Who says you can’t enjoy pizza without gluten? It took me some time to be brave enough to try a gluten-free crust. I worried it would taste like cardboard. After sampling a few pricey, thin crusts from local restaurants and being disappointed, I decided to make a flavorful gluten-free pizza at home.
A good friend, Kerri, shared this yeast-free, gluten-free pizza crust recipe with me. At first I was skeptical because it uses no yeast, but I immediately appreciated that it doesn’t need to rise. Pizza can be on the table quickly. The secret is sparkling mineral water — it acts like yeast and gives the crust lift, so don’t skip it. I add a touch of honey to keep the crust tender and chewy, plus dried Italian herbs and grated Parmesan for extra flavor. This crust won’t mimic a thick, traditional yeast dough, but it delivers a pleasant texture and a satisfying fresh-baked pizza experience.
We usually top ours with a simple tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, and whatever vegetables are in the fridge. My kids surprisingly love mushrooms and onions. I enjoy spinach and artichokes, and turkey pepperoni or chicken sausage are great for extra flavor. Be creative — involve your kids and make a family pizza night out of it. This crust is a flexible canvas for a delicious meal to share with loved ones.
- 2 cups Sarah’s gluten free flour blend
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups plain sparkling water
- 2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly brush a pizza stone or pan with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, dried herbs, Parmesan (if using), and salt.
- Pour in the sparkling water, honey (or maple syrup), and olive oil. Stir until just combined into a workable batter-like dough.
- Use a rubber spatula or wet hands to spread the dough evenly over the prepared stone or pan to form a 14-inch crust.
- Pre-bake the crust for 20–22 minutes, until it is starting to turn golden. This step firms the crust before adding toppings.
- Remove the crust and let it cool briefly. Add your favorite sauce, shredded cheese, and toppings.
- Return the topped pizza to the oven and bake an additional 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is done to your liking.