Gluten-free diets are becoming increasingly popular, with more people choosing to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. This poses a challenge for pizza lovers, as traditional pizza crust contains gluten. Thankfully, there are many delicious gluten-free crust options available today, opening up the world of pizza to those eating gluten-free.
Why Choose Gluten-Free Pizza?
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eating gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. Consuming gluten can cause gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, neurological symptoms, and other health issues in gluten-sensitive individuals. The only treatment is sticking to a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Making pizza gluten-free allows those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to still enjoy this popular food.
In addition, some people simply feel better physically and mentally when they remove gluten from their diet. They report benefits such as reduced inflammation, improved digestive health, increased energy levels, better skin, and weight loss. Going gluten-free eliminates products made with wheat, barley, and rye, including most breads, pastas, baked goods, etc. For pizza lovers, finding tasty gluten-free crust is key to being able to stick to this diet long-term.
Choosing Gluten-Free Pizza Crust
Gluten-free pizza crust options have improved dramatically in recent years. There are several pre-made crusts to choose from, as well as gluten-free pizza crust mixes to make fresh at home. Here are some of the most popular gluten-free pizza crust choices:
- Cauliflower crust – Made from riced cauliflower, eggs, cheese, and seasoning. Tastes similar to thin, crispy crust.
- Gluten-free flour blends – All-purpose mixes made with rice, tapioca, potato, and/or corn flours.
- Nut and seed crusts – Often made with almond flour plus chia, flax, and hemp seeds.
- Beans and lentils – Black bean, chickpea, or lentil flour gives a protein boost.
- Polenta – Cornmeal makes a hearty, corn-flavored crust option.
The specific ingredients will impact the texture, flavor, and nutrition profile of the crust. You may need to experiment with different brands or make your own blend to find your perfect gluten-free pizza crust match.
Classic Pizza Toppings That Are Gluten-Free
The good news is that most classic pizza toppings are naturally gluten-free. So those with celiac disease or on a gluten-free diet can load up their pizzas with all of their favorite flavors and textures. Here are some nutritious gluten-free ideas for topping your pizza:
Sauces
- Pizza sauce or tomato sauce
- Pesto
- Olive oil and garlic
- Barbecue sauce
- Alfredo sauce
Cheeses
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Provolone
- Goat cheese
- Blue cheese
- Feta
- Cheddar
- Romano
Meats
- Pepperoni
- Sausage
- Ham
- Bacon
- Chicken
- Salami
Veggies
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Artichokes
- Jalapeños
- Olives
- Pineapple
Unique Gluten-Free Pizza Topping Ideas
In addition to all the classic toppings, there are so many creative options for gluten-free pizzas. Get inspired by these fun ideas:
Different Cheeses
- Ricotta
- Mascarpone
- Mozzarella pearls
- Asiago
- Gruyère
- Burrata
- Halloumi
Flavorful Meats
- Prosciutto
- Capicola
- Chorizo
- Pancetta
- Shrimp
- Lobster
- Crab
- Anchovies
Unique Veggies
- Arugula
- Roasted red peppers
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Caramelized onions
- Roasted garlic
- Potatoes
- Butternut squash
- Sweet potato
Savory Extras
- Pesto
- Tapenade
- Hummus
- Barbecue pulled pork
- Corn
- Pickled jalapeños
- Roasted eggplant
- Artichoke hearts
Gluten-Free Protein Power Toppings
In addition to being tasty, loading your gluten-free pizza up with protein-rich toppings will help keep you full and satisfied. Here are some nutritious high-protein options:
- Chicken – Grilled, baked, or fried chicken strips or chunks
- Steak – Grilled strips of flank or sirloin steak
- Sausage – Turkey, chicken apple, or gluten-free pork sausage
- Meatballs – Turkey, chicken, or beef meatballs
- Bacon – Crispy turkey or pork bacon pieces
- Deli meat – Ham, salami, pepperoni
- Plant-based meat – Soy chorizo, veggie crumbles
- Beans – Black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas
- Lentils – Protein-packed and fiber-rich
- Nuts and seeds – Peanuts, cashews, sunflower seeds
Combining a lean protein with lots of fresh veggies is a great way to make your gluten-free pizza well-balanced and nutritious.
Avoiding Hidden Gluten in Toppings
While most basic pizza toppings are naturally gluten-free, there are some ingredients and prep methods that can introduce gluten. Here are some things to look out for:
- Flavored meat products – Sausage, pepperoni, and bacon are often made with gluten-containing fillers. Opt for certified gluten-free.
- Processed veggies – Some pre-cut veggies, like frozen spinach, have additives that contain gluten. Make sure to read labels.
- Croutons – These crunchy bread topping are obviously not gluten-free. Leave them off.
- Breading – Don’t top your pizza with breaded/battered meats or veggies as the coating likely contains gluten.
- Marinades and sauces – Soy sauce, teriyaki, and other bottled sauces often contain gluten. Make your own or use a certified GF option.
If you are highly sensitive, it’s safest to stick to fresh, whole food toppings and prepare them yourself. Also be aware that cross-contact is possible if gluten-containing foods are prepped on the same surfaces.
Most Popular Gluten-Free Pizza Style Topping Combos
Certain flavor combinations just work perfectly together on pizza. Take your gluten-free pie to the next level with these crowd-pleasing topping ideas:
Pepperoni Pizza
The classic. Pepperoni slices paired with gooey mozzarella and a zesty tomato sauce is a guaranteed hit.
Supreme Pizza
Load it up with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and black olives for a supreme pizza experience.
Hawaiian Pizza
Sweet pineapple and salty ham is surprisingly addictive. Add some red onion for a pop of color and flavor.
Margherita Pizza
The flavors of Italy. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil keeps it simple but delicious.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ sauce makes a flavorful base while chicken, red onion, and cilantro add even more to love about this saucy pizza.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Turn up the heat with grilled chicken coated in spicy Buffalo sauce plus creamy blue cheese crumbles. Celery adds crunch.
Veggie Lover’s Pizza
Load up the vegetables! Mushrooms, peppers, onions, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, artichokes – anything goes.
Breakfast Pizza
Wake up to eggs, cheese, bacon and sausage gravy. Hash brown potatoes optional but highly recommended.
Making Your Own Gluten-Free Pizza Creations
Once you get the basics down, it’s fun to get creative with your own custom gluten-free pizza recipes. Try out unique flavor combinations with your favorite sauces, meats, cheeses and veggie toppings. Here is a table with some more ideas to get your creative gluten-free pizza juices flowing:
| Base | Protein | Veggies | Cheese | Sauce |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cauliflower crust | Shrimp | Spinach, red onions | Mozzarella | Pesto |
| Nut flour crust | Turkey meatballs | Zucchini, grape tomatoes | Ricotta | Marinara |
| Quinoa crust | Prosciutto | Roasted red peppers, mushrooms | Fontina | Alfredo |
| Bean flour crust | Chicken | Corn, black beans, red onion, jalapeños | Pepper jack | BBQ sauce |
Tips for Baking the Perfect Gluten-Free Pizza
While gluten-free pizza crust will never be exactly the same as traditional dough, with some care you can make a really tasty GF pizza with a crispy, well-browned crust. Here are some helpful baking tips:
- Preheat the oven to at least 425°F to get it nice and hot before baking.
- Place pizza crust directly on the oven rack or pizza stone for best crispness.
- Brush crust lightly with olive oil or egg wash to promote even browning.
- Par-bake crust 5-10 minutes before adding toppings to crisp up the base.
- Don’t overload the pizza, which can make the crust soggy.
- Finish baking pizza on the top rack of the oven.
- Let pizza rest 2-3 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.
It may take some trial and error to figure out the ideal timing and method for your particular gluten-free pizza crust. The results are so worth it when you take that first crunchy, cheesy bite of your own gluten-free pizza creation.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Gluten-Free Pizza
Like traditional pizza, leftover gluten-free pizza maintains its texture and flavor best when properly stored and reheated:
- Let pizza cool completely before storing to avoid condensation.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents drying out.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven until hot, 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave leftovers in 30 second increments just until warm.
- Add a sprinkle of water before reheating to freshen up the crust.
Avoid keeping gluten-free pizza at room temperature too long. The crust tends to dry out faster than regular pizza dough. With proper storage, leftovers can be just as delicious as the original!
Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Options to Buy
If you don’t have time to make your own gluten-free pizza dough, there are many premade crusts and baking mixes available. Here are some recommended store-bought options:
Against the Grain
This brand offers both plain and pesto-flavored cauliflower crusts. They are vegetarian, nut-free, soy-free, and certified gluten-free.
Cali’flour Foods
These low carb cauliflower crusts are free of grains, soy, corn, and gums. Choose from original, pesto, or vegan flavors.
Freschetta
This classic frozen pizza brand now makes gluten-free options with cauliflower or multigrain crusts in fun flavors.
Gillian’s Foods
Gillian’s offers thin and crispy individual sized crusts as well as 12-inch rounds made with brown rice flour.
Glutino
Glutino has both thin and thick-style gluten-free crusts including savory herb, golden cornmeal, and multigrain varieties.
Namaste Foods
This brand uses a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch for their allergen-friendly pizza crust mix.
Schar
Schar has classic, multigrain, and cauliflower crusts available. Their crusts work for many diets including gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, and vegan.
Udi’s
Popular Udi’s has gluten-free pizza crusts as well as full frozen pizzas including cheese, pepperoni, margherita, and BBQ chicken.
Conclusion
There is no need to suffer pizza deprivation just because you follow a gluten-free diet. With so many delicious toppings to choose from and a variety of gluten-free crust options available, you can still enjoy all of your favorite pizza flavors. Take advantage of classic topping combos or get creative with your own gluten-free pizza masterpieces.
Carefully select certified gluten-free ingredients and employ a few baking tips to end up with a crispy, flavorful gluten-free pizza the whole family will love. Now go forth and eat pizza happily ever after!
