Get ready to enjoy pizza again without guilt! This detailed recipe breaks down each step to ensure your pizza comes out perfect every time. The fathead dough is the star here—cheesy, flexible, and sturdy enough to hold all your favorite toppings. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Dough:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Acts as the base and gives the dough structure.
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- Adds richness and helps the dough bind together.
- 1 large egg
- Works as a binder, holding everything together.
- ¾ cup almond flour
- Keeps the crust low-carb while giving it a dough-like texture.
- A sprinkle of dried basil (optional but recommended)
- Adds a subtle herby flavor to the dough for extra depth.
Topping Suggestions (Optional):
- Marinara sauce (low-carb or sugar-free)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Keto-friendly toppings like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, spinach, olives, or roasted vegetables.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workspace
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Melt the Cheese
- Place shredded mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir to combine.
- Return to the microwave and heat for an additional 30 seconds, or until the mixture is fully melted, smooth, and stretchy.
- Tip: Work quickly here, as the cheese will cool and harden if left too long.
Step 3: Form the Dough
- Add almond flour, egg, and basil (if using) to the melted cheese mixture.
- Use a spoon or spatula to stir everything together until it forms a sticky dough.
- To avoid sticking, lightly coat your hands with oil or water and knead the dough until fully combined.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
- Place the dough on a large sheet of parchment paper.
- Cover the dough with a second sheet of parchment paper.
- Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 12-inch circle (or your preferred pizza shape).
- Tip: Keep the thickness consistent for even baking.
Step 5: Parbake the Crust
- Remove the top layer of parchment and transfer the dough (still on the bottom parchment) to a pizza pan or preheated pizza stone.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden.
- For a crispier crust, carefully flip the crust and bake for another 3 minutes.
- Tip: Use a spatula or another sheet of parchment to flip without breaking the crust.
Step 6: Add Your Toppings
- Spread a thin, even layer of low-carb marinara sauce over the crust.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add your favorite keto-friendly toppings:
- Protein: Pepperoni, sausage, grilled chicken, bacon, or shrimp.
- Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, olives, or zucchini.
Step 7: Final Bake
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Tip: Cooling helps the crust firm up and makes slicing easier.
Why This Recipe Works So Well:
- Low-Carb: With almond flour as a base, you get all the satisfaction of a pizza without the carbs.
- Customizable: Add any toppings you love to make it your own.
- Sturdy Crust: The fathead dough holds up to even the heaviest toppings!
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, including bake time.
Extra Tips for Success:
- Make it Extra Crispy: Flip the crust during the first bake for added crunch.
- Storage: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Meal Prep: Double the dough recipe and freeze one portion for a quick pizza night later.
- Tweak the Dough Flavor: Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or parmesan cheese to the dough for more flavor.
Enjoy your guilt-free pizza night! Whether you’re keto, bariatric, or just trying to eat healthier, this recipe hits all the right notes. 🍕