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Best-Ever Gluten-free Pizza Crust!

This gluten-free pizza crust does not disappoint! This crust is so delicious and you can top it with your favourite toppings for a tasty gluten-free, grain-free meal!
Mar 19, 2014 | Joy McCarthy

We are a family of pizza lovers over here! I called this crust the "best-ever" because it does not disappoint! We make this more than any other recipe in the McJordan home. The crust is so delicious, you could just drizzle it with olive oil once it's baked and eat it as flatbread. But adding toppings truly makes it a whole and fulfilling meal. 

This pizza crust is gluten-free and grain-free. The almonds add good fat to make it very satiating.

Since we love this recipe, 5 years after I added it to the blog, we are still making it regularly so I decided to create a video with Vienna so you can watch how to make it. Just scroll down to the bottom for the full recipe. ENJOY!

7 Reasons this is the Best Pizza Crust Ever: 

  1. The base of this crust is ground almonds which means a source of satiating protein, good fats and very low on the glycemic index. So you won't be reaching for a piece of pie after eating this pizza.
  2. Almonds are full of antioxidant-rich vitamin E and stress-busting magnesium.
  3. FULL of flavour. The original recipe called for onion powder, since I don't use onion powder (always use fresh raw onions) I just added in more organic garlic powder.
  4. Fiber-rich. The almonds are a great source of fibre, as is the garbanzo flour (chickpea) and the flaxseeds. Since I had a mixture of chia and flax in my freezer, that's what I used. Fibre fills up your belly so you stay fuller longer. It also adds some nice bulk to your stools so you have joyous bowel movements. And of course, fibre slows the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
  5. It was a pick-up-and-eat crust!
  6. I loved it as much as I love cauliflower pizza!
  7. It doesn't make you bloated!

I hope you try it out and love it as much as I did. It makes a 12-inch pizza crust so if you have a family to feed, I would suggest making 2. We had enough for two people plus lunch the next day. Or two adults plus a child would be well nourished from 1 pizza. 

The inspiration for this recipe came from the Wheat Belly blog but I made some modifications to it. 

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Ingredients
  • 1 3/4 cups almond flour/almond meal
  • 1/2 cup garbanzo bean (chickpea) flour*
  • 1 cup shredded hard goat cheese** (aka goat cheddar)
  • 4 tablespoons ground flaxseed***
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 tsp dried rosemary
  • Dash of sea salt
  • 3 large eggs or 3 flax eggs
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup water
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. In food processor or food chopper, pulse or chop goat cheese until becomes granular size. Add ground almonds, flour, flaxseed, garlic powder and salt. Blend together. Remove and place in a large bowl and combine remaining ingredients: eggs, oil and water, mix thoroughly.
  3. Spread large sheet of parchment paper over a cookie sheet. Place dough on parchment paper and spread around with a spatula. Or place dough onto a pizza stone and spread out to desired thickness.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven and top with whatever you like! Kale pesto, pizza sauce, chopped peppers, spinach.
  6. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Notes

*You can swap out the chickpea flour for 4 heaping tablespoons of coconut flour, it yields a slightly fluffier crust and just as delicious! You can also sub buckwheatt flour in the same amount as the chickpea flour.
**This pizza works with half the amount of shredded cheese added.
***I've made this pizza many times and forgotten to add the flax, so if you don't have this ingredient don't worry, it will still work!

Be sure to share your food photos with me on twitter or instagram, just tag me @joyoushealth. I love seeing how many people are eating joyously!! – woohoo!

Joy

114 Comments
Bronwyn   •   March 19, 2014

This looks fantastic! Is this the type of recipe where you could use an egg substitute, i.e. chia or flax eggs?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   May 2, 2014

Bronwyn   •   March 19, 2014

This looks delicious! Is this the type of recipe where you could use an egg substitute, i.e. chia or flax eggs?

Reply

Elaine   •   March 19, 2014

Yummy! Always looking for healthier pizza - thanks for sharing!

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Joy McCarthy   •   May 2, 2014

Ashley   •   March 21, 2014

I'd love to try this, what can I replace 2 cups ground almonds with? I have allergies :-)

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   May 2, 2014

Bea   •   March 23, 2014

This recipe sounds and looks delicious! Will definitely make it this week. Just curious - is there a particular reason why you stay away from onion powder? If for health reasons - would love to know why! :)

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Joy McCarthy   •   March 26, 2014

Samantha   •   April 9, 2014

Hi, Joy! I just discovered your website and am very excited about it! This recipe looks great but I have a 12 year old with a dairy intolerance. Is goat cheese ok to eat or is there a substitute? Thanks!

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Joy McCarthy   •   April 10, 2014

John   •   April 24, 2014

haha a gluten free pizza is a great idea. Never even thought of trying it but i'll try it!

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Joy McCarthy   •   May 2, 2014

Tara   •   May 3, 2014

Can I use shredded parm cheese or does it need to be granulated?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   May 5, 2014

Marlo   •   May 4, 2014

Hi Joy, what if I can't consume dairy, can I just omit that? Please let me know. Thank you very much!

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Joy McCarthy   •   May 5, 2014

Megan S   •   December 29, 2014

This pizza crust was amazing. I tried to attach a picture, but could not figure out how but it was so good. We put spinach, goat cheese, tomato, and chicken as the toppings. The crust had a bit of almond taste, but not in a bad way, a nice flavour! It tasted like a cheesy almond bread. I will definitely make this multiple times!

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Kate McDonald Walker   •   December 30, 2014

Brittany   •   January 26, 2015

We LOVE pizza night and crave this constantly now!

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Jen   •   February 23, 2015

Hi joy, I have been looking forever for a yummy pizza crust and want to try your recipe. How do I make this without goat cheese? I have a dairy allergy. Jen

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Kate McDonald Walker   •   February 24, 2015
Joy McCarthy   •   February 24, 2015

Myra   •   March 24, 2015

If I don't have garbanzo flour, can I just use almond flour or do you need another substitute? If so, what can be used in place of the garbanzo flour?

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Kate McDonald Walker   •   March 24, 2015

Lise Theriault   •   January 25, 2016

Hi Joy, Is it possible to make the crust and freeze it for later use? Thanks!

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Stephanie   •   April 8, 2016

Curious why you won't use onion powder but will garlic powder when garlic could be finely grated on a grasp for use here?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   April 9, 2016

Petunia Evans   •   May 27, 2016

My sister has a gluten allergy, which means I have to be more creative in cooking her food. The pizza looks delicious, but my mouth is watering just hearing about this crust. I'm glad to hear that it is flavorful, as well as gluten free. I can't wait to try this recipe for my sister and I, thanks!

Reply
Heather Allen   •   May 27, 2016

Emily Fox   •   September 21, 2016

How many people does the recipe serve? One individual pizza?

Reply
Heather Allen   •   September 21, 2016

Stephanie M.   •   February 2, 2017

This crust recipe sounds amazing! Has anyone tried to use the left-over almond pulp/grit from making almond milk to make crust? I'm trying to use up the grit but not sure if it'll work like this!

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Rachel   •   February 2, 2017

Hey Stephanie! We haven't tried it ourselves, but I don't see why not? :) Just make sure it's dried and course enough before you use it. If you try it, let us know what you think! Rachel - Joyous Health Team

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bea   •   February 4, 2017

can yo uuse ground alomond flour instead ?

Reply
Rachel   •   February 6, 2017

Elizabeth King   •   February 4, 2017

Hi Joy, I have tried saving a this recipe using your save button but i can't sign in. It asks for my user name which I gave

Reply
Rachel   •   February 6, 2017

jen   •   February 5, 2017

Hi Joy, I really want to try this recipe but I have a dairy intolerance. What can I use instead of goat cheese? jen

Reply

Rachel   •   February 6, 2017

Hey Jen! You could use a vegan cheese like Daiya? As a side note, some people who cannot tolerate cow's milk dairy can eat goat milk products just fine because the fat globules in goat are easier to digest, the casein protein is different than cow's (the majority of people who react to casein in cow milk are reacting to Alpha s1 Casein -- they are up to 90% LESS in goat) and there's much less lactose. Plus goat's milk is naturally homogenized. Definitely do what feels right for you, but just thought I'd weave in that tidbit as Joy typically doesn't eat dairy either but responds well to goat cheese. Hope that helps! Rachel - Joyous Health Team

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Suzanne   •   February 10, 2017

This recipe looks great although I've recently learned of a food intolerance wth almonds. Do you have any recommendations about substituting for almond flour? Thanks!

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Rachel   •   February 13, 2017

Effie J. Sorg   •   May 30, 2017

Hello, this pizza is looking stunning. My mouth is watering I want to eat it right now. But before this I want to know that which brand of almonds and flour is suitable for me, currently i am using https://www.anthonysgoods.com/. Is it good for my pizza or not? please reply me soon...

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Rachel Molenda   •   May 30, 2017

michele   •   September 8, 2017

Hello, This sounds amazing because I love pizza and can't eat gluten or dairy, but I think I am ok with Goats milk anyways Just wondering why the goat cheese goes in the crust instead of just on top of the pizza. Thanks, Michele

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Rachel Molenda   •   September 8, 2017

Maeve Mowat   •   September 23, 2017

Tried the pizza crust tonight with tigernut flour in place of almonds and chia eggs. It needed a little extra cooking for turned out beautifully! Thanks Joy!

Reply
Rachel Molenda   •   September 25, 2017

Cheryl   •   September 25, 2017

Thanks so much for this insight into cooking, esp.gluten free items that are available. I had just made Cauliflower pizza crust, and it is delicious and nutrional.ground almonds are easier to digest; certainly, I am glad to try this recipe. Thanks Cheryl. S.

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Rachel Molenda   •   September 26, 2017

Rachelle   •   January 19, 2018

This sounds great. I have a couple of pizza monsters here too. Hey, would be awesome if you posted a video for the recipe.

Reply
Rachel Molenda   •   January 22, 2018

Veronica   •   February 10, 2018

Is goat cheese healthier then cow cheese

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   February 11, 2018

Sue de Zwart   •   January 16, 2019

Next on my list to try! Question . Are ground almonds, almond meal and almond flour all the same thing and are blanched almonds less nutritious than non-blanched? Thank you.

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   January 17, 2019

Sara   •   February 5, 2019

Not vegan :(

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   February 5, 2019

Carol   •   February 5, 2019

Hi Joy: Have you ever made the crust without eggs?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   February 5, 2019

Caroline   •   February 5, 2019

Definitely going to try this...usually avoid pizza crusts and never never have I attempted one! This looks inviting,and really appreciate the video! Thanks! Vienna is quite good at cooking! She's showing some serious skills already,good job mom!😊

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Joy McCarthy   •   February 6, 2019

Lauren Follett   •   February 6, 2019

Excited to try this! Could you use any type of hard, strong white cheese?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   February 6, 2019

rachel Tarrant   •   February 6, 2019

How would I make this pizza using a pizza stone. Since the texture is “pasty” what tips can you give for using a pizza stone and getting the dough on without it sticking to the stone

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Joy McCarthy   •   February 6, 2019

Tammy M.   •   February 7, 2019

Hi Joyous team, I don't like cheese, never have. Is there something I can use to replace it in the crust. I've read all the other comments and I understand there's non-dairy cheese but is there something else I can use as I don'T like the flavour of cheese?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   February 7, 2019
Joy McCarthy   •   February 7, 2019

Marie Matkiwsky   •   February 7, 2019

It was delicious!

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   February 8, 2019

Candice   •   February 10, 2019

Hi joy, Can you use feta instead of goat cheddar ?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   February 11, 2019

Lisa   •   February 10, 2019

This pizza tastes amazing!! I will be making this again for sure! I am loving all of your recipes lately. Thank you!

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Joy McCarthy   •   February 11, 2019

Amy   •   February 14, 2019

Hi joy I just made it for my family lunch ( 4 people) and it was delicious Thanks for the yummy recipe And your quinoa cake is baking for valentine dessert as well Just after enjoying the pizza, I want it to check the calories in my fitnesspal and it was a lot so I was a little disappointed 😔 Do you think the pizza is supposed to feed more than 4 people? Thanks again

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   February 15, 2019

Nerissa L.   •   February 14, 2019

Can I use feta instead?

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   February 15, 2019

Amy   •   February 15, 2019

Hi joy Thanks for the quick reply It did tasted delicious and made me feel great and full that I could not eat anything for dinner but your quinoa cake How many servings is this recipe anyway?

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Joy McCarthy   •   February 16, 2019

Carla   •   February 22, 2019

Hi Joy, I am not a huge fan of goat cheese. Would I be able to substitute something else in place of it? This pizza crust looks amazing:) Thank you

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Joy McCarthy   •   February 22, 2019

Kim   •   March 8, 2019

Hi Joy, your spices listed in the recipe are different than what you used in your video. How much Italian seasoning and parsley did you use in the video?

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Joy McCarthy   •   March 8, 2019

Yulia   •   March 10, 2019

Hello dear Joy, I don’t have daiya cheese in my grocery shops. I will try to make it but meanwhile what can be a substitute? I don’t consume any dairy. Thanks

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Joy McCarthy   •   March 12, 2019

Angela M.   •   March 29, 2019

We love love love this pizza crust and end up eating it about once a week! Thanks for the awesome recipe:)

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Joy McCarthy   •   March 30, 2019

Laura   •   April 16, 2019

I don’t know where to find hard goat cheese? Is there another type of cheese that can be used in this recipe?

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Joy McCarthy   •   April 18, 2019

Yanna   •   May 30, 2019

Can you omit cheese out of the crust and not substitute with vegan cheese? Just leave it out. Will the crust taste good?

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Joy McCarthy   •   May 31, 2019

Alison   •   June 6, 2019

What can I use instead of chickpea flour? I couldn’t find it in my local health food store. Thank you. Excited to try this recipe!

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Joy McCarthy   •   June 6, 2019

marlene   •   July 15, 2019

if i use Almond meal instead of grinding the almonds myseld, does the quantity change or do i still use 1 3/4 cups of Almond meal?

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Joy McCarthy   •   July 16, 2019
Joy McCarthy   •   July 16, 2019

Noemi   •   August 23, 2019

Hi!! I am so excited to try this recipe tonight. I was wondering if you knew the calories:carb in this pizza? Thank you!

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Joy McCarthy   •   August 26, 2019

Kendal   •   November 25, 2019

I made this without the cheese and it turned out great! I didn't make any other changes to the recipe except for omitting the cheese. Thanks for the recipe!

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Joy McCarthy   •   November 27, 2019

Courtney   •   December 12, 2019

Is there a way to make this dairy free?

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Joy McCarthy   •   December 12, 2019

Heather Bradley   •   February 18, 2020

Hi Joy! I love your cookbooks and make a lot of recipes. Our family loves them. I recently started cutting out eggs for myself, trying to feel better with all my autoimmune stuff:) what would be the best way to make this without eggs? Thanks!

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Joy McCarthy   •   February 19, 2020

Lori   •   February 19, 2020

Hi Joy... if I leave out all the cheese is it likely the cruat would still turn out? Should I substitute it with something? Thanks!

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Joy McCarthy   •   February 20, 2020

Azza   •   November 24, 2020

Hello :).. Would these work at all if I removed the goat cheese? I want to make this from 16 month old who is on a gluten AND dairy free diet! :(

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Joy McCarthy   •   November 24, 2020

Lina Gallo   •   December 4, 2020

Wow this is great! I've tried different GF flours and the crust isn't crunchy. You don't need yeast in this?

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Joy McCarthy   •   December 5, 2020

Courtney R.   •   December 7, 2020

This turned out great and sturdy enough to pick up to eat! Because of my toppings, I had to bake it a bit longer on the second baking

Reply
Joy McCarthy   •   December 7, 2020

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