Zero Carb Pizza Crust Recipe:Your Keto Cravings in 20 Min
Oh my gosh, let me tell you about the day I discovered this zero carb pizza crust recipe – it changed everything! I was deep in my keto journey, craving pizza like crazy, when I stumbled upon this magical combo of melty cheese and almond flour. Trust me, when that first golden-brown crust came out of my oven, I nearly cried happy tears. No more missing out on pizza night!
What makes this recipe special? It’s ridiculously simple – just a handful of ingredients you probably already have. The crust gets perfectly crispy (none of that soggy cauliflower crust nonsense), holds toppings like a champ, and – best part – has zero guilt. My kids don’t even realize they’re eating low-carb when I make this! Whether you’re keto, watching carbs, or just want a delicious alternative, this pizza crust will become your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Zero Carb Pizza Crust Recipe
Let me count the ways this crust will rock your world:
- Crazy quick – From bowl to table in under 20 minutes (I’ve timed it while hangry!)
- No fancy skills needed – If you can microwave cheese, you’ve got this
- Keto’s best friend – All the pizza joy with zero carb guilt
- That perfect crunch – Crispy edges that hold up to saucy toppings
- Cheese on cheese action – Because more mozzarella is always the answer
Seriously, this crust is the reason my pizza cravings don’t stand a chance anymore!
Ingredients for Zero Carb Pizza Crust
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of this crust – just six pantry staples you likely have right now! But listen close, because the quality matters here:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella – The pre-shredded kind works, but block cheese you grate yourself melts smoother
- 2 oz cream cheese – Softened to room temp (trust me, cold cream cheese won’t blend right)
- 1 large egg – Lightly beaten before adding (this helps everything bind together)
- 1/4 cup almond flour – Super-fine grind gives the best texture
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder – My secret flavor booster!
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning – Or just dried oregano if that’s what’s in your spice rack
That’s it! No weird keto substitutes – just real ingredients that work magic together.
Equipment Needed
You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this zero carb pizza crust – just a few basics from your kitchen:
- Microwave-safe bowl – I use my trusty glass mixing bowl that’s seen a million cheese melts
- Parchment paper – Non-negotiable! Stops the cheesy goodness from sticking
- Baking sheet – Any standard sheet pan will do the trick
- Spatula – For spreading that molten cheese mixture into pizza perfection
That’s seriously all you need – no stand mixers, no rolling pins, just simple tools for amazing results!
How to Make Zero Carb Pizza Crust
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff – making this magical crust! Don’t let the simplicity fool you, I’ve got some little tricks to make sure yours turns out perfect every time. Follow these steps and you’ll be holding your first slice before you know it!
Step 1: Melt the Cheese Mixture
First things first – preheat that oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, grab your microwave-safe bowl and toss in the mozzarella and cream cheese. Here’s my secret: microwave for 30 seconds first, give it a good stir, then do another 30 seconds. Watch it closely – you want the cheese melty but not scorching hot. When you stir it, it should look like stretchy, gooey perfection (yes, I’ve burned this step before – learn from my mistakes!).
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Now for the fun part! Take your slightly cooled cheese mixture and add in the almond flour, beaten egg, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Here’s where you’ll work those arm muscles – stir vigorously until everything comes together into a smooth, slightly sticky dough. If it’s too stringy, let it cool another minute – hot cheese makes this harder to mix. You’ll know it’s ready when you can pull the dough away from the sides of the bowl in one cohesive mass.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Crust
Lay out your parchment paper on the baking sheet (don’t skip this – I learned the hard way!). Plop that beautiful dough right in the center and use your hands or a spatula to press it into your desired pizza shape – I aim for about ¼ inch thickness. Pro tip: wet your fingers slightly to prevent sticking! Pop it in the oven for 10-12 minutes until you see those gorgeous golden brown edges forming. That rich color means it’s ready for toppings – but resist eating it plain (though I won’t judge if you sneak a corner!).
Tips for the Perfect Zero Carb Pizza Crust
Listen, I’ve made every mistake with this crust so you don’t have to! Here are my hard-won secrets:
- Let it breathe – That hot crust needs 2-3 minutes to cool before toppings go on, or you’ll get a soggy middle (my first attempt was pizza soup!)
- Go easy on sauce – Use just enough low-carb marinara to coat, not drown
- Bake toppings separately – For extra-crispy crust, pre-bake veggies on another tray to remove moisture
- Grease-proof parchment – If your cheese leaks, it won’t stick to the paper – lifesaver for clean-up!
Follow these, and you’ll get that perfect crispy-chewy crust every single time. Promise!
Variations for Zero Carb Pizza Crust
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to play! Here are my favorite ways to switch things up:
- Cheese swap – Replace 1/4 cup mozzarella with grated parmesan for extra savory depth
- Flour alternatives – Coconut flour works too, but use just 2 tbsp (it’s super absorbent!)
- Spice it up – Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the dough for a kick
- Everything seasoning – Brush baked crust with olive oil and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before topping
My teenager still raves about the “pizza chips” version – just press the dough extra thin and cut into squares after baking!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the topping possibilities! My absolute favorite combo? Sugar-free marinara (just 2 tbsp!), a blanket of melty mozzarella, crispy pepperoni that curls at the edges, and fresh basil. For veggie lovers, sautéed mushrooms and spinach with garlic oil can’t be beat. The crust holds up beautifully to whatever you dream up – just keep those toppings keto-friendly and not too wet!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the beautiful thing about this zero carb pizza crust – it actually keeps wonderfully! Just let it cool completely, then tuck it into an airtight container (I swear by my glass Snapware) where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When pizza cravings strike again, pop slices in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that perfect crispness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven really brings it back to life – trust me, I’ve tested both ways more times than I can count!
Nutritional Information
Now let’s talk numbers – because yes, this zero carb pizza crust is as guilt-free as it gets! Keep in mind these are estimates per slice (I usually get 8 generous slices from one crust):
- 120 calories – Compare that to traditional pizza crust!
- 9g fat – Mostly from that glorious mozzarella
- 8g protein – Cheese and egg power combo
- Just 2g net carbs – Basically negligible!
Every nutrition calculator gives slightly different results, so consider this your ballpark guide. The best part? No sugar crashes afterwards – just pure pizza satisfaction!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about this zero carb pizza crust over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often!
Can I freeze the crust? Absolutely! I always make a double batch to freeze. Just bake the crust plain, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic before freezing. When pizza cravings hit, pop it straight from freezer to oven with toppings – no thawing needed!
Is almond flour necessary? It helps with texture, but in a pinch you can use coconut flour (just 2 tablespoons). Some folks skip flour altogether – the crust will be thinner but still delicious. My Italian grandma would gasp, but desperate times call for desperate measures!
Why is my dough too sticky? Usually means the cheese was too hot when you added the egg. Let the mixture cool slightly before mixing – or wet your hands when shaping. Been there, done that, got the cheese-covered t-shirt!
Can I make this dairy-free? Honestly? The magic is in the cheese. But I’ve had success using dairy-free mozzarella shreds mixed with a tablespoon of coconut oil instead of cream cheese. It’s not identical, but still satisfies that pizza urge!
Final Thoughts
So, what are you waiting for? Whip up this zero carb pizza crust and make your pizza dreams come true without the guilt! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you – tag me or leave a comment. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
PrintZero Carb Pizza Crust Recipe:Your Keto Cravings in 20 Min
A simple and delicious zero carb pizza crust recipe perfect for low-carb diets.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza crust 1x
- Category: Low-Carb
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt mozzarella and cream cheese for 1 minute.
- Stir in almond flour, egg, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet into a thin circle.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Add toppings and bake for another 5 minutes.
Notes
- Let the crust cool slightly before adding toppings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
