Out of Pizza dough, one case
Gluten-free pizza dough: substitutes and recipes for crust
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cauliflower crust
2 cups riced cauliflower + 1 egg + ½ cup cheese
The best gluten-free pizza dough substitutes are cauliflower crust (2 cups riced cauliflower + 1 egg + ½ cup cheese), gluten-free flour blend (1:1 ratio with xanthan gum), or almond flour (1 cup almond flour + 2 eggs + ¼ cup oil). Each provides different texture and nutritional benefits.
- Best for —
- low-carb diets
One casethe full pizza dough card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of pizza dough |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cauliflower crustlow-carb diets | 2 cups riced cauliflower + 1 egg + ½ cup cheese |
| 2 | Gluten-free flour blendtraditional texture | Same amountWith all-purpose flour + 1 tsp xanthan gum per cup |
| 3 | Almond flournutty flavor | 1 cup almond flour + 2 eggs + ¼ cup oil |
| 4 | Coconut flourhigh fiber | ¼ cup coconut flour + 4 eggs + ¼ cup oil |
| 5 | Cassava flourwheat-like texture | Same amountWith all-purpose flour |
Cauliflower crust
slight cauliflower
Vegetable-based crust that's low-carb and nutritious
- Best for
- low-carb diets, vegetable-based, nutritious option, keto-friendly
- Texture
- crispy, thin
Pre-cook cauliflower to remove moisture. Press out excess water before mixing with other ingredients.
Gluten-free flour blend
neutral taste · similar to wheat
Commercial blend designed to mimic wheat flour properties
- Best for
- traditional texture, easy substitution, consistent results, beginner-friendly
Add xanthan gum for binding. May need slightly more liquid than regular flour.
Almond flour
nutty, rich
Nut-based flour that creates rich, tender crust
- Best for
- nutty flavor, high protein, keto-friendly, rich texture
- Texture
- tender, dense
Creates a rich, nutty-flavored crust. Higher in protein and healthy fats.
Coconut flour
slight coconut
High-fiber flour that absorbs lots of liquid
- Best for
- high fiber, low carb, keto-friendly, unique texture
- Texture
- dense, slightly sweet
Very absorbent - use less than other flours. Creates a slightly sweet, dense crust.
Cassava flour
neutral taste · similar to wheat
Root vegetable flour that mimics wheat flour texture
- Best for
- wheat-like texture, paleo-friendly, neutral flavor, traditional feel
Most similar to wheat flour in texture and behavior. May need slightly more liquid.
How it behaves in this recipe
Gluten-free pizza dough requires alternative flours and binding agents since gluten provides the elasticity and structure in traditional pizza dough. The right substitute depends on your dietary needs, desired texture, and nutritional preferences.
Tips for substituting pizza dough
6 tips- Cauliflower crust needs to be pre-cooked and drained to remove excess moisture
- Gluten-free flour blends often need xanthan gum for proper binding and elasticity
- Almond flour creates a rich, nutty crust but is higher in calories and fat
- Coconut flour is very absorbent - start with less and add liquid gradually
- Cassava flour behaves most like wheat flour and is great for beginners
- All gluten-free doughs benefit from resting time to allow flours to hydrate properly
Notes on pizza dough
- Use pre-made gluten-free pizza crusts for convenience
- Try flatbreads made from gluten-free grains like quinoa or buckwheat
- Use tortillas or gluten-free wraps as pizza bases
- Make pizza on gluten-free bread or English muffins
Questions
5 questionsCan I make pizza dough without gluten?
Yes, you can use cauliflower crust, gluten-free flour blends, almond flour, or other gluten-free alternatives. Each provides different texture and nutritional benefits.
What's the best gluten-free flour for pizza dough?
Gluten-free flour blends work best for traditional texture, while cauliflower crust is great for low-carb options. Cassava flour is closest to wheat flour in behavior.
How do I make cauliflower pizza crust?
Rice 2 cups cauliflower, cook and drain well, then mix with 1 egg and ½ cup cheese. Press into crust shape and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes before adding toppings.
Do I need xanthan gum for gluten-free pizza dough?
Yes, xanthan gum helps bind gluten-free flours and provides elasticity similar to gluten. Use 1 teaspoon per cup of gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use almond flour for pizza dough?
Yes, almond flour creates a rich, nutty-flavored crust. Mix 1 cup almond flour with 2 eggs and ¼ cup oil for a keto-friendly pizza base.