How to Make Paleo-Friendly Pizza with Almond Flour Crust
Are you craving pizza but following a Paleo diet? Don’t worry! The Paleo diet focuses on eating whole foods and avoids grains, which makes traditional pizza a no-go. But that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to this beloved dish. With a little creativity, you can still enjoy pizza night by making a Paleo-friendly version at home. Today, we’re diving into how you can whip up a delicious pizza with an almond flour crust that’s both satisfying and aligned with your dietary needs. Let’s get cooking!
What You Need
First, let’s talk about what you’ll need. For the crust, which is the star of the show, you’ll use almond flour as the main ingredient. Almond flour is great for Paleo recipes because it’s grain-free and packed with nutrients. Here’s a simple list to keep handy:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
For the toppings, feel free to get creative and pick what you love, keeping in mind to choose Paleo-friendly options. Here’s a suggestion to get you started:
- 1/2 cup of your favorite Paleo-friendly pizza sauce (you can also use pesto)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (or any protein you prefer)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- A handful of olives
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to bake your pizza crust to perfection.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, eggs, olive oil, salt, and baking soda together. Stir until everything is well combined and forms a dough. You’re looking for a consistency that holds together without being too sticky.
3. Roll Out Your Dough
Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into your desired thickness. Remember, the thinner the crust, the crispier your pizza will be.
4. Pre-bake the Crust
Remove the top piece of parchment paper and transfer the bottom one with the rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. This step is crucial for getting a crust that can hold up to your toppings without getting soggy.
5. Add Toppings
Once your crust is lightly golden, take it out of the oven and spread your sauce evenly over the surface. Then, layer on your protein, vegetables, and any other toppings you like. Feel free to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an extra pop of flavor.
6. Bake Your Pizza
Put your pizza back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your crust and how well-done you prefer your toppings. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
7. Enjoy!
Once your pizza is done, let it cool for a few minutes – we know, it’s hard to wait! Then, slice it up and enjoy your homemade, Paleo-friendly masterpiece.
Tips for the Perfect Paleo Pizza
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Experiment with Toppings: The beauty of pizza is its versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors.
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Use a Pizza Stone: For an extra crispy crust, consider investing in a pizza stone. Just preheat it in the oven and bake your pizza on top.
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Make it Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, skip the cheese or opt for a Paleo-friendly cheese alternative.
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Batch Prep: You can make extra crusts and freeze them for a quick pizza night option in the future.
Pizza night doesn’t have to be a thing of the past just because you’re following a Paleo diet. With this simple almond flour crust recipe, you can enjoy a healthier version that’s just as satisfying as the traditional one. Invite friends or family to join in the fun and see who can come up with the best topping combinations. Happy baking!
