All the Pizza Vibes, None of the Gluten

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Written by: Molly Winsten, MS, RD, Gluten-Free Specialist

Ahh, pizza! One of the most well-known foods in the world. Pizza is one of the most loved foods globally and is often considered the ultimate comfort food! Over the last decade, unique and creative pizzas have become even more popular, with fun toppings and twists on the classic dish. There are a variety of crusts, interesting flavor combinations, and the possibilities truly seem endless!

This article explores pizza and offer insights into how to make it gluten-free at home. You will also find inspiration for creating your own new and exciting combinations!! 

Various versions of pizza have been around since ancient times. The word “pizza” itself first appeared in 997 CCE, in Gaeta, Italy. The more modern pizza we see today was created in Naples in the 18th century. It began as an inexpensive street food and became known around the world after Queen Margherita visited in the late 1800s. Naples is to this day considered a destination for pizza, with its classic style known as “Neapolitan” pizza. 

After becoming a globally recognized food, pizza started changing and becoming more unique. While the classic margherita is still quite popular, chains like California Pizza added their own creative spins, most notably the barbecue chicken pizza in 1985. Other big box chains such as Domino’s and Pizza Hut have proven innovative as well, with ideas like stuffed crust and sauces for dipping. Today, pizza can be like a blank canvas and it opens the door to endless possibilities and creativity! 

In the past decade, chefs and home cooks alike have created all sorts of pizza crusts. These include low-carb crusts made from eggs and cheese to veggie-packed ideas using cauliflower or broccoli. There is even a trend of using ground meat spread thin and baked crispy as a pie base! There’s also a lot of love for pizza-flavored items, such as chips, dips, and appetizer bites. Even dessert pizza has its place, using a basic crust and topping it with chocolate, fruit, and marshmallows! 

In a world of interesting pizza, a delicious yet nutritious gluten-free crust can be hard to come by. Veggie crust bases often fall apart, low-carb crusts can be very high in fat, and a lot of items used to replace crust simply don’t taste much like pizza. However, there are some amazing gluten-free pizza crust options that are easy to make and still tasty while having a high nutrient content!

The one we will highlight here is made from chickpea flour and is known by a few different names. In France, it’s known as Socca; in Italy, it’s called Farinata; regardless, this delicious chickpea flatbread is so easy to make and is excellent for a sweet or savory pizza! Full recipe is included at the end of this article, so you can experiment with your own ideas! 

Before we wrap up, let’s talk about a few fun pizza trends that can easily be made gluten-free! The possibilities are truly endless and can fit any dietary need! 

Ground chicken crust pizza topped with Caesar salad

Season 1 pound of ground chicken, spread it thin on a baking sheet, and bake until cooked through and crispy. Top with gluten-free Caesar salad and enjoy!

Chicken cutlet individual pizzas

Make gluten-free chicken cutlets, top with your favorite pizza toppings, bake, and devour! 

Breakfast pizza  

Use gluten-free puff pastry as a base and add your favorite breakfast items such as gluten-free bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, herbs, and cheese.

Pizza bowl

Skip the crust and layer your favorite sauce over vegetables, top with cheese, pepperoni, and other toppings in a bowl. Bake until bubbling and eat with a fork. This is a great way to get veggies in! 

Cabbage crust pizzas

Use cabbage sliced into rounds, roast until tender and use as a high fiber pizza base 

Dessert “pancake” pizza  

Make a large gluten-free pancake for a base, top with melted chocolate, fruit, and melted marshmallows on top to mimic cheese! 

Classic Farinata (Crust) Recipe 

  • 2.5 cups chickpea flour 
  • 3.5 cups water 
  • 1/3 cup olive oil 
  • Salt, to taste 

 

Directions:

Mix the flour and salt (start with 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon) to combine. Gradually add in the water, stirring constantly to rid the batter of lumps. Stream in the olive oil and stir well. Cover the batter with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours. To cook, oil a cast-iron skillet or pizza pan well and pour in the batter to desired thickness. The thinner it is, the crispier it will be! Bake at 425 for 20-22 minutes until crispy and golden. Let cool at least 5 minutes before serving. You can have this as a side dish, or of course, top with pizza toppings and bake for a crispy gluten-free pizza delight!