If you’re looking for a guilt-free slice that doesn’t skimp on flavor or that glorious chewy bite, this Low Carb Pizza Crust is about to become your new best friend. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or just trying to sneak in a few more veggies, this “fathead” dough is delightfully cheesy, perfectly golden, and strong enough to hold all your favorite toppings. From its subtle garlic kick to that irresistibly crisp edge, it’s a comfort-food classic with a healthy twist—and yes, you’ll want a second piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of powerhouse ingredients, you can whip up a Low Carb Pizza Crust that’s light years better than any bland store-bought alternative. Each component plays its own delicious role in achieving that ideal texture and flavor, making every bite memorable.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): This is the backbone of the crust, giving it structure and that signature stretchy bite.
- Cream cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds creamy richness and helps the dough hold together beautifully.
- Almond flour (3/4 cup): The secret to that crisp edge and slightly nutty flavor, while keeping things gluten-free and low in carbs.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the crust its golden color once baked.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a subtle savory boost that takes the entire crust up a notch.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses each slice with classic herb flavor for that unmistakable pizzeria aroma.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.
How to Make Low Carb Pizza Crust
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), and line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper. This tiny bit of prep keeps the Low Carb Pizza Crust from sticking and helps it cook up with a beautifully crisp bottom.
Step 2: Melt the Cheeses
Combine the shredded mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Pop it in the microwave for 1 minute, give it a good stir, then heat for another 30 seconds. You want a smooth, fully melted mixture—this is your blueprint for that decadent, chewy crust texture.
Step 3: Mix In the Dry Ingredients
While the cheese mixture is still warm, fold in the almond flour, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything comes together into a sticky, unified dough. Don’t be afraid to use your hands if needed—the dough should be soft but not too wet.
Step 4: Shape Your Crust
Transfer the dough to your prepared pan, then press it out into a circle or rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. The thinner you press it, the crispier your Low Carb Pizza Crust will be! Use a fork to poke a few holes over the surface, which helps keep pesky air bubbles at bay during baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Slide your crust into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it’s a lovely light golden color. This first bake sets the dough, making it sturdy enough for all your favorite toppings without turning soggy.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Finish Baking
Pull the crust from the oven, pile on your favorite low-carb toppings—think bold tomato sauce, more cheese, pepperoni, or veggies—and return to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes until everything is hot and bubbly.
How to Serve Low Carb Pizza Crust
Garnishes
This is where you can get creative and infuse even more flavor! Dust your finished Low Carb Pizza Crust with chopped fresh basil, a handful of arugula, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gourmet touch. A light drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze over the top is another fabulous way to add personality.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or roasted veggies for extra fiber. Even simple marinated olives or a fresh caprese salad can make your meal feel like a trip to Italy—without the carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to limit yourself to a classic pizza shape! Try cutting the Low Carb Pizza Crust into sticks for dunking in marinara, or use mini rounds as bases for personalized “pizza bites” at your next gathering. The sturdy crust even holds up as a dreamy sandwich flatbread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, simply let your pizza cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The crust stays surprisingly crisp and flavors develop even more overnight!
Freezing
For longer storage, let the cooked Low Carb Pizza Crust cool, cut it into slices or wedges, and layer between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep its texture and flavor for up to one month in the freezer—a lifesaver for busy nights!
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked bite, reheat your pizza in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melty and the crust is warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you love that signature crunch!
FAQs
Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?
For this Low Carb Pizza Crust, almond flour really is the star because of its subtle flavor and texture. Coconut flour is more absorbent and would create a much denser crust, so swapping isn’t recommended without big adjustments to the recipe.
Is this dough suitable for other recipes?
Absolutely! This versatile “fathead” dough can be transformed into breadsticks, calzones, or even little flatbreads for sandwiches. Just shape and bake according to your needs.
How thin should I spread the dough?
About 1/4-inch thick is perfect for a sturdy, chewy Low Carb Pizza Crust. If you love extra crisp, you can go a bit thinner, but keep a close eye so it doesn’t overbake.
Can I make this crust dairy-free?
While this recipe is based on cheese, there are dairy-free shredded cheese and cream cheese alternatives on the market. You may need to experiment a bit to find the right consistency, but it’s possible!
Should I pre-bake the crust before adding toppings?
Yes, always pre-bake the Low Carb Pizza Crust before topping so it has a chance to firm up and crisp. This extra step ensures every slice holds up beautifully under your cheese and toppings.
Final Thoughts
If pizza night needs a healthy—and seriously tasty—upgrade, you truly can’t beat this Low Carb Pizza Crust. Grab your ingredients, crank up the oven, and let the aroma of bubbling cheese fill your kitchen. You might just find yourself making this again before the week is out!
PrintLow Carb Pizza Crust Recipe
A delicious low-carb pizza crust recipe using a simple ‘fathead’ dough made with mozzarella cheese, almond flour, and seasoning, perfect for those following a keto or gluten-free diet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
- Melt cheeses: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mozzarella cheese and cream cheese. Microwave, stir, then microwave again until melted.
- Add ingredients: Stir in almond flour, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt, mixing well until a dough forms.
- Prepare crust: Transfer dough to the pan, press into desired shape, poke holes with a fork, and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden.
- Add toppings: Remove from the oven, add toppings, and bake for 5–7 minutes more until cheese is melted.
Notes
- This dough is versatile and can be used for calzones or breadsticks too.
- Allow the dough to cool slightly before slicing for easier handling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg