Low Carb Pizza Crust Recipe with Almond Flour

Our Low Carb Pizza Crust Recipe with Almond Flour is an excellent choice for those seeking a healthier, yet still delicious, pizza experience. It’s no secret that pizza is a beloved dish worldwide. This recipe allows you to join the pizza-loving crowd without worrying about breaking your low-carb diet.

Have you ever considered the health benefits of almond flour? One fun fact is that almond flour is gluten-free and rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber (Marshall, 2020). Its low glycemic index makes it an excellent choice for a low-carb diet.

This unique low carb pizza crust recipe with almond flour has a special ingredient – yeast. Yeast not only provides the familiar aroma and taste associated with traditional pizza crusts but also aids in the slight rising of the dough. We’ve also included a pinch of sugar to proof the yeast, a process that helps bring out its flavors and helps the yeast to work its magic. Don’t worry about additional carbs or calories from this pinch of sugar, as the yeast consumes the majority of it during fermentation.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups of almond flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 2.5 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1.25 teaspoons of xanthan gum
• 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
• Pinch of sugar

Instructions:

1. Proof your yeast: dissolve the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar in 1/4 cup of warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. (Optional: The growing popularity of home pizza ovens is undeniable. They provide a fun, family-friendly way to create delicious meals right at home!)
3. Mix the dry ingredients first. It’s important to make sure the xanthan gum is distributed evenly.
4. Add the wet ingredients and mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a piece of parchment paper until it’s about 16 inches in diameter.
6. Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Your low carb pizza crust recipe with almond flour is now ready for sauces and toppings. For a low-carb option, consider homemade tomato sauce (tomato puree and oregano, for example), a variety of cheeses like mozzarella or feta, and toppings such as bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or grilled chicken.

Pizza is a beloved dish worldwide. Did you know that approximately 13% of the U.S. population consumes pizza on any given day (Preston, 2020)?

A low carb diet can promote weight loss and improve health markers, such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2021). This low carb pizza crust recipe with almond flour fits perfectly into such a diet, allowing you to enjoy pizza guilt-free!

Nutrition Information:

Servings: 8

Per serving:
Calories: 274
Carbs: 6g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 23g

Fun Facts about Yeast:

Active dry yeast is a fascinating ingredient that brings science into the kitchen. The tiny granules of active dry yeast are actually composed of live yeast cells that are dormant due to the lack of water (Ophardt, 2003). When you add warm water and a pinch of sugar, you wake them up and provide them with food.

As the yeast cells consume the sugar, they carry out a process called fermentation. During fermentation, yeast cells convert the sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide gas (Davidson, 2018). This process can be represented by the following equation:

C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2

In simpler terms, one glucose (sugar) molecule is converted into two ethanol (alcohol) molecules and two carbon dioxide molecules.

The carbon dioxide gas produced during fermentation forms bubbles in the dough, which cause the dough to rise. The tiny gas bubbles get trapped within the dough’s structure, creating the airy texture we associate with yeast-risen baked goods such as pizza crusts and bread.

But the wonders of yeast don’t stop there. As it ferments, it also produces compounds that contribute to the complex flavors and aromas of the finished crust. So, the yeast in our low carb pizza crust recipe with almond flour not only aids in giving the crust its rise but also lends that familiar and comforting aroma and taste of traditional pizza dough.

Suggestions for turning your low carb pizza crust recipe with almond flour into a masterpiece of various styles of pizza

This low carb pizza crust recipe with almond flour is not only flavorful but also aligns with the principles of a low-carb diet. It’s a fun and delicious way to make pizza healthier. Here’s just a few suggestions on how to jazz it up into your favorite styles.

Cheese Pizza: This traditional favorite is all about the cheese. Layer a generous portion of mozzarella onto the tomato sauce, a sprinkling of Parmesan, and a touch of cheddar for a trio of cheesy delight.

Greek Pizza: For a taste of Greece, top your pizza with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, red onions, and a sprinkle of oregano. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil before baking.

Veggie Pizza: This nutritious choice calls for a rainbow of veggies: bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions, spinach, and tomatoes. Top with mozzarella or goat cheese.

Mediterranean Pizza: This pizza captures the Mediterranean spirit with toppings like feta cheese, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and a hint of fresh rosemary.

Pepperoni Pizza: For this classic, distribute a generous layer of pepperoni over your tomato sauce, then cover with mozzarella cheese.

Meat Pizza: This option is for the carnivores. Top your tomato sauce pizza with ham, sausage, ground beef, and pepperoni for a hearty, protein-packed pie.

Margherita Pizza: Simple and elegant, this pizza requires slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves, finished off with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

Buffalo Pizza: Give your pizza a spicy twist with buffalo sauce, cooked chicken breast, and mozzarella. After baking, top with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing and some chopped celery for crunch.

BBQ Chicken Pizza: Slather your crust with BBQ sauce, add cooked chicken, red onion slices, cilantro, and a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a tangy and tasty treat.

Hawaiian Pizza: This controversial but beloved pizza calls for a balance of sweet pineapple chunks and savory ham, all under a blanket of mozzarella cheese.

Using these topping suggestions, you can transform your low carb pizza crust recipe with almond flour into a culinary masterpiece that caters to a wide range of palates. The joy of homemade pizza lies in the opportunity for creativity and customization!

Fact Sources:

Davidson, M. W. (2018). Molecular Expressions Cell Biology: Yeast Fermentation and the Making of Beer and Wine. Retrieved September 2021, from https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/yeast/yeastfermentation.html

Marshall, S. (2020). 6 Benefits and Uses of Almond Flour. Retrieved September, 2021: Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/almond-flour-benefits

Ophardt, C. E. (2003). Yeast Fermentation. In Virtual Chembook Elmhurst College. Retrieved September 2021, from http://chemistry.elmhurst.edu/vchembook/596yeast.html

Preston, E. (2020). Pizza Consumption in the U.S. Statista. Retrieved September, 2021:https://www.statista.com/statistics/208803/per-capita-pizza-consumption-of-americans/

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Low-Carb Diet: Benefits and Risks. Retrieved September, 2021: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/low-carb-diet-benefits-and-risks