Make your own gluten-free pizza with this easy gluten-free pizza crust recipe! A thick and chewy gluten-free pizza crust that is also naturally dairy-free and Vegan. Ready for your favorite toppings!
Gluten-Free Pizza
Pizza is one of my all-time favorite things to eat! And, as most of you probably know, it’s really hard to find good gluten-free pizza whether it is a frozen gluten-free pizza or a pizza that is safe to eat from a restaurant.
My family’s favorite frozen gluten-free pizza is from Costco. For a gluten-free and dairy-free frozen pizza, I like the Daiya pizzas, but they are expensive.
Our favorite gluten-free restaurant pizza has been from Uncle Maddio’s and Blaze Pizza (they even have a dairy-free option). Oh, and I have not tried the Pizza Hut gluten-free pizza because they do not carry the gluten-free pizza crusts in the Pizza Huts in my town.
Gluten-Free Pizza Crust
One thing that all of these gluten-free pizzas have in common is their thin crusts. Oh, how I have missed pizza crusts like Pizza Hut, Dominos, Papa Johns. (See I told you I loved pizza!)
So, I set out to make an easy gluten-free pizza dough recipe that would be a thick crust gluten-free pizza. No more thin and crunchy gluten-free pizzas for my family!
How To Make Gluten-Free Pizza
Start by making the easy gluten-free pizza crust.
- Preheat your oven to 100°F (the bread proofing setting). Once it gets to 100°, turn off your oven.
- In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (leave out if your flour already has it), instant yeast, gluten-free baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine the ingredients. (photo 1)
- Warm the water to 110°-115°F. I microwave the water in a large glass measuring cup for 30 seconds. I also use a thermometer to check the temperature. If your water is too hot it will kill the yeast.
- Add the honey to the warm water and stir until it is dissolved.
- Pour the warm water and honey mixture into the gluten-free flour mixture and mix with your mixer on low. (I used my stand-up mixer with the dough hook attachment). (photo 2)
- Pour the olive oil and apple cider vinegar into the dough mixture and mix on the medium speed for 3 minutes. The dough will be very sticky. (photo 3)
- Place dough in a greased ovenproof bowl (I used olive oil cooking spray) and cover with plastic wrap. Cover the bowl with a towel and place in your warm oven for 30 minutes to rise. (photo 4 & 5)
- Remove the dough from the oven and preheat the oven to 425° F. (photo 6)
- Pour 1 tablespoon of gluten-free all-purpose flour onto a large sheet of parchment paper. Spread into a circle the size of the pizza crust (15″).
- Turn the bowl over on top of the floured parchment paper. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of gluten-free all-purpose flour on top of the dough. (photo 7)
- Gently pat the circle in an outward motion. Work from the middle and push to spread the dough out to the edge to make a 15″ circle. Use your fingertips to press down into the dough to form the crust edge. Use your hands to finish shaping and rounding the edges. (photo 8)
- Place the parchment paper on a pizza pan or baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. (photo 9)
- Remove the pizza crust from the oven and top with the gluten-free pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. (photo 10)
- Bake for another 5 minutes, until the cheese, is nice and melted and the crust is golden brown. Allow the pizza to cool a little before slicing the pizza. Enjoy! (photo 11)
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave.
Can I Freeze The Gluten-Free pizza dough?
Yes, you can freeze the pizza dough. Just let it fully rise before you freeze it. The dough can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before you use it.
What Is The Best Type Of Sauce To Use To Make Gluten-Free Pizza?
I recommend using your favorite gluten-free Marina sauce. I feel that sometimes the jars of pizza sauce are often too tick and lacking flavor.
What Is The Best Type Of Cheese To Use To Make Gluten-Free Pizza?
My family likes the taste and flavor of mozzarella cheese. You can use shredded or thinly sliced.
If you are dairy-free or Vegan I think the VioLife Just Like Mozzarella Shreds tests and melts the best.
Can I Make Focaccia Bread With The Gluten-Free Pizza Dough?
This gluten-free pizza crust can easily be made into delicious gluten-free Focaccia Bread. Just mix your favorite seasoning into the dough. I like 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of basil, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary.
Shape dough into a circle on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet pizza pan (do not flatten like the pizza dough). Drizzle the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt (optional). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes. Please watch your oven because all ovens are different.
Gluten-Free Flour
I like baking with a cup for cup gluten-free rice flour blends. A cup for cup rice flour blend is one that already has the starches and xanthan gum in it.
Make sure not to add any extra xanthan gum to your flour if it already has it in it. If you do you will get gummy pizza dough!
I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
Can I Make This Pizza Crust With Almond Or Coconut Flour?
No, but if you are looking for a recipe that uses almond flour try Wholesome Yum’s Paleo Low Carb Almond Flour Pizza Crust.
Pro Tip For Measuring Flour
The best way to measure gluten-free flour is the “spoon & level” method. Using a spoon, scoop the flour into the measuring cup. After you’ve spooned the flour into the measuring cup, use the back of a knife to level off the top of the measuring cup. Friends, please do not scoop the flour out of the bag with your measuring cup.
Also, use a measuring cup made for dry ingredients (not a pyrex liquid measuring cup).
Dairy-Free Cooking
This gluten-free pizza crust recipe is naturally dairy-free and egg-free. So, that makes this both a dairy-free and gluten-free and gluten-free Vegan. Just substitute pure maple syrup or granulated sugar for the honey for a Vegan pizza crust.
I use either Violife or Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds in making my dairy-free and gluten-free pizza.
Some of my favorite dairy-free alternatives that I like to cook with are almond, cashew or coconut milk. I also like baking with coconut oil or Smart Balance butter.
Gluten-Free Pizza Crust
If you are tired of thin and crunchy gluten-free pizza crusts, then I’ve got you friend! My gluten-free pizza crust recipe is super easy to make and requires no kneading.
The pizza crust is thick, soft and has just the right amount of chewiness.
Making your own gluten-free pizza crust is so worth it! No more frozen gluten-free pizzas or overpriced pizzas from restaurants.
If you are a pizza lover like me, you will love my recipe for easy gluten-free pizza.
More Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes For You To Try!
- Gluten-Free Meatballs {Dairy-Free Option}
- Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings {Dairy-Free Option}
- Gluten-Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
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★Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below in the comments!★
Gluten-Free Pizza {Dairy-Free & Vegan Option}
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (leave out if your flour already has it)
- 1 packet rapid yeast/instant yeast or 2 1/4 teaspoons of rapid yeast/instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°-115°)
- 1 tablespoon honey use pure maple syrup or granulated sugar for Vegan option
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon gluten-free all-purpose flour , split
- 1 cup gluten-free pizza sauce I used Prego pizza sauce
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese dairy-free/Vegan use Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds
- your favorite pizza toppings
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 100°F (the bread proofing setting). Once it gets to 100°, turn off your oven.
- In a large bowl combine the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (leave out if your flour already has it), instant yeast, gluten-free baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine the ingredients.
- Warm the water to 110°-115°F. I microwave the water in a large glass measuring cup for 30 seconds. I also use a thermometer to check the temperature. If your water is too hot it will kill the yeast.
- Add the honey to the warm water and stir until it is dissolved.
- Pour the warm water and honey mixture into the gluten-free flour mixture and mix with your mixer on low. (I used my stand-up mixer with the dough hook attachment).
- Pour the olive oil and apple cider vinegar into the dough mixture and mix on the medium speed for 3 minutes. The dough will be very sticky.
- Place dough in a greased oven proof bowl (I used olive oil cooking spray) and cover with plastic wrap. Cover the bowl with a towel and place in your warm oven for 30 minutes to rise.
- Remove the dough from the oven and preheat the oven to 425° F.
- Pour 1 tablespoon of gluten-free all-purpose flour on to a large sheet of parchment paper. Spread into a circle the size of the pizza crust (15″).
- Turn the bowl over on top of the floured parchment paper. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of gluten-free all-purpose flour on top of the dough. Gently pat the circle in an outward motion. Work from the middle and push to spread the dough out to the edge to make a 15″ circle. Use your fingertips to press down into the dough to form the crust edge. Use your hands to finish shaping and rounding the edges.
- Place the parchment paper on a pizza pan or baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the pizza crust from the oven and top with the gluten-free pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
- Bake for another 5 minutes, until the cheese, is nice and melted and the crust is golden brown. Allow the pizza to cool a little before slicing the pizza. Enjoy!
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave.
Notes
- I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
- For the dairy-free/Vegan option I used Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds.
- This pizza recipe also makes great Focaccia bread. Please see the post about making Focaccia bread.
- Store left-overs in an air-tight container.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave.
- To freeze the pizza dough, let it fully rise before you freeze it. The dough can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before you use it.
Marcia says
Amazing! This recipe was so easy to follow. It made a very large pizza with a great fluffy crust. When my picky daughter approves, she said it tasted like Unos gf pizza, I know its a keeper. Thanks for taking the time to figure out these recipes to make our lives easier and my child happy.????
Audrey says
Thank you so much Marcia for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! This makes my heart so happy to hear that you and your daughter enjoyed the pizza. Please tell your daughter to thank you for the compliment that this crust tastes like Uno’s gluten-free pizza! You are so welcome I love sharing what I make for my family. Thank you again!
TrishS says
Made it last Friday and making it again tonight! I changed up the flours as I used what I had on hand and it was still delicious.
Audrey says
I am so happy that you enjoyed the pizza again Trish! Can you please let me know which brand of gluten-free flours did try with the recipe? I am always like to see what other people are using. Thanks!
Theresa says
Hi Audrey!
I’ve made a few of your recipes and enjoyed them all. Yours is one of my ‘go-to’ sites.
One question for you on this pizza crust recipe. I see 1 Tbsp baking powder in the list of ingredients, yet not in the instructions. Does it get added to the flour, salt & yeast?
Thanks!
Theresa
Audrey says
Hi Theresa! Yes you add the gluten-free baking powder in with the dry ingredients. Thank you so much for bring that to my attention. I am so happy that you enjoyed the recipe that you have tried. It really makes my heart happy that I am one of your ‘go-to’ sites! I hope you enjoy the pizza.
Lourae Fitzgerald says
This recipe is delicious. It makes a very thick and fluffy crust. It’s a little too thick for my liking so next time I’m going to cut the dough in half. If you’re craving pizza, this is the recipe to try.
Audrey says
Hi Lourae thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the pizza. You could also make two smaller pizzas with the dough if you want a thinner crust.???? Thank you again!
Samantha says
Hi Audrey!
Great recipe and not at all difficult. I put a little twist on it and made a Detroit Style Pizza
with this dough. I basically followed your recipe all the way through the rising. I also
warmed up the bowl in the 100 degree oven so it was fool proof for the rising. I then
oiled a 13 x 9 metal pan with olive oil (Detroit Style pans are available on line, but don’t
bother, this worked just fine) I basically followed Jeff Mauro’s Detroit-Style Pepperoni
Pizza recipe for the rest. I did a good marinara from a jar to save time and whole milk
mozzarella since brick cheese is hard to find. I preheated the oven to a screaming 525
degrees with the rack positioned in the bottom. When I layed out your dough, it fit perfectly
in the 13 x 9 and I just pressed it to fit in the corners…NO GLUTEN, so no snapping back
and waiting for it to relax. I lightly salted the base then proceeded with Jeff’s recipe.
He has a video and that helps. Baked it on the bottom rack for 15 minutes- and as you
always say, watch it since all ovens are different. I turned on the broiler for a minute or so
cuz a like it a little brown and bubbly. After I pulled it out, I ran a spatula around it. The
crispy edges make your mouth water. I then let it rest for 10 mins, then removed and
sliced into squares. Perfection!
Love your recipes Audrey!!! Keep them coming!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Samantha for the amazing 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the pizza. I have never had Detroit style pizza, but it sounds delicious! I LOVE pizza. I am definitely going to check out Jeff’s video. It makes my heart so happy to hear that you love my recipes. Thank you again for your kind words, the wonderful review, and your encouragement!
Sage says
Wonderful recipe- exactly what has been missing from my menu!! Thanks!!!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Sage for the 5-star recipe review! I am so happy you enjoyed the pizza. I missed thick pizza crust too. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family. Thank you again!
Lourae Fitzgerald says
I love this pizza recipe. I’ve made it a few times and it never disappoints.
Audrey says
Thank you so much Lourae for the 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you love my pizza recipe. Pizza is one of my all-time favorites. Thank you again!
Mallory Kulesza says
After going gluten and dairy free, I feel like I’ve not eaten one good pizza. This felt like I was sinking my teeth into a real pizza and crust. It was absolutely delicious…even my gluten dairy loving husband liked it! Thank you for this recipe!!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Mallory for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! This makes my heart so happy to hear. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family. Thank you again!
Amy says
Can you make this dough and then freeze it in a ball?
Audrey says
Hi Amy! Yes you can make it into a dough ball and then freeze it. I hope you enjoy the pizza. Thanks for asking!
Alexia says
Can’t wait to try this! Can you make this in a pizza oven? If so, any adjustments?
Audrey says
Hi Alexia! I have never tried baking it in a pizza oven. If you try it will you please tell me how it works out? Do you have any recommendations on pizza ovens? I would like to look into getting one. I hope you enjoy the pizza. Thanks!
PattiM (Pattie’s passion) says
I made your pizza for dinner last night and it was so delicious. I was completely surprised that the crust didn’t have a rice flavor, nor was it too heavy. My hubby even enjoyed it. And since I usually freeze my extra spaghetti sauce in 1 quart freezer zippy bags, I was finally able to use some my supply. (Love how easy your recipes are and how yummy they taste.).
Definitely a recipe that I will be cooking again.
Audrey says
Thank you so much Patti for the fantastic 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you and your husband enjoyed the gluten-free pizza! It makes my heart really happy that you find my recipes easy, yummy and that you will be making it again. Thank you again!
Rebekka says
This recipe is amazing!! We cooked it last night and my husband wouldn’t have known it was gluten free except that I was eating it. My only comment with the recipe would be to add a step for putting some flour on top of the dough before spreading it out as it is super sticky.
Audrey says
Thank you so much, Rebekka for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you and your husband enjoyed the pizza, especially that he would not have known it was gluten-free. I love hearing that! Thanks for bringing that to my attention, I forgot to add that step in the recipe write up. You can see that I added flour to the top of the dough in the step 7 photos. I really appreciate you catching that! Thank you again for the lovely review!
Brooke Anderson says
Do these freeze?
Audrey says
Hi Brooke! Yes you can freeze the pizza dough. Just let it fully rise before you freeze it. The dough can be frozen for up to three months. Thawed in dough in the fridge overnight before you use it. Thanks for asking!
Melanie Reyes says
This was fantastic! I added a bit of Italian seasoning and caraway seeds to mine and it tasted gourmet! My daughter and I loved it and this is now my go to pizza crust recipe!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Melanie for your awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the pizza crust. It really made my day to know that my recipe is now going to be your go to recipe! I love that you added seasoning to the dough. Thanks again!
Rachel says
Thank you for this! I made it a few nights ago and was impressed. I used Krusteaz Gluten Free blend – it’s what I had in the pantry – and it never got past the “batter” stage and into the “dough” phase, even though I followed the recipe exactly. It puffed up more like bread. Still good, though! Next time, I think I’m going to add a bunch of herbs, though. I’m planning on making the focaccia bread version tonight. We’ll see how it goes!
Audrey says
Thank you so much for the wonderful recipe review Rachel! I am so happy that you enjoyed the pizza crust. Thank you for sharing that you used the Krusteaz flour, as I know it will help others. I have not tried this recipe with Krusteaz. I hope you enjoy the focaccia bread version as well. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family. Thanks again!
Carol D. says
I have been searching for a gf pizza recipe for a very long time. Most recipes have no flavor and are cardboard in texture. This recipe is by far the absolute best I have ever tried. I know I have found the ultimate best crust in this recipe. Made a gf pizza for myself and a regular pizza for my hubby. He liked the gf pizza so much better . Thank you . I now can enjoy homemade pizza. Yeah!!!!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Carol for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that my recipe is the best gluten-free pizza recipe you have ever tired. It really made my day knowing you can enjoy pizza again! You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family. Thanks again!
Trena says
I made this tonight and it was very good. I had a gf pizza the other day at Papa Murphy’s and this is so much better and easy to make. The only thing about it is that it should have cooked a little longer as it was a little doughy. Next time I thought I could add an extra 5 minutes to the baking. However, I read the review about the Detroit style pizza and thought I will try cooking it at 525 next time for 15 minutes on the bottom rack and see how that does. Other than that it was great! A little worried about the stickiness but, with the flour when you roll it out it makes it easy to work with.
Audrey says
Thank you so much Trena for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the pizza and it was better than Papa Murphy’s. I am glad that you found the dough easy to work with. Thanks again!
kim hauck says
Finally a great crust recipe!
Thank you.
Audrey says
Thank you so much for the awesome recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the pizza. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make fo my family. Thanks again!
Georgina says
I’ve tried so many gluten free (and vegan) pizza base recipes over the years, but none have worked out nearly as good as this! I thought it was so good I had to double check that I definitely used gluten free flour!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Georgina for the awesome 5-star recipe review, it really made my day! I am so happy that you enjoyed the pizza. Thanks again!
Jenifer Dempsey says
Crust is delicious!
Served it to non-vegan gluten lovers and they were blown away!
You could serve this and not tell anyone it’s gluten-free and vegan and they would never know.
Thank you!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Jenifer for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that everyone enjoyed the pizza, especially that no one could tell that it was gluten-free and vegan. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family and helping. Thanks again!
Megan says
It’s a great recipe! My whole family loves it!
Audrey says
Thank you so much for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that your whole family loves the pizza. Thanks again!