Who says you can’t enjoy pizza on a keto diet? I thought I’d have to give up my favorite food when I started keto, but these tasty low-carb pizza recipes changed everything. Now you can satisfy your pizza cravings while staying in ketosis with those keto diet pizza recipes!
How Do You Make Pizza on Keto?
Making keto-friendly pizza is easy with these two simple steps:
- Create a low-carb crust using ingredients like almond flour, cheese, or meat
- Add keto-friendly toppings like sugar-free sauce, cheese, and low-carb vegetables
Regular pizza has 30-40g of carbs per slice. These keto carb pizza recipes have just 2-4g per slice! According to a 2020 study in the Journal of Nutrition, people who enjoy “comfort food alternatives” like keto pizza stick with their diet longer.
What is Keto Crust Pizza Made Of?
There are several tasty options for keto pizza crusts. All of them are gluten free and low in carbs:
1. Fathead Pizza Crust
The most popular keto base made from:
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cream cheese
- Almond flour
- Eggs
2. Cauliflower Crust
A veggie-based option made with:
- Riced cauliflower
- Eggs
- Cheese
3. Chicken Crust
A protein-packed option using:
- Ground chicken
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
4. Cheese-Only Crust
The simplest option with just:
- Shredded cheese
5. Almond Flour Crust
A more bread-like choice using:
- Almond flour
- Eggs
- Olive oil
Each crust has its own texture and flavor. You might want to try a few to find your favorite!
Is There a Low-Carb Pizza Dough?
Yes! The most popular low-carb pizza dough is the fathead pizza crust. It has a chewy texture like regular pizza but with only 2-4g of net carbs per slice.
Let’s compare different keto-friendly crusts:
| Crust Type | Net Carbs Per Slice | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Pizza | 30-40g | Chewy |
| Fathead Dough | 2-4g | Bread-like |
| Cauliflower | 3-5g | Slightly crisp |
| Crust Type | Net Carbs Per Slice | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Crust | 0-1g | Firm |
| Cheese-Only | 0-1g | Crispy |
| Almond Flour | 2-3g | Cookie-like |
For the most “pizza-like” experience, try fathead dough. For the lowest carbs, choose chicken or cheese crust.
Crust Preparation Comparison
| Crust Type | Prep Time | Cooking Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fathead | 10 min | 10-12 min | Medium |
| Cauliflower | 20 min | 20-25 min | Hard |
| Chicken | 5 min | 25 min | Easy |
Is Keto Pizza Actually Keto?
Yes, homemade keto pizza is truly keto-friendly when made right. The key things to watch for:
- Low-carb crust made from cheese, nuts, or vegetables
- Sugar-free sauce (many store sauces have added sugar)
- Keto-friendly toppings (avoid high-carb options like pineapple)
Be careful with restaurant “keto pizza.” A survey by the Nutrition Coalition found many restaurant “keto pizzas” still have 15-20g of carbs per slice—too high for most keto dieters.
Watch out for:
- Restaurant cauliflower crusts (often contain flour)
- Pre-made “keto” crusts with hidden carbs
- Sauces with added sugar
Making your own at home gives you complete control over the ingredients.
Restaurant vs. Homemade Keto Pizza
| Pizza Source | Average Net Carbs | Hidden Ingredients | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant “Keto” | 15-20g per slice | Flour, sugar | $15-25 |
| Homemade Keto | 2-4g per slice | None | $5-10 |
Is Yeast Keto-Friendly?
Good news! Yeast itself is keto-friendly with minimal carbs. It can give your gluten free pizza crust a more traditional flavor.
However, yeast needs sugar to activate. For keto recipes:
- Use just 1 tsp of honey or sugar to feed the yeast
- The yeast consumes most of this sugar during fermentation
- The remaining carbs are minimal when spread across the whole pizza
If you prefer, all the recipes below are yeast-free options.
10 Delicious Keto Pizza Recipes
1. Classic Fathead Pizza Crust
Net Carbs: 4g per slice (8 slices per pizza)
This chewy, satisfying crust tastes amazingly close to regular pizza.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- ¾ cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Step by Step Instructions:
- Heat oven to 425°F
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mozzarella and cream cheese
- Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave 30 seconds more
- Mix in almond flour, egg, salt, and seasoning
- Knead until a uniform dough forms
- Place between two sheets of parchment paper and roll to desired thickness
- Poke with fork to prevent bubbling
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden
- Add toppings and bake 5-7 minutes more
Pro Tip: Let the crust cool for 10 minutes before adding sauce to prevent sogginess.
2. Crispy Cauliflower Crust
Net Carbs: 3g per slice (8 slices per pizza)
A lighter option that’s packed with vegetables but still crispy and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, riced (about 4 cups)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Step by Step Instructions:
- Heat oven to 425°F
- Microwave riced cauliflower for 5 minutes
- Cool, then squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel (crucial step!)
- Mix with remaining ingredients
- Press onto a sheet of parchment paper into a thin circle
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden and edges crisp
- Add toppings and bake 5-10 minutes more
Pro Tip: The drier you get the cauliflower, the crispier your crust will be.
3. Zero-Carb Chicken Crust Pizza
Net Carbs: <1g per slice (8 slices per pizza)
Perfect for those wanting maximum protein and minimal carbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Step by Step Instructions:
- Heat oven to 400°F
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl
- Press onto parchment paper into a thin circle
- Bake for 20 minutes
- Flip carefully and bake 5 more minutes
- Add toppings and bake 10 minutes more
Pro Tip: This crust works best with a thin layer of toppings as it’s not as sturdy as other options.
4. Quick Cheese-Only Crust
Net Carbs: <1g per slice (6 slices per pizza)
The fastest option when you need pizza right away.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Step by Step Instructions:
- Heat oven to 425°F
- Mix cheeses and seasoning
- Spread into a circle on parchment paper
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and bubbly
- Blot excess oil, add toppings, and bake 5-7 minutes more
Pro Tip: Let cool for 1-2 minutes before adding toppings to allow the cheese to set.
5. Traditional-Style Almond Flour Pizza Crust
Net Carbs: 3g per slice (8 slices per pizza)
The most bread-like gluten free option without the cheese-heavy base.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups almond flour
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp xanthan gum
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup warm water
Step by Step Instructions:
- Heat oven to 425°F
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl
- Add wet ingredients and combine into a dough
- Roll between sheets of parchment paper
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden
- Add toppings and bake 8-10 minutes more
Pro Tip: For yeast flavor, add 1 tsp of nutritional yeast to the dry ingredients.
6. Mediterranean Keto Pizza with Pesto Base
Net Carbs: 5g per slice (8 slices per pizza)
A flavorful Mediterranean twist using fathead pizza crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 Fathead dough crust (recipe #1)
- ¼ cup basil pesto (instead of tomato sauce)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup crumbled feta
- ¼ cup sliced kalamata olives
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
- Fresh basil leaves
Step by Step Instructions:
- Prepare fathead dough and pre-bake
- Spread pesto as base
- Add remaining toppings (except fresh basil)
- Bake 7-8 minutes until cheese melts
- Top with fresh basil before serving
Pro Tip: Make sure your pesto is keto-friendly with no added fillers or sugars.
7. BBQ Chicken Pizza (Keto-Style)
Net Carbs: 4g per slice (8 slices per pizza)
A sweet and tangy option that satisfies BBQ cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 Fathead dough crust (recipe #1)
- ¼ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup crumbled bacon
Step by Step Instructions:
- Prepare fathead dough and pre-bake
- Spread sugar-free BBQ sauce
- Top with cheese, chicken, onion, and bacon
- Bake 7-8 minutes
- Sprinkle with cilantro before serving
Pro Tip: Look for G Hughes or Primal Kitchen BBQ sauces which are sugar-free and keto-friendly. You can find these through affiliate links on many keto websites.
8. Breakfast Pizza with Egg and Bacon
Net Carbs: 3g per slice (6 slices per pizza)
Start your day with this savory breakfast option.
Ingredients:
- 1 Cheese-only crust (recipe #4)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (as “sauce”)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 eggs
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
Step by Step Instructions:
- Prepare cheese crust and pre-bake
- Spread thin layer of cream cheese
- Sprinkle with cheddar and bacon
- Create 3 small wells for eggs
- Crack eggs into wells
- Drizzle with cream, season with salt and pepper
- Bake 7-8 minutes until eggs set
- Top with chives
Pro Tip: For runny yolks, add the eggs halfway through the final bake.
9. Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Net Carbs: 3g per slice (8 slices per pizza)
Spicy and satisfying with a kick of heat.
Ingredients:
- 1 Chicken crust (recipe #3)
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is keto-friendly)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tbsp thinly sliced celery
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling
Step by Step Instructions:
- Prepare chicken crust and pre-bake
- Mix buffalo sauce with shredded chicken
- Top crust with mozzarella
- Distribute buffalo chicken, celery, and blue cheese
- Bake 7-8 minutes
- Garnish with green onions and drizzle with dressing
Pro Tip: For extra creaminess, mix 2 tbsp of softened cream cheese with the buffalo sauce.
10. Dessert Pizza with Keto Friendly Toppings
Net Carbs: 4g per slice (8 slices per pizza)
Yes, you can even have dessert pizza on keto!
Ingredients for Crust:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 tbsp coconut flour
- ¼ cup erythritol sweetener
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Ingredients for Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered erythritol
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds
- 1 oz unsweetened dark chocolate, shaved
Step by Step Instructions:
- Heat oven to 350°F
- Mix crust ingredients into a dough
- Press onto parchment paper into a circle
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges brown
- Cool completely
- Beat cream cheese, powdered erythritol, vanilla, and cream until smooth
- Spread mixture on cooled crust
- Top with berries, almonds, and chocolate shavings
- Chill before serving
Pro Tip: Keep berries to a minimum to maintain low carb count. You can substitute with sugar-free chocolate chips for fewer carbs.
Pizza Toppings for Keto Diet
Choosing the right pizza toppings is key to keeping your keto carb pizza recipe truly low-carb:
Keto-Friendly Sauce Options
| Sauce Type | Net Carbs (2 Tbsp) | Best Paired With |
|---|---|---|
| No-sugar Tomato | 2-3g | Classic toppings |
| Alfredo | 1-2g | Chicken, spinach |
| Pesto | 1-2g | Mediterranean |
Best Cheese Options for Keto Pizza
| Cheese Type | Fat Content | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella | High | Mild, stretchy |
| Parmesan | Medium | Salty, nutty |
| Feta | Medium | Tangy, crumbly |
Protein Toppings
- Pepperoni
- Sausage
- Bacon
- Grilled chicken
- Ground beef
- Anchovies
- Ham (without honey glaze)
Low-Carb Vegetable Toppings
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Olives
- Red onion (in moderation)
- Jalapeños
- Fresh basil
- Arugula (added after baking)
Toppings to Avoid
- Pineapple
- Honey-glazed ham
- Breaded chicken
- Sweet pizza sauces
- Candied nuts
Keto Pizza Nutrition Comparison
| Pizza Type | Net Carbs | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 35-40g | 285 |
| Fathead | 4g | 260 |
| Cauliflower | 3g | 180 |
| Pizza Type | Net Carbs | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Crust | <1g | 220 |
| Cheese-Only | <1g | 245 |
| Almond Flour | 3g | 240 |
All keto options cut carbs dramatically compared to regular pizza, with different calorie counts to fit your needs.
Topping Combinations by Carb Count
| Combination | Net Carbs | Main Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperoni & Cheese | 1-2g | Classic, savory |
| Chicken & Pesto | 2-3g | Herbal, garlicky |
| Mediterranean | 3-4g | Tangy, briny |
Tips for Perfect Keto Pizza Every Time
After trying many recipes, here are my best tips:
- Always pre-bake your crust before adding toppings to avoid sogginess
- Don’t overload with toppings as keto crusts aren’t as sturdy as wheat crusts
- Let cheese-based crusts cool slightly before adding sauce
- Use a pizza stone if you have one for crispier results
- Grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded (which has starchy additives)
- Use good quality parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Watch closely during baking as keto crusts can burn quickly
Cooking Methods Comparison
| Method | Crust Texture | Equipment Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | Crispy edges | Pizza stone (ideal) |
| Air Fryer | Very crispy | Small pizzas only |
| Stovetop | Crispy bottom | Large skillet + lid |
Storing and Reheating Keto Pizza
Unlike regular pizza that gets soggy when stored, many keto pizza crusts keep their texture well. Here’s how to handle leftovers:
Refrigerating:
- Cool completely before storing
- Place in airtight container with parchment paper between slices
- Keeps for 3-4 days in refrigerator
Freezing:
- Pre-bake crust only, then freeze (best option)
- Or freeze fully-made pizza in individual slices
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil
- Lasts up to 2 months
Reheating:
- Oven: 350°F for 8-10 minutes (best method)
- Air fryer: 350°F for 3-4 minutes
- Avoid microwave (makes crust soggy)
- Skillet: Low heat with lid for 3-4 minutes (good for cheese crust)
Reheating Method Comparison
| Method | Texture Result | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | Crispy, like fresh | 8-10 min |
| Air Fryer | Very crispy | 3-4 min |
| Skillet | Crispy bottom | 3-5 min |
The Bottom Line
Keto pizza proves you don’t have to give up your favorite foods while following a low-carb diet. With these gluten free, low-carb pizza recipes, you can enjoy pizza night without breaking ketosis.
Whether you prefer the traditional taste of fathead dough, the veggie boost from cauliflower, or the simplicity of a cheese-only base, there’s a keto carb pizza recipe for everyone.
Have you tried making keto pizza? Which crust is your favorite? Share your experiences in the comments!
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