Can you make pizza without gluten and dairy?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to make delicious pizza without using gluten or dairy ingredients. Gluten-free and dairy-free pizza has become increasingly popular for people with food allergies, intolerances, or preferences. With the right gluten-free crust and dairy-free cheese substitutes, you can create pizza that is just as tasty as the traditional version.
What ingredients can you use to make gluten-free dairy-free pizza?
Here are some of the main ingredients you can use:
Gluten-Free Crust
– Rice flour – This is one of the most common gluten-free pizza crust ingredients. Look for superfine rice flour to create a crisp crust.
– Tapioca flour – Tapioca flour is another good option for gluten-free pizza dough. It creates a chewy, stretchy crust.
– Gluten-free flour blends – There are many pre-made gluten-free flour blends that are designed specifically for pizza crust. Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur Flour have good store-bought blends.
– Cornmeal – Adding some cornmeal to your crust gives it a nice crisp texture.
– Xanthan gum – This acts as a binding agent to give structure to gluten-free dough. Add just a small amount.
– Eggs and oil – Eggs help bind the crust while oil adds moisture and flavor.
Dairy-Free Cheese
– Nutritional yeast – Gives dairy-free cheese a savory, cheesy flavor.
– Nuts – Soaked and blended cashews, macadamia nuts or almonds make great cheese substitutes.
– Tofu – Blended silken tofu can be turned into a creamy pizza cheese.
– Vegan cheese substitutes – There are many pre-made vegan cheeses you can buy to top pizza.
Sauce and Toppings
– Tomatoes – Use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce for the base.
– Olive oil and seasonings – Garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes all enhance the sauce.
– Veggie toppings – Get creative with toppings like mushrooms, peppers, onions, olives, spinach, etc.
– Vegan meat substitutes – Try plant-based sausage, pepperoni or meatless crumbles.
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pizza Crust Recipe
This simple pizza crust recipe uses rice flour and tapioca flour for the gluten-free base:
Ingredients
– 1 1⁄2 cups rice flour
– 1⁄2 cup tapioca flour
– 2 tsp xanthan gum
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 Tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup warm water
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the rice flour, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, salt and baking powder. Create a well in the center.
2. Add the olive oil and warm water to the well in the center. Using a spoon, gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
3. Mix the dough until it comes together into a sticky ball. You may need to add more flour or water as needed.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently for 2-3 minutes. Try not to overwork it.
5. Shape the dough into a disc, cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment.
7. Roll or press the dough out into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to the prepared pan.
8. Use a fork to prick holes all over the crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned.
9. Let crust cool slightly before adding toppings and baking again until cheese is melted.
Dairy-Free Cheese Options
When making gluten and dairy-free pizza, the cheese topping is where you need to get creative. Here are some ideas for tasty dairy-free “cheese” substitutes:
Nutritional Yeast Cheese
– 1⁄4 cup nutritional yeast
– 2 Tbsp tapioca flour
– 2 Tbsp tomato paste
– 1 Tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– 1⁄2 tsp sea salt
– 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Spread over the pizza crust before baking.
Cashew Ricotta Cheese
– 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
– 1⁄4 cup water
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 1⁄4 tsp sea salt
– 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
Drain the cashews then blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Spread over the baked crust then add toppings.
Macadamia Nut Mozzarella
– 1 cup macadamia nuts, soaked overnight
– 1⁄4 cup water
– 2 Tbsp tapioca flour
– 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth. The mixture will become stretchy and creamy like mozzarella. Use on pizzas or in other cheesy dishes.
Putting it All Together
Once you have both the gluten-free dairy-free crust and cheese substitute prepared, you can assemble and bake the pizza:
1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Spread 1⁄2 cup of tomato sauce over the prepared crust.
3. Top with desired chopped vegetables – try mushrooms, bell peppers, caramelized onions, etc.
4. Sprinkle on dairy-free cheese substitute.
5. Optional: add vegan meat crumbles, pepperoni or other protein topping.
6. Bake pizza for 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
7. Finish with fresh basil, oregano or other toppings once out of the oven.
With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy delicious gluten-free dairy-free pizza that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor or satisfaction! Get creative with the toppings and cheese substitutes.
Where to Buy Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pizza
If you don’t have time to make your own gluten and dairy-free pizza at home, there are more and more store-bought options available:
Frozen Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pizza
Several brands now offer prepared frozen pizzas that are both gluten-free and dairy-free, such as:
– Amy’s Kitchen Gluten-Free Rice Crust Pizza
– Udi’s Gluten-Free Pizza
– Daiya Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pizza
Check your grocery store’s frozen section for availability.
Take-Out Pizza Places with Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Options
Many pizza restaurants now cater to specialized diets. You can often customize your pizza and request gluten-free crust with dairy-free cheese, such as:
– Blaze Pizza
– MOD Pizza
– PizzaRev
– Your Pie
Call ahead to make sure your local branch offers these options.
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pizza Delivery
For delivery, Domino’s, Papa Johns, and some local pizzerias can accommodate gluten-free crusts and dairy-free cheese in their pizza orders if you ask. Again, always good to call first and check.
The convenience of store-bought and take-out pizza makes sticking to your diet so much easier. With more demand for allergy-friendly options, restaurants are continually expanding their menus.
Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pizza
It can take some trial and error to get gluten-free dairy-free pizza just right. Here are some helpful tips:
– Use a blend of flours like rice and tapioca flours to create a great crust texture.
– Add xanthan gum or guar gum to help bind and add elasticity to the dough.
– Make sure to thoroughly pre-bake the crust before loading on wet toppings to keep it crisp.
– Get the right consistency with your dairy-free cheese. Aim for spreadable but not runny.
– Spread cheese substitutes thinly and evenly to ensure it melts well.
– Go light on wet toppings to prevent a soggy pizza.
– Bake the pizza on top of parchment paper for easier transfer and to prevent sticking.
– If reheating leftovers, use the oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crispy.
With practice, you’ll be able to create pizza that’s so delicious you won’t even miss the gluten or dairy!
Common Questions about Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pizza
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making pizza without gluten or dairy:
Is dairy-free pizza healthier?
Dairy-free pizza can be healthier if you choose whole food toppings and limit processed ingredients. Replacing cheese with veggies boosts nutrition. But some dairy-free cheeses like coconut oil-based ones are high in saturated fat.
What gives gluten-free pizza crust flavour?
Herbs, spices, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, olive oil, vinegar and sea salt are great for adding lots of flavor to gluten-free crusts.
Is gluten-free pizza more expensive?
Unfortunately, yes. The flours and specialty ingredients in gluten-free products generally cost more. Making your own veggie-based pizza at home is cheaper than buying packaged ones.
Should gluten-free pizza crusts be crispy?
A crisp crust provides the best texture and taste for gluten-free pizza. Letting the pre-baked bare crust get lightly browned before adding toppings helps keep it crispy.
What protein can I add to dairy-free pizza?
Meatless sausage or crumbles, sliced grilled chicken, crispy bacon, shrimp, and anchovies are all tasty protein options for dairy-free pizzas.
Health Benefits of Going Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free
For those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance, eating gluten-free and dairy-free pizza provides big health advantages:
Benefits of a Gluten-Free Diet
– Reduces inflammation caused by gluten
– Heals damage to the small intestine
– Improves nutrient absorption
– Resolves symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating and fatigue
Benefits of a Dairy-Free Diet
– Relieves lactose intolerance symptoms like gas, diarrhea and cramping
– Decreases risk for chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers
– Reduces inflammation
– Clears up mucus and congestion
Even for those without special dietary needs, minimizing processed grains and dairy can provide wellness advantages. Homemade pizza loaded with veggies makes for a nutritious gluten and dairy-free meal.
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pizza: Conclusion
Pizza night doesn’t have to be sacrificed when eating gluten-free and dairy-free. With the right homemade crust and cheese substitutes, you can enjoy flavorful pizza tailored to your diet. Look for pre-made crusts and cheeses to save time preparing your gluten-free dairy-free pizzas. With the explosion of specialty diets and food allergies, more restaurants offer allergy-friendly pizza options too. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your pizza toppings to pack in extra nutrition. Pizza made without gluten or dairy products can be just as satisfying – your taste buds and body will thank you!
