The Ultimate Gluten-Free Pizza (Crispy & Chewy Crust)
✨ Why You’ll Love It:A crispy outside, chewy inside crust.Customizable toppings and sauces.No strange textures — just real pizza vibes.Works with store-bought or homemade gluten-free flour blends.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar (or honey)
- ¾ cup warm water (not hot)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional but helps texture)
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
For the Pizza Base:
- ½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Parmesan, fresh basil, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, olives, arugula, etc.
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add yeast mixture, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
3. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment and lightly oil it.
4. Shape the Crust
- Divide dough in half. Wet hands or lightly oil them to handle the dough (it’s sticky!).
- Press each half into a round or rectangle shape, about ¼–½ inch thick.
5. Parbake the Crust
- Bake crusts (without toppings) for 8–10 minutes until firm and slightly golden.
6. Add Toppings & Bake Again
- Add sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Return to oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and edges are crisp.
Notes
Customization & Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese and dairy-free crust ingredients.
- Herbed Crust: Add 1 tsp Italian herbs or garlic powder to the dough.
- Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, turkey pepperoni, or crumbled sausage.
- Vegan: Omit cheese or use cashew-based cheese and load with veggies.
- Low FODMAP: Use lactose-free cheese, garlic-free sauce, and certified low-FODMAP flour.
💡 Tips for Pizza Night Success
- Want thinner crust? Use more water in the dough and press thinner before baking.
- Crispier base? Preheat your baking sheet or use a cast iron pan.
- Batch cooking? Parbake multiple crusts and freeze for future use.
