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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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes

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.
Keyword Gluten-Free, Pizza