2 Great Ways To Make Gluten-Free Pizza Crust
Posted on: 10 December 2015
If you are gluten intolerant or just want to avoid wheat, you don't have to give up pizza. There are many different ways to make a gluten-free pizza crust. Here are two different ways that you can try, and hopefully one will be a new family favorite.
Gluten-Free Flour
This gluten-free pizza crust is made with a gluten-free flour blend. The flour blend consists of white rice flour, brown rice flour, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum. You can buy the flour blend in one package in the gluten-free aisle of the grocery store or make your own with potato starch instead of xanthan gum. All of the ingredients for this crust include:
- 3 cups flour blend
- 1tbsp of olive oil
- 1 ¼ cup of warm water
- 1 tbsp yeast
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tbsp baking powder
First, you combine ¾ cups of the warm water with the yeast. Once you put the yeast in, let it sit for about 5 minutes so the yeast can activate. After it activates, sprinkle in 1tbsp of sugar. In a different bowl, combine the flour blend, the rest of the sugar, and the baking powder. Stir until it's thoroughly mixed. In the dry mixture, dig a hole in the center and pour the yeast water in. Next, pour in the olive oil and the rest of the warm water. With a wooden spoon, stir until it is completely mixed.
Lightly grease a your baking sheet or pizza stone with some olive oil and put your dough in the center. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough. The dough works better if it is thin. Once it is rolled out, bake the crust by itself at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. When it is ready, it should look dry and may even crack in some places. Remove the crust and add your sauce, cheese and toppings. Put the pizza back in the oven for another 20-25 minutes until the toppings and bubbly and browned.
Cauliflower Crust (Paleo)
If your diet is completely paleo, the gluten-free flour won't work for your diet. This cauliflower pizza crust is delicious and paleo-friendly. For this crust, you need:
- 2 pounds of diced cauliflower florets
- ½ cup of goat cheese
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
This crust is simple, but you need a food processor and a rice strainer or cheese cloth to make it. Put all of the cauliflower in the food processor and process until it looks and feels like rice. Once it is finished, boil the cauliflower in a large pot of water.
After about 5 minutes, remove from heat and drain into the strainer or cheese cloth. Lay a clean dishcloth on the countertop and pour the cauliflower onto it to dry. Roll up the dishcloth so the cauliflower is all inside of it, and squeeze out all of the excess moisture. Once it is as dry as possible, you can make your dough. Put your cauliflower rice in a large bowl. Add the egg, goat cheese, salt, and any other spices to taste. Use your hands to mix it so it is thoroughly mixed together.
Once the dough is mixed, roll out parchment paper onto the counter and shape your dough. Roll it out so it is about 1/3 inch thick, and bake on the paper at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes. Once it is golden brown, add your toppings. Natural, low sugar sauce and goat cheese are great options for a paleo pizza. Stick your pizza back in the oven for about 10 minutes and remove once the cheese is bubbling.
Both of these crusts are great for a gluten-free diet. The one you choose just depends on your taste and whether you abide by the paleo diet. If you don't eat paleo, try them both and see which one you like better. There are also many restuarants that now have gluten free options.
Share