Nothing beats the classic pizza dough, which consists of flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. But if you want to cut back on carbs, stay away from anything with gluten, or just want to try something a bit new and unusual, you may be excited to try the following alternatives for the classic pizza crust. This list below offers some healthier options.
Pita bread is ideal for making individual pizzas – no need to fight over those slices! You can have store-bought pita bread or make one yourself (which is even better).
The ingredients for pita bread are also similar and basic to the classic pizza dough: flour (or bread flour), yeast, warm water, salt, and olive oil. It’s the preparation that slightly differs. After kneading the bread and letting it rise, divide the dough into sections to your desired size. You can bake the individual doughs in the oven or on the stovetop.
Cauliflower
To start making a cauliflower pizza crust, break cauliflower florets by mincing them with a knife or pulse them in a food processor. Transfer the mixture to a steamer basket placed on a towel to ensure all the moisture has been removed. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and lightly beaten eggs to the cauliflower and form the mixture into a flat pizza base and any shape you like – circle, oblong, square, etc.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and bake the “crust” for 20 minutes. Add desired toppings.
Naan bread
Naan bread can be used to make a soft and pillowy pizza base. If you’re a fan of thicker and chewier crust pizzas, you may be excited to try this alternative. You can make one by yourself or have store-bought versions (there are flavored versions, such as garlic and coriander).
Pizzadillas
Pizzadillas is a mash-up of the classic quesadilla and pizza ingredients into one fun snack. Sandwich tomatoes, cheese, ground beef, salami, onions, mushrooms, olives – or whatever your heart desires – between two tortillas to create the perfect “pizzadilla.”
Chickpeas or garbanzos
This grain-free pizza crust alternative is easy to make and doesn’t even require an oven. It’s like you’re making pancakes. This recipe doesn’t use chickpeas but chickpea flour.
Combine chickpea flour, garlic powder, water, salt, and olive oil. Pour the batter into the saucepan over medium-high heat. Flip if you want a crispier crust. Once the crust is cooked, add desired toppings.
Baguette
Who says pizza has to be round? In fact, some authentic Italian pizzas have an oblong shape. Trade the classic pizza dough for a baguette and you’ll have a quick and delicious meal.
Puff pastry
Puff pastries are quite versatile. They are used for both sweet and savory dishes, so why not make a pizza using them? Puff pastries create a beautifully crispy and golden crust for any pizza topping you desire. Simply top your ready-rolled puff pastry with toppings and pop it into the oven – absolutely no slicing required!
Eggs
Eggs can create a protein-packed base for your favorite pizza toppings. Cook your eggs in an omelet style, and top it with your favorite pizza toppings – sauces, cheese, bell peppers, onions, olives, salami, whatever you like.
Using eggs can be a great way to whip up a quick, flavorful, and protein-rich pizza sans the carbs usually found in a traditional crust.
Zucchini
Zucchini, a member of the squash family, has been praised as a low-carb alternative to your carb favorites such as noodles, pasta, and bread. So, it’s no wonder that it can be a great alternative to your pizza crust.
To make zucchini pizza “boats,” cut the zucchini in half and lengthwise. Next, scoop out the middle of the zucchini, bake for a while, load it with your desired toppings, and pop them back into the oven again. Bake until the toppings are cooked enough.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fiber, and you can use them as a pizza crust. Pulse the cubed sweet potatoes using a food processor until they become coarsely ground. Add almond flour, Parmesan, salt, egg, and garlic powder to the ground sweet potatoes. Mix them until well combined. Form a flat crust into any desired shape and bake it in your pizza oven (preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 25 to 30 minutes or until it starts to brown.
Take the crust out from the oven, load it with your desired toppings, and put the pizza back into the oven. Bake until the toppings are warmed enough and the cheese becomes bubbly.
The photo above shows a pizza with a sweet potato and oatmeal crust.