Flavorful Upside Down Pizza Recipe to Relish Tonight!
As the saying goes, “you are what you eat.” And in today’s age of processed food and unhealthy snacks, it’s important to prioritize our health by fueling our bodies with nutritious and wholesome meals. That’s where this upside-down pizza recipe comes in – a deliciously healthy alternative that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free.
Not only is this recipe free from common allergens, it’s also packed with protein and low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Plus, with its deep-dish skillet crust and mozzarella-cheddar blend cheese, it’s a savory dish that will satisfy your pizza cravings without the guilt.
In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to make this mouth-watering upside-down pizza from scratch. From choosing the right ingredients to expert tips on how to get the perfect results every time, you’ll have everything you need to master this gluten-free recipe.
So let’s slip on our aprons and dive into the world of homemade pizza – trust me, your taste buds (and your body) will thank you for it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Friends, let me tell you why this Upside Down Pizza recipe is going to be your new favorite! First of all, it’s gluten-free, which means everyone can enjoy it without any stomach troubles or digestive issues. The crust is made with a blend of rice flour and almond flour, and it’s so delicious and crispy that you won’t even know it’s gluten-free!
That’s not all – this pizza is also dairy-free. Instead of using traditional mozzarella cheese, we use a mozzarella-cheddar blend made with non-dairy milk substitutes. Trust me when I say that it tastes fantastic, even better than regular cheese!
The best part about this recipe? It’s upside down! That’s right, we put the toppings on the bottom and the crust on top. It may sound strange, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked. The toppings and sauce become nice and caramelized on the bottom, giving them a deep flavor that you won’t get from a regular pizza.
And let’s talk about those toppings for a moment – they’re simply glorious. We use ground beef and sausage as our protein sources, which are seasoned beautifully with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and onions. Then we add green olives and bell peppers for some crunch and color. Finally, we top everything off with spaghetti sauce for that authentic pizza flavor.
I know you’re probably thinking that making an ingredients list sounds daunting, but trust me – it isn’t! This recipe is easy to make and requires no dough stretching or complicated steps. Just mix together the ingredients for the crust batter in one bowl while cooking up the meat in a skillet on the stove. Then pour the batter evenly over the cooked meat mixture in your cast iron skillet or deep dish casserole.
So there you have it – all the reasons why this Upside Down Pizza recipe will be your go-to meal from now on! It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, upside-down, and delicious!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious upside down pizza recipe:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. sausage, sliced into pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup of a mozzarella-cheddar blend cheese
- 5 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy milk substitute)
- 3/4 cup rice flour or almond flour (for gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Olive oil
- Olives (green or black) – (optional)
Note: You can use any gluten-free flour substitute that you prefer. My favorite is a mix of rice and almond flour. You can also use a pre-made gluten-free pizza crust from Trader Joe’s if you prefer not to make your own dough.
The Recipe How-To
Making the Pizza Crust
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of rice flour and ¾ cup of almond flour with 1 tsp. of baking powder and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1/3 cup of milk, and 1/3 cup of any non-dairy milk substitute. Then pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir them together until it forms a smooth dough.
Creating the Toppings and Sauce
- Cook ½ lb. of ground beef or sausage, slice them into pieces.
- Mix them in 1 cup of spaghetti sauce (homemade or store-bought). Put the mixture aside.
Assembling Everything Together
- On a cast iron skillet, place half of the Mozzarella-Cheddar blend cheese on the bottom.
- Pour the pizza sauce mixture over it.
- Add in chopped onions and bell peppers to taste. Then sprinkle on some sliced olives (preferrably green).
- Pour the other half of shredded cheese on top.
- Finally, pour the crust batter evenly over everything.
Baking the Pizza
- Place in preheated oven for about 25 – 30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cooked completely through.
You can put your own spin on this recipe by adding your choice of toppings such as diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or even pineapple!
Substitutions and Variations
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I strongly believe that recipes should be customized according to our taste, preference, and dietary requirements. The upside-down pizza recipe is such a versatile dish that can be modified to suit your individual needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations that you can try.
If you aren’t fond of sausage or ground beef, you can try using grilled chicken or turkey instead. For vegetarians, the sausage can be substituted with tofu or tempeh sausage crumbles.
If you are lactose intolerant or on a dairy-free diet, you can easily swap the mozzarella-cheddar blend cheese with a vegan cheese substitute or lactose-free cheese. The milk in the batter can also be replaced with a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk.
For those on a gluten-free diet, the recipe already calls for gluten-free flour made of rice and almond flour. However, if you don’t have access to that particular type of free flour, you can make your own gluten-free flour blends using different flours like quinoa flour or coconut flour.
For those who want an even lighter version of this recipe, try substituting ground beef with lean ground turkey and substitute spaghetti sauce with pesto sauce.
Lastly, feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the seasoning to your taste preference. Some popular toppings include olives, bell peppers, mushrooms and onions to create the perfect pizza casserole.
I hope these substitutions and variations give you some inspiration to make this dish your own. Remember that cooking is all about experimentation, so feel free to get creative in your kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this delicious Upside Down Pizza, there are countless options to explore. This gluten-free recipe is so flexible that it can be easily adapted to suit the preferences of vegans and meat-lovers alike.
For a light and refreshing touch, I recommend pairing the pizza with a side salad of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, olives, and cucumbers drizzled with a homemade vinaigrette dressing. This salad will provide an extra dose of healthy goodness to your meal and complement the flavors of your pizza nicely.
If you prefer something heartier, try pairing the pizza with grilled vegetables such as zucchini or squash for a colorful and flavorful combination. Grilled chicken or shrimp would also make for great protein additions that would elevate this upside-down pizza into a full-blown meal.
For those who crave a classic Italian taste, pair the pizza with garlic bread or breadsticks treated with herb-infused olive oil. You can also serve it alongside some bruschetta topped with fresh basil or Caprese salad made with mozzarella cheese, fresh tomato slices and balsamic vinegar.
Whether you’re looking for something light or indulgent, finding the perfect combination of foods to serve alongside your Upside Down Pizza is super easy! Just remember to have fun with it and let your creativity take over. All options are sure to be a hit, making this recipe one truly versatile dish that can take on any occasion, whether it’s just an appetizer or part of your main course.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve baked this scrumptious Upside Down Pizza, you can store any leftovers easily. I personally love making this dish ahead of time so I can have it as a quick lunch or dinner option during the week.
To make ahead: After the pizza is baked and cooled completely, transfer it in an air-tight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When reheating, I suggest using a conventional oven or toaster oven to ensure that the crust remains crispy. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F and place the pizza in a baking sheet. Reheat for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
If you want to freeze the leftover pizza for later use, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw the slice overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.
Overall, this Upside Down Pizza recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to store and reheat. It’s perfect for busy families who want to save time without sacrificing flavor!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to preparing gluten-free recipes, there are a few important things to keep in mind in order to achieve perfect results. Here are some tips that I’ve learned from experience and from other nutritionists:
1. Mix flours – One type of gluten-free flour might not be enough. Mixing various flours and starches can create a better texture and structure in your pizza crust. In this upside-down gluten-free pizza recipe, rice flour and almond flour are used together with eggs, baking powder, milk, or non-dairy milk substitute.
2. Preheat oven – It’s essential that you preheat your oven before putting your pizza inside. This will help ensure that the pizza gets cooked evenly and the crust gets crispy.
3. Use a cast-iron skillet – A cast-iron skillet can help distribute heat evenly throughout the pizza and create a crispy bottom crust just like when you’re using a deep dish pizza pan.
4. Don’t overload the toppings – When making homemade gluten-free pizza, it’s tempting to add lots of toppings like sausage slices, chopped onion, bell pepper, olives green, and shredded cheese blend but try not to overdo it because it might cause your crust to not cook thoroughly.
5. Let it rest for a bit – Allow your pizza to rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it so that the toppings don’t slide off right away and settle instead.
6. Experiment with variations – Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of ingredients and toppings such as using ground beef instead of sausage or adding keto-friendly toppings like mushrooms, spinach or crispy bacon to suit your dietary habits.
By following these tips, you’ll have success in making an upside-down gluten-free pizza with a perfectly crispy crusted base topped with melted mozzarella-cheddar blend cheese & seasoned meat sauce without traditional dough with ease!
FAQ
As we come to the end of this recipe article, it’s important that we address any questions or concerns you might have. Below are some frequently asked questions with answers to help guide you through the process. So, read on and find all the answers to your query that you may have regarding this upside-down pizza recipe.
What gluten-free flour is good for pizza?
When it comes to gluten-free baking, I like to add a bit of almond flour to achieve the perfect texture and hue. Almond flour is not only a flavorful addition to pizza crust, it is also richer in protein and fat compared to regular flour. With almond flour, you can expect a golden-brown crust that is both tasty and visually appealing. This recipe works well with a variety of gluten-free all purpose flours.
What is most gluten free pizza crust made of?
When making gluten free pizza, it is typical to mix a variety of gluten free flours and starches such as rice flour, almond flour, potato starch and tapioca starch. These dry ingredients are then mixed with liquid ingredients like oil, and enhanced with flavors such as sugar and salt. In some cases, the pizza dough recipe may include yeast to help the dough rise.
How does gluten-free flour affect pizza dough?
When it comes to gluten-free pizza doughs, thin crusts are a common outcome. This is because the absence of gluten in the dough creates a more fluid mixture, resulting in a thin and crispy crust.
What toppings are on a gluten free pizza?
For this recipe, we’ll need a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients. We’ll start with some artichokes, black olives, green olives and Kalamata olives. These will add a combination of richness and tanginess to the dish. We’ll also need garlic, which will infuse our recipe with a delicious aroma and taste. Some juicy tomatoes, vibrant green and red peppers, and pungent onions will complete the mix of flavors and textures. Finally, to add a touch of sweetness and tropical flair, we’ll use some refreshing and juicy pineapple and spicy hot peppers. Together, these ingredients will make for a tasty and satisfying meal.
Bottom Line
As a nutritionist and a food blogger, I believe that healthy eating doesn’t have to compromise deliciousness. This gluten-free upside down pizza recipe is proof of that. With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, you can enjoy all the flavor and satisfaction of traditional pizza, without sacrificing your dietary needs or preferences.
Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or just looking for a twist on classic pizza, this recipe has got you covered. With its cheesy, saucy, meaty goodness baked into crispy crust, this pizza will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven and get ready to make the best gluten-free upside down pizza ever. You won’t regret it!
Upside Down Pizza - Gluten Free Recipe
Ingredients
Pizza Crust Batter
- 2/3 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup milk or 1/2 cup non-dairy milk substitute
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 whole eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients
- 7 links sausage
- 2 (14 ounce) jars pizza sauce
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella-cheddar blend cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 350 degrees
- Cook sausage and slice into pieces.
- Mix with the spaghetti sauce and put into a 9"x13" pan.
- Top with half of the cheese.
- Pour the batter evenly over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is set and the top is lightly browned.