Cheesy Mozzarella & Pepperoni Gluten-Free Pizza

Cheesy Mozzarella & Pepperoni Gluten-Free Pizza: Crispy, Low-Carb Delight

LET’S INDULGE in this ultimate gluten-free pizza experience! Our Cheesy Mozzarella & Pepperoni Pizza combines a crispy crust with a load of gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni for a low-carb feast that’s hard to resist.

The Quest!

My quest to recreate a pizzeria-quality gluten-free pizza began when a family member was diagnosed with gluten intolerance (I know, right!?). Refusing to let dietary restrictions take away from our pizza nights, I experimented with various flour blends and toppings to craft a pizza that’s as satisfying as its traditional counterpart, ensuring no one misses out on the joy of a good pizza.

Why You’ll Love It

• Crispy Perfection: Achieve that sought-after crispy crust with our easy-to-follow steps—no more soggy gluten-free bases!
• Bold and Cheesy: Packed with rich mozzarella and zesty pepperoni, each bite is a cheesy delight with a hint of spice.
• Diet-Friendly: Perfect for those on a gluten-free or low-carb diet without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish in 35 minutes, this pizza is perfect for a busy weeknight or impromptu dinner parties.

Quick Grocery List

For the Gluten-Free Pizza Crust:

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum included)
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Warm water
• Olive oil

For the Pizza Sauce:

• Tomato sauce (no sugar added – this actually leads to a more rustic taste in my opinion)
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt & pepper

For the Toppings:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni (gluten-free certified)
• Olive oil (for brushing crust)
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan

Things to Consider Before Preparing Your Meal

• Prep & Cook Time: Total 35 minutes (20 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook).
• Equipment Checklist: Mixing bowl, rolling pin, parchment paper, baking sheet or pizza stone, measuring cups and spoons, spoon or ladle, pizza cutter or sharp knife.
• Dietary Adjustments: Options for dairy-free and meat substitutions are available.
• Serving Size: Makes 1 medium pizza, enough for 4 people to enjoy 2 slices each.

Easy Cheesy Mozzarella & Pepperoni Gluten-Free Pizza – Crispy Crust, Low-Carb, and Loaded with Flavor

DifficultyEasy

Servings4 (1 medium pizza, 2 slices per serving)

Prep time20 minutes

Cook time15 minutes

Total time35 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Gluten-Free Pizza Crust:

• 1 ½ Cups gluten-free all-purpose flour, (with xanthan gum included)
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tsp olive oil

For the Pizza Sauce:

• ½ cup tomato sauce, (no sugar added)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 20–25 slices pepperoni , (gluten-free certified)
• 1 tsp Olive Oil, (for brushing crust)
• crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan, Optional

Instructions:

• 1

  1. Preheat Oven

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

• 2

  2. Make the Crust

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.

  2. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until dough forms.

  3. Knead gently for 1–2 minutes until soft and pliable. If sticky, add 1–2 tbsp more flour.

  4. Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper into a 10–12” circle.

• 3

  3. Pre-Bake the Crust

  1. Transfer the crust (with bottom parchment) to a baking sheet or pizza stone.

  2. Bake for 7–8 minutes until lightly golden and firm.

• 4

  4. Assemble the Pizza

  1. Remove crust from oven. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the base.

  2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce.

  3. Top with pepperoni slices.

  4. Brush the edges of the crust with olive oil for a golden finish.

• 5

  5. Bake Again

  1. Return pizza to oven and bake for another 7–8 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

• 6

  6. Serve

  1. Let the pizza rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing.

  2. Garnish with red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or extra cheese if desired.

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or ladle (for spreading sauce)
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife

Nutrition

Calories	420
Carbohydrates	32g
Cholesterol	55mg
Fat	25g
Fiber	3g
Protein	18g
Saturated Fat	10g
Sodium	720mg
Sugar	2g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	13g

Let’s Get Cooking

Pro Tips:

• Tip 1: Preheat your baking surface, like a pizza stone, for a perfectly crisp bottom.
• Tip 2: Use a paper towel to pat down pepperoni slices to remove excess oil, keeping your pizza less greasy.
• Tip 3: Avoid overloading with toppings to maintain the integrity of the crust.

Art Of

Creating the perfect gluten-free pizza involves:

• Mastering the Dough: Handling gluten-free dough requires a gentle touch and minimal handling to prevent it from breaking.
• Balancing Toppings: Learn how to perfectly balance sauce and toppings to prevent a soggy crust.

Tips and Variations

• Cheese Options: Switch to part-skim mozzarella or a vegan alternative to cater to all dietary needs.
• Meat Variations: Turkey pepperoni or sliced cooked chicken are great alternatives for those avoiding pork.
• Crust Alternatives: Explore cauliflower or almond flour bases for an even lower carb option.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420 – Ideal for a satisfying meal without overindulgence.
• Carbohydrates: 32g – Carefully managed to fit into a lower-carb diet.
• Cholesterol: 55mg – Moderate amount, important for those monitoring heart health.
• Fat: 25g – Provides richness, consider balancing with lighter meals or reduce cheese or meat.
• Fiber: 3g – Helps in digestion, an added bonus in gluten-free diets.
• Protein: 18g – Essential for muscle repair and satiety, but no need to overdo it!
• Saturated Fat: 10g – Keep an eye on intake if concerned about heart health.
• Sodium: 720mg – Watch additional salt intake, especially if on a low-sodium diet.
• Sugar: 2g – Low sugar content ensures focus on the rustic savory flavors.
• Trans Fat: 0g – Free from trans fats for better health.
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g – Includes healthy fats, beneficial for overall well-being.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid the microwave to prevent a chewy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely, prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

Q: Can I freeze the crust or assembled pizza?
A: Yes, pre-bake the crust, let it cool, then wrap and freeze. Assemble and bake from frozen when ready to eat.

Q: How do I keep the crust from becoming gummy?
A: Always pre-bake the crust before topping and use a moderate amount of sauce to prevent sogginess.

Engage and Share

Have you tried making our Cheesy Mozzarella & Pepperoni Gluten-Free Pizza? Share your experience, rate the recipe, or comment with your own twist! Looking for more gluten-free delights? Check out our other recipes for more inspiration.

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