Gluten-Free Pizza Crust: A Delicious Alternative
Are you tired of the same old gluten-filled pizza crust that leaves you bloated and uncomfortable? Are you looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to your typical pizza night? Look no further than our favorite gluten-free pizza crust recipe!
This recipe not only satisfies your cravings for a crispy, chewy pizza crust but also fits into a variety of dietary restrictions. Whether you are gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan, this recipe has got you covered.
We’ve tested numerous gluten-free pizza dough recipes and can confidently say that this is the best one out there. With a perfect blend of rice flour, cornstarch, and xanthan gum, this crust has just the right amount of texture and elasticity to replicate the classic Neapolitan pizza experience.
Even if you aren’t following any specific dietary requirements, we guarantee that you’ll love this crust. It’s so good that it might even become your new go-to recipe. Let’s dive into the ingredients list and get started on making the best gluten-free pizza crust you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of sacrificing taste for dietary restrictions? Look no further than our gluten-free and dairy-free pizza crust recipe! This recipe is perfect for those who have gluten or dairy allergies, sensitivities, or preferences.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can add your favorite toppings to create a unique pizza each time. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pepperoni or a veggie-packed Neapolitan, this crust will hold up perfectly.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its simple ingredient list. With only a few key components like rice flour, cornstarch, and xanthan gum, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious pizza crust with ease. Plus, we use cider vinegar to enhance the flavor and help with the rise of the dough.
Not only is this pizza crust gluten and dairy-free, but it’s also vegan-friendly. You won’t need any eggs or milk to make this recipe! Use your favorite plant-based milk or even water as a substitute.
But the best part? This pizza crust doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. With herbs like oregano and rosemary, plus spices like garlic powder, you won’t even miss the traditional wheat-based crusts.
So impress your taste buds and wow your friends and family with this amazing gluten-free and dairy-free pizza crust recipe. It’s an easy way to enjoy a beloved classic without sacrificing your dietary needs or wants.
Ingredient List
Let’s get started with the ingredient list that you’ll need to make this gluten-free pizza crust recipe. Here are the ingredients and the recommended brands that I use. For best results, stick with the brands listed for gluten-free flour blends:
- 2 cups of Gluten Free flour blend (Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour or King Arthur Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour are my go-to)
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 packet (2 and a quarter teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 and a half cups warm water (not too hot; around 110°F) [Tip: I use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water]
If you can’t find a pre-made gluten-free flour blend, you can also make your own by mixing equal parts of almond flour, Rice Flour, and cornstarch. This not only gives a texture similar to wheat flour but also adds an earthy flavor to your pizza.
Note: All the ingredients above are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan except milk.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the exciting part – let’s get cooking and create this delicious gluten-free pizza crust! You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make your own pizza crust, especially with the right tools.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend (I recommend Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- In one bowl, whisk together the warm water, cider vinegar, olive oil and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour blend, sugar, salt, and xanthan gum until fully combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Sprinkle some gluten-free flour on a clean work surface or pastry mat.
- Roll dough into a ball shape and use a rolling pin to roll out your pizza crust into your desired thickness.
- Place the pizza dough onto a pizza stone or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Customize with your choice of toppings.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until your desired level of doneness is reached.
Extra Tips:
- If you prefer a thick crust, double the recipe ingredients.
- If you prefer a thin crust, reduce the amount of flour used in proportion to water.
- To make vegan pizza, substitute milk (in wet ingredients) with almond milk or any dairy-free alternative.
- To add extra flavor to your gluten-free pizza, sprinkle oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, or any other herbs you’d like on the crust before baking.
As you can see, this recipe is fairly straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy kitchen equipment. With some patience and a rolling pin, you can create a delicious gluten-free pizza right at home!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is the ability to play around with ingredients and modify recipes according to your preferences. When it comes to gluten-free pizza crust, there are a variety of substitutions and variations that you can make.
Firstly, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the milk in this recipe with any non-dairy milk of your choice, such as almond or soy milk.
Secondly, if you’re allergic to almonds or prefer not to use them in your recipe, you can substitute the almond flour with other gluten-free flours such as coconut flour or buckwheat flour.
Thirdly, if you don’t have access to xanthan gum or cornstarch, you can try using guar gum or arrowroot powder instead as a binding agent. Just be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly depending on what you use.
Fourthly, if you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your pizza crust, you can experiment with adding herbs and spices such as basil, thyme or chili flakes to the dough mixture. This can add an extra layer of complexity and depth to your pizza flavors.
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try out different pizza styles apart from the traditional Neapolitan style crust, you could experiment with using different types of flours such as bread flour for a thicker crust or making use of pre-made gluten-free crust mixes. You could also try making vegan gluten-free pizzas by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and pairing them with various toppings like caramelized onions, mushrooms, peppers – it’s entirely up to your taste preference!
When exploring substitutions and variations in this recipe, take note that it’s important not to deviate too far from the original recipe because these modifications affect the proportions and consistency of the dough.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have mastered the art of making a delectable gluten-free pizza crust, the next step is to serve and pair it with your favorite toppings. While it cannot be denied that the pizza toppings selection process can be an exhaustive list, there are some classic combinations that just always work.
For a traditional Italian pizza experience, consider opting for toppings like mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, and olives. If you want something that packs a bit more heat, you can never go wrong with pepperoni, jalapeno peppers, and red pepper flakes.
However, if you are feeling adventurous and want to try something new, then why not experiment with some unique toppings like grilled chicken or shrimp, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted vegetables such as bell peppers and eggplants.
As for pairing options, pizza is one versatile dish that can work well with different drinks depending on what mood you are in or what flavors you desire. For those who prefer cold refreshing beverages, a crisp lager or a light-bodied pilsner beer can help balance out the rich flavors of your pizza topping choices. On the other hand, if you want something bolder or more robust to match your spicy meat toppings or choose different herbs such as rosemary and thyme then a full-bodied red wine will do wonders.
Ultimately, the best kind of pizza is the one tailored to your preferences. So gather your loved ones together to savor this delicious gluten-free pizza creation and let everyone’s taste buds explore and discover their own perfect topping and pairing combinations!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this gluten-free pizza crust recipe is that it can be made ahead and stored for later use. After preparing the dough, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This way, you can enjoy fresh pizza with minimal effort whenever you want.
If you’re planning to store your pizza crust for a few days, you can also freeze the dough. To do this, wrap each ball of dough tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to use the dough, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours before rolling it out.
While reheating leftovers can sometimes result in dry and tough pizza crust, this gluten-free crust holds up quite well. For best results, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place your leftover pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake them for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the toppings are heated through.
Overall, this crust recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don’t have time to prepare a meal from scratch. You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use. And when you’re ready to eat, simply top with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a delicious gluten-free pizza that tastes just as good as any traditional Neapolitan pizza!
Tips for Perfect Results
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients to make this delicious gluten-free pizza crust, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that your final product is as delicious as possible. Here are some tips for getting perfect results every time:
1. Use warm water: When making the dough, use warm water instead of cold. This helps activate the yeast and allows the dough to rise properly.
2. Measure carefully: Gluten-free baking is a science, and accurate measurements are critical. Use measuring cups and spoons rather than estimating.
3. Let it rest: Once you’ve mixed the dough, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before rolling it out. This gives the gluten-free flours time to absorb the liquid and makes it easier to handle.
4. Roll it out thin: This recipe makes enough dough for one large pizza or two small ones. Regardless of the size, aim to roll the dough out as thin as possible. This ensures a crispy crust that will hold up well to toppings.
5. Use parchment paper: Tired of burned bottoms and sticky crusts? Line your baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper before transferring your crust onto it.
6. Bake on high heat: To get that crisp, Neapolitan-style crust we all love, turn your oven up as high as it will go (around 500°F) before baking.
7. Let it cool down: Once your pizza is done baking, let it sit on a wire rack for at least five minutes before cutting into it. This prevents a soggy crust and helps keep your toppings in place.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best gluten-free pizza crust ever!
FAQ
As a food blogger and nutritionist, I know that sometimes cooking or baking can be frustrating, especially when it’s a new recipe or you are dealing with a dietary restriction. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions to help all readers make the best gluten-free pizza ever! Check out the following common questions to avoid any doubts and enjoy your delicious pizza crust without worries.
What makes a gluten-free pizza crust?
Pizza that is free from gluten is a kind of pizza that is safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities. In this kind of pizza, wheat flour is usually substituted with a different gluten-free alternative such as corn, rice, almonds or beans.
How do you make gluten-free flour stretchy?
Creating delicious gluten-free baked goods from scratch is no easy feat, but gum additives like xanthan and guar gum can make all the difference. These gums play a crucial role in preventing crumbliness and providing that desirable elasticity and stretch that gluten-intolerant individuals often miss out on.
What kind of pizza crust is gluten-free?
Sticking to a gluten free diet can be challenging due to the complications caused by gluten protein. One alternative is to opt for a gluten free pizza crust, which can be made using ground flour sourced from a variety of options such as rice, almonds, corn, and even beans.
What is gluten-free crust made out of?
The ingredients used in this recipe include a combination of water, rice-based components like modified rice starch, rice flour, and brown rice flour, potato-based elements like potato starch and potato flour, and a touch of olive oil. Sweetness is added through evaporated cane sugar and honey, and a small amount of Avicel is included. Fresh yeast is utilized for leavening purposes, while salt and calcium propionate are added for flavor and freshness preservation, respectively.
Bottom Line
This pizza crust recipe is a game-changer for everyone looking to enjoy a delicious, gluten-free pizza. The combination of ingredients may seem unconventional, but it results in a flavorful and crispy crust that can rival any traditional pizza dough.
By using the perfect blend of flours and adding xanthan gum, this crust has just the right texture and elasticity needed to withstand all of your favorite toppings.
Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pizza crust, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized with different herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
So why not give it a try? With just one bowl and a few simple ingredients, you can create a tasty pizza that your entire family will love. Trust me, once you try this gluten-free pizza crust recipe, you’ll never want to go back to the traditional flour-based version!
This is Gluten Free?! Our Favorite Pizza Crust Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1 1/3 cups milk
- 3 teaspoons sugar, divided
- 1 1/3 cups brown rice flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary (dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
Instructions
- Heat the milk in the microwave until it is just warm to the touch. Add 1 tsp of sugar and the yeast. Stir and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, cornstarch, xanthan gum, salt, rosemary, garlic powder, oregano, and 2 tsp of sugar.
- The yeast mixture should have some bubbles at the top. If it doesn't, throw it out and remix. If it does have bubbles, add the olive oil and cider vinegar.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir to combine.
- Prepare your pan by greasing it and sprinkling it with rice flour. Pour out your dough and add enough rice flour so that it is workable. Starting in the center, work the dough out to the sides of the pan using your fingers.
- Once your crust is spread out, lightly coat it with olive oil to prevent drying and let it rise in a warm area for 40-60 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the crust without toppings for 8 minutes.
- Remove the crust and top it as you wish. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is nice and melty.
- NOTE: I like to top a pizza stone with parchment paper and spread out the dough on it. Then, I can slide the parchment paper off and let the crust rise while I stick the pizza stone in the oven to preheat. The crust gets a great texture this way. I've never made this recipe on a regular pizza pan, so I look forward to reading your reviews.