sauce and toppings and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until crust is crispy and toppings are hot and bubbly.
Enjoy your homemade gluten-free pizza crust!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making a gluten-free pizza crust, there are many substitutions and variations that can be made to give the crust a unique twist. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
– For a thicker crust, add an extra tablespoon of warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dough recipe. This will make the crust more chewy and filling.
– If you’re looking for a vegan or dairy-free option, substitute the nonfat dry milk with almond milk powder or another plant-based powder.
– Want to make an easy no-yeast alternative? Use a ready-made gluten-free pizza mix that can be found at most grocery stores.
– For those who enjoy thin crust, reduce the flour from 2 cups to 1 1/2 cups and add 1/2 cup of cornmeal. This will keep the crust crispy and light.
– Looking for a unique flavor? Add 1 tablespoon of dried basil, oregano or red pepper flakes to the dough recipe.
– If you prefer not to use a gluten-free flour blend, try using brown rice flour or white rice flour in combination with tapioca flour and potato starch.
– For a Brazilian-style cheese bread pizza, replace some of the flour with tapioca starch and add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
– If you don’t have xanthan gum on hand or can’t tolerate it, try using psyllium husk instead. It acts as a binder similar to xanthan gum.
These variations allow you to experiment with different textures, flavors and ingredients while still enjoying a delicious gluten-free pizza crust.
Serving and Pairing
The best part about making your own homemade gluten-free pizza crust is that you can pair it with any toppings your heart desires. Whether you prefer a classic margherita pizza or a loaded meat lover’s pie, this crust recipe will be the perfect foundation for any flavor combination you choose.
As soon as your gluten-free pizza is out of the oven, let it cool down for a couple of minutes before slicing it into eight pieces. The crust should be golden brown on the edges and crispy yet chewy in the center, so make sure to enjoy every bite.
Pair your gluten-free pizza with a refreshing salad or veggie side dish to create an even more balanced meal. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or grilled veggies tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar would be fantastic choices. For those who can tolerate dairy, sprinkle some grated parmesan or crumbled feta cheese over your veggies before serving.
If you want to take your gluten-free pizza game to the next level, experiment with different types of toppings and sauces. Make a neapolitan-style pizza with fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and tomato sauce, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Try making a vegan pizza using almond flour instead of rice flour and top it with roasted veggies and dairy-free “cheese.” Or go all-out Brazilian-style by adding sliced ham, hard-boiled eggs, and green peas over a red sauce.
Whatever toppings you choose, remember that the crust is what matters the most when it comes to making excellent gluten-free pizza. With this recipe’s crispy yet tender texture, you’ll forget that you’re eating a gluten-free pizza crust at all all!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this gluten-free pizza crust recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. This means that you can easily prepare a few crusts at once and have them ready to go whenever you are in the mood for pizza.
After you have prepared the crust according to the recipe, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply wrap the crust tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
If you want to store it for longer than 24 hours, you can freeze the prepared crust. Again, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to three months in the freezer.
When you are ready to use the crust, take it out of the fridge or freezer and let it come to room temperature before baking. If it’s frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that the crust reheats really well. If you have leftovers, simply wrap them up and put them in the fridge. When you are ready to reheat your pizza, place it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
This feature makes the pizza highly convenient for busy weeknights when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch.Else, simply pop a slice into your toaster oven for quick reheating during emergencies.
Tips for Perfect Results
In order to achieve the perfect gluten-free pizza crust, there are a few tips that can come in handy. These tips will ensure that your dough is fluffy and light, yet sturdy enough to hold all the toppings.
1. Xanthan Gum is Your Friend
As mentioned earlier, xanthan gum is the key ingredient in this recipe that helps hold the dough together. However, it’s important not to overdo it. Too much xanthan gum can create a slimy texture and off-putting flavor. Use it according to the recipe instructions, typically around 1 teaspoon per cup of flour.
2. Preheat Your Oven
Preheating your oven is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Make sure you preheat the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking your pizza to ensure the perfect temperature for baking.
3. Oil the Crust
Brushing a bit of olive oil onto the crust before adding any toppings can help keep the dough from becoming soggy. The oil also adds flavor and texture to the crust.
4. Don’t Overload on Toppings
While it’s tempting to pile on all of your favorite toppings, too many can weigh down the crust and cause it to become soggy. Instead, opt for a few well-chosen toppings that complement each other and won’t overload the crust.
5. Choose Your Flour Blends Wisely
There are many gluten-free flour blends available on the market, but not all are created equal. Experiment with different blends until you find one that works best for pizza crust.
6. Let It Cool
It’s important to let your pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows time for the cheese and toppings to set and prevents them from sliding off when you cut into it.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious and perfectly cooked homemade gluten-free pizza crusts. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this gluten-free pizza crust recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. The simple ingredients and easy instructions make it perfect for beginners, while the flexibility of substitutions and variations allows for creativity in the kitchen. This recipe provides a great foundation for thick, thin, or even no-yeast crusts that can accommodate any dietary restrictions, including dairy-free and vegan diets. And the best part? The delicious taste and texture of homemade pizza can be enjoyed while staying healthy! So go ahead, grab some warm water and gluten-free flour blend, and get ready to create a tasty meal that will leave everyone satisfied. Whether you’re hosting a party or making a quick dinner, this pizza crust recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try it out today and see for yourself why it’s the best gluten-free pizza crust recipe out there!
Pizza Crust (Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, plus additional for brushing
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (or more if desired)
- 1 cup brown rice flour (use recipe 208712)
- 1/2 cup millet flour
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 (1/4 ounce) package fast rising yeast
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water (105-115 F)
Instructions
- Lightly oil pizza pan and sprinkle evenly with cornmeal. Put oven rack in lowest position and preheat oven to 425°F
- Mix flour mix, millet flour, xanthan gum, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed. Add water and 1 teaspoon oil and mix until just combined, scraping down side of bowl occasionally. Mixture will be thin and more like a batter than a dough. Increase speed to high and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Spoon batter into center of pan and use wet offset spatula to spread to edges of pan in a thin layer.
- Loosely cover pan with an oiled sheet of plastic (oiled side down) and let stand in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 40 minutes.
- Bake pizza crust until golden, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cover crust with toppings of your choice. Bake until toppings are heated through, about 6 minutes (this will vary depending on toppings). Transfer pizza on pan to a rack to cool slightly, about 3 minutes.