Every year Americans eat nearly 3 billion pizzas, which accounts for approximately one-third of the world’s annual pizza consumption. With more than 3.1 million people across the USA following a gluten-free diet, it has undoubtedly become a priority to find delicious alternatives to the typical gluten-laden pizza crust. While crusts made with gluten-free flour are becoming more commonplace (even in the fast-food industry) there are a number of more creative ways to make a pizza that is not only free of gluten, but is mouthwateringly delicious too.
Grilled zucchini pizza slices
If you’re looking for a gluten-free pizza option that is also low-carb, look no further than the humble zucchini. Start by finding a nice, large zucchini and cutting it in slices of approximately ¾ inch thick. Brush both sides generously with olive oil and grill for about 8 minutes. You can now top your ‘pizza bases’ with pizza sauce and the toppings of your choice before returning to the oven and grilling for another 8 minutes. Top with a dollop of gluten-free pesto or sour cream and enjoy!
Cauliflower crusts
Cauliflower makes for a superb base for all things gluten-free, and is not only super-healthy but also neutral enough in taste to allow the various flavors of your chosen toppings to really shine through. Making a cauliflower pizza crust is a lot simpler than it may sound, and generally entails mixing together grated cauliflower with eggs, herb, spices, and mozzarella cheese before shaping and baking it. While cauliflower-only bases are delicious, you can also add mashed potato or grated zucchini to the cauliflower mix for a different taste and texture. You can make the pizzas as big or small as you like, and top them with any gluten-free toppings your heart desires.
Chicken fillet pizza crust
Unless you are following a meat-free diet, chances are good that you love a pizza topped with chicken as much as the next person. In the world of gluten-free pizza, there are no rules that stipulate that you can’t have a base made out of pure protein. You can make a completely gluten-free pizza crust out of a flattened chicken breast (or ground chicken), that will give even the best pizzas you have had a good run for their money. Simply prepare your chicken as desired (whether you crumb the fillet or not is entirely up to you), top with a dollop of tomato sauce and other toppings of your choice, and pop it into the oven until done.
There is no excuse to ever make a boring gluten-free pizza base. With so many enticing options available, you will never run out of scrumptious mealtime ideas again.
Karoline Gore left her job as a nutritionist to pursue her passion of freelance writing. She enjoys the freedom, time with her family and ability to offer her advice to readers.
