If you have been searching for a reliable and delicious way to whip up a homemade crust without any gluten, this Gluten Free Pizza Dough Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s fluffy yet sturdy, with a delightful chew that holds your favorite toppings beautifully. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or just hungry for an amazing pizza experience, this recipe combines simple ingredients with a foolproof method to deliver a crust that tastes like it came from your favorite pizzeria. You’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding making a gluten-free pizza dough from scratch can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and guarantees success. Each component here is chosen to contribute vital flavor, texture, or rise that will turn your dough into the perfect pizza base.
- Instant yeast: Activates the dough’s rise quickly for a light and airy crust.
- Water: Warm to just the right temperature to ‘wake up’ the yeast without harming it.
- White sugar: Feeds the yeast to get the dough nicely puffed and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Gluten free all purpose baking flour with xanthan gum: Provides structure and elasticity similar to wheat flour.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness and yeast.
- Baking powder: Gives an extra lift for a soft but sturdy crumb.
- Olive oil: Adds richness, moisture, and a golden crust.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and enriches the dough’s texture.
- Vinegar (white or apple cider): Reacts with baking powder to help with leavening and tenderizes the dough.
How to Make Gluten Free Pizza Dough Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by warming the water to between 110 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. This warm bath wakes up those yeast cells without killing them, which is crucial for a good rise. Stir in the sugar and instant yeast, then let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly – this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
While your yeast mixture is gently bubbling away, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will give your dough the necessary structure and flavor base that mimics a classic pizza crust.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Form Dough
Add the whisked egg, vinegar, olive oil, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir everything with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it feels a bit tacky — that’s normal when working gluten free!
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Cover your dough first with plastic wrap, then with a towel, and place it somewhere warm like inside the oven. Give it a good hour to rise—it should puff up nicely, almost doubling in size, which means it’s ready for the next step.
Step 5: Chill and Prepare to Roll
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and slide your dough into the fridge for a quick 15-minute chill. Cooling the dough makes it much easier to handle and roll out without sticking.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined surface dusted with gluten free flour, kneading in an extra tablespoon or two of flour just until the dough is smooth and easier to roll. Pat or roll it out into roughly a 12-inch circle. Feel free to make it thicker for a chewier crust or roll it thinner for a crispier bite.
Step 7: Par-Bake
Brush the top generously with olive oil to lock in moisture and promote browning. Bake the crust for about 12 minutes until it’s set but not fully cooked through — this step prevents sogginess once you add toppings.
Step 8: Add Toppings and Final Bake
Remove the crust, spread your favorite sauce, cheeses, and toppings, then bake again for 8 to 12 minutes depending on your desired crispness. Keep an eye on it; thinner crusts will bake faster, thicker ones might need a bit longer.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once done, let the pizza cool for a few minutes to set before slicing into that glorious crust. This resting time helps maintain the perfect chewy texture that will have you coming back for more.
How to Serve Gluten Free Pizza Dough Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or oregano sprinkled just before serving add bright, fragrant notes to your pizza. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a crumble of feta can really elevate each bite with bursts of flavor. Don’t forget a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you crave some heat—simple garnishes make your creation truly shine.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or garlic roasted veggies to round out your meal. A bowl of zesty tomato soup also complements the warm, cheesy goodness perfectly, bringing balance and extra comfort to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your dough into individual mini pizzas — perfect for parties or picky eaters. You can also shape it into breadsticks brushed with garlic butter or even stuff the crust edges with cheese for an irresistible gooey surprise. The versatility of this Gluten Free Pizza Dough Recipe means your creativity is the only limit here.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza crust or baked pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. This way, leftover slices stay fresh and ready to enjoy without sacrificing texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare dough ahead of time, go for it! After the first rise, shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature before rolling out and finishing the recipe.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, bake slices on a baking sheet at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes to crisp the crust. Avoid the microwave, which can make gluten free crust soggy. This method restores that fresh-baked texture every time.
FAQs
Can I use other gluten free flours for this Gluten Free Pizza Dough Recipe?
You can experiment with other blends, but make sure they contain xanthan gum or add it separately to improve dough elasticity and rise. A 1:1 baking mix designed for gluten free baking works best for consistent results.
Is it possible to make this dough without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit until gelatinous). This swap may slightly change the texture but keeps it moist and binding.
Why does the dough need vinegar?
Vinegar reacts with the baking powder to enhance leavening, making the dough softer and more tender. It also brightens the flavor slightly, which complements the yeast without overpowering.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Thickness depends on your preference! For a chewier, doughier crust, aim for around 1/4 to 1/3 inch thickness. If you want it crispier and lighter, roll it thinner, but keep in mind thin gluten free crusts can be delicate.
Can I make this dough ahead and refrigerate before baking?
Absolutely! After the initial rise, refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out for easier handling. This is a convenient way to prep the dough in advance for busy days or gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Making your own gluten free pizza dough doesn’t have to be complicated, and this Gluten Free Pizza Dough Recipe proves just that! With a handful of accessible ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy pizza nights at home with confidence and flavor that rivals any takeout. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and add your favorite toppings to make every bite a special experience. Happy baking and even happier eating!
PrintGluten Free Pizza Dough Recipe
This gluten free pizza dough recipe creates a delicious, chewy, and crispy crust perfect for those who need or prefer gluten-free meals. Using a blend of gluten free all purpose flour with xanthan gum, activated yeast, and a mix of simple ingredients, it’s straightforward to prepare and yields a versatile base ready for your favorite toppings. The dough rises for an hour then is par-baked before adding sauce and toppings, ensuring a perfect crust every time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
- Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza crust
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 1 packet instant yeast
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons warm water (110-115°F)
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups gluten free all purpose baking flour with xanthan gum (e.g., Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Baking Flour)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1 teaspoon white or apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Microwave the water for about 30 seconds until it reaches 110-115°F. Mix in the sugar and yeast packet, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy to confirm activation.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the whisked egg, vinegar, olive oil, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a sticky dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and then a towel. Place in a warm spot (such as inside the oven) and let the dough rise for 1 hour until it has expanded.
- Chill Dough: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Then place the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up and make rolling easier.
- Knead and Roll: Transfer the dough to a floured piece of parchment paper. Knead in 1-2 tablespoons additional gluten free flour until a smooth ball forms, avoiding over-flouring to keep the dough moist. Roll with a floured rolling pin to a roughly 12-inch circle, adjusting thickness based on preference.
- Par-bake Crust: Generously brush the top of the crust with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes to par-bake the crust.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Remove crust from oven, add sauce and desired toppings. Bake an additional 8-12 minutes until toppings are cooked and crust is crisped to preference.
- Cool and Serve: Remove pizza from the oven and allow to cool a few minutes before slicing and enjoying.
Notes
- Bake times depend on crust thickness: thicker crusts need longer par-baking for a cooked center, thinner crusts can bake less unless you prefer extra crispness.
- You can substitute the 1 tablespoon of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of honey for a different taste.
- Recommended gluten free flour blend is Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Baking Flour which contains xanthan gum and performs well in this recipe.
