Keto Sheet Pan Pizza Recipe

Pizza is often considered a comfort food that’s hard to give up when following a keto lifestyle. The traditional pizza crust made from flour is packed with carbohydrates, which is a big no-no for those on a ketogenic diet. However, with a little creativity and a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious keto-friendly pizza that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor or texture. This Keto Sheet Pan Pizza recipe is not only low-carb but also incredibly satisfying, packed with healthy fats, and easy to prepare.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Keto Sheet Pan Pizza

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to put everything together. This recipe breaks down into two main components: making the cauliflower crust and assembling the pizza. Let’s dive into each part.

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Crust

The cauliflower crust is the key to this recipe. When made correctly, it becomes crispy on the outside while still having a chewy and flavorful texture that’s reminiscent of traditional pizza dough. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Start by removing the leaves and stem from the cauliflower and cutting it into florets. If you’re using a whole head of cauliflower, you can either chop it into smaller pieces and process it in a food processor, or you can use pre-riced cauliflower from the store. If you’re using riced cauliflower, you’ll need about 4 cups.

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2. Cook the Cauliflower: If you’re using fresh cauliflower florets, pulse them in a food processor until they resemble rice-sized pieces. Then, transfer the riced cauliflower to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Once cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before moving to the next step.

   If you’re using frozen cauliflower rice, simply microwave it according to the package instructions and drain any excess moisture.

3. Remove Excess Moisture: The key to a successful cauliflower crust is removing as much moisture as possible. Once the cauliflower has cooled, transfer it to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Twist the towel and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. This step is crucial for ensuring that your crust doesn’t turn soggy.

4. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the riced cauliflower with the egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it forms a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too wet, you can add a tablespoon of almond flour to help absorb the moisture.

5. Form the Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Spread the cauliflower mixture out onto the pan, pressing it into an even layer with your hands or a spatula. Make sure the crust is about 1/4 inch thick to ensure it crisps up nicely in the oven.

6. Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking. The goal is to get the crust firm enough to hold the toppings but still tender inside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Sauce

While the cauliflower crust is baking, you can prepare the pizza sauce. Making your own sauce is easy and ensures that it’s free of sugar and unnecessary additives, which is perfect for a keto diet.

1. Heat the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the sugar-free marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you like a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a little longer.

2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as necessary. If you want a bit more sweetness, you can add a pinch of erythritol or stevia, but typically, a good quality sugar-free marinara sauce should be flavorful enough.

Step 3: Assemble the Keto Sheet Pan Pizza

Once the cauliflower crust has baked to a crisp, it’s time to build your pizza. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—feel free to customize the toppings to your liking.

1. Spread the Sauce: Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, spread a thin layer of the prepared pizza sauce over the entire surface of the crust, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust to remain crispy.

2. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Make sure to cover the pizza evenly with cheese, as it will help hold the toppings in place and add richness to the dish.

3. Add Your Toppings: Now, get creative with your toppings. You can add slices of pepperoni, cooked sausage, bacon bits, or any other keto-friendly meats. Vegetables like red onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and olives also make excellent toppings. Make sure to evenly distribute the toppings across the pizza.

4. Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza back into the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and bubbly and the edges of the crust are golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning the toppings.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pizza has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to slice. For a final touch, you can garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.

Slice the pizza into squares or traditional pizza slices, and serve it with a side salad or your favorite keto dipping sauce. The crust will be crisp on the outside with a chewy interior, while the cheese and toppings will be perfectly melted and delicious.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Sheet Pan Pizza

1. Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower typically gives a better texture than frozen cauliflower rice, as frozen varieties can sometimes be too watery. If using frozen cauliflower rice, make sure to drain it thoroughly.

2. Don’t Skip the Moisture Removal: The most important step in making a crispy cauliflower crust is ensuring that the cauliflower is as dry as possible. Squeezing out excess moisture with a kitchen towel or cheesecloth is key to preventing a soggy crust.

3. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your pizza toppings. Some keto-friendly options include grilled chicken, spinach, zucchini, artichoke hearts, or even keto-friendly buffalo chicken.

4. Make Ahead: The cauliflower crust can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat it and add the sauce and toppings when you’re ready to bake.

5. Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, use a high-quality mozzarella cheese. Fresh mozzarella is great, but shredded mozzarella works well for even distribution.

6. Try Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: If you find that your cauliflower crust needs more structure, consider adding a small amount of almond flour or coconut flour. These low-carb flours help bind the ingredients together.

Conclusion

This Keto Sheet Pan Pizza is a game-changer for anyone following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. The cauliflower crust is perfectly crispy and holds up well under the toppings, making it a satisfying and delicious meal that you can enjoy guilt-free.

Yield: 4

Keto Sheet Pan Pizza Recipe

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Pizza is often considered a comfort food that’s hard to give up when following a keto lifestyle. The traditional pizza crust made from flour is packed with carbohydrates, which is a big no-no for those on a ketogenic diet. However, with a little creativity and a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious keto-friendly pizza that doesn't sacrifice on flavor or texture. This Keto Sheet Pan Pizza recipe is not only low-carb but also incredibly satisfying, packed with healthy fats, and easy to prepare.

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Cauliflower Crust:
• 1 medium cauliflower head (about 4 cups cauliflower rice, or 1 bag pre-made cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Toppings:
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (low-sugar or homemade, for keto-friendly)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese you like)
• 1/2 cup pepperoni or other keto-friendly toppings (e.g., sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower Rice:

• If using a whole cauliflower, chop it into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice-sized pieces. You should have about 4 cups of cauliflower rice. If using pre-made cauliflower rice, use 1 bag (about 12 oz).
• Transfer the cauliflower rice to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 5-7 minutes, or until soft. Let it cool for a few minutes, then place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can.

2. Make the Cauliflower Pizza Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower rice, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is fully combined.
• Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Transfer the cauliflower mixture to the sheet pan and press it into a thin, even layer to form the crust. You can make the edges a little thicker to help hold the toppings later.
• Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.

3. Add the Toppings:

• Once the crust is ready, remove it from the oven.
• Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add your preferred toppings (pepperoni, sausage, veggies, etc.).

4. Bake the Pizza:

• Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted and the toppings are cooked.

5. Finish and Serve:

• Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for some heat (optional).
• Slice and serve immediately!

Notes

Cauliflower Crust Tip: Squeezing out excess moisture from the cauliflower is key to making a crispy crust. If you skip this step, the crust can turn out soggy.

Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for the crust, such as using part-skim mozzarella or a sharp cheddar for a slightly different flavor.

Toppings: Be sure to choose keto-friendly toppings. Avoid high-carb options like regular pineapple or sweetened sauces.

Make it Dairy-Free: To make the crust dairy-free, you can replace the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free cheese option and omit the Parmesan. You can also try using flax or chia eggs as a substitute for the egg.