Gluten Free Pizza: 5 Tips

Everyone’s Favorite: Homemade Gluten Free Pizza!

Was that you standing in front of the frozen food section of the grocery store? I thought so. It looked like you were trying to decide if you wanted to spend $11 bucks on a frozen gluten free pizza! I know, you haven’t had a pizza in forever and the temptation was great. I’ve had a few of those pizzas myself and I can tell you, they’re not anything to write home about. I had to add a lot of extra toppings and nobody else was that impressed. What to do?

Make your own!!!!!!!

I know , I know! I keep telling you to make your own stuff! Well, you can’t get any better than homemade and that is especially true with pizza.

Use the following tips and you will be enjoying your own pizza for a lot less money!

Use the pizza recipe in the recipe section.

Tip #1

For Thin Crust Pizza: Divide the dough into fourths. spread the dough onto parchment lined (yes, you need this) baking sheets into 12″to14″ circles. Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 4009 degrees. If you own a pizza stone, place it into the cold oven and preheat it also. Pre bake your crust for 6 minutes still in the baking sheet. This dough is so loose, you need to pre bake it so it will come together.

Now the toppings! Use the Quick Marinara Sauce for the base. Add your goodies. Slide your pizza (still on the parchment paper) onto your baking stone or just leave on the baking sheet. Continue to bake for another 8 to 10 minutes or until the toppings are hot and the cheese is melted.

Tip #2

For Thick Crust Pizza: Divide the dough into thirds and spread into a deep dish pizza pan that has been lined with parchment paper. allow to rise for 35 minutes, and then pre bake the crust for 10 minutes. remove from the oven and add the toppings of your choice. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the toppings are hot and the cheese is melted. Allow to rest for 10 minutes, then slice.

Tip #3

For Calzones: You know, those pizza pockets you can hold in your hand. Scoop the dough out with a 1/4 cup measure onto parchment lined baking sheets. Spread into a 6″ circle making sure the dough is thin. Preheat the oven to 400. Bake the rounds for 4 minutes and then remove. Immediately flip the rounds of dough over. Place your filling ingredients onto one half of the dough round and fold over the other half forming a moon shape. Bake for another 7 to 10 minutes or until the crust is a light golden brown.

Tip #4

Focaccia Bread: Divide the dough in half. Spread each half onto two parchment lined 16″x12″ baking sheets. Brush with oil. allow the dough to rise for 40 minutes or until doubled. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Drizzle garlic oil or olive oil over the dough and dimple with your fingers. Sprinkle with a garlic seasoning blend and add your toppings. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the baking sheets and allow to cool on wire racks. Cut into rectangles and serve with an oil dipping sauce.

Tip #5

The pizza recipe makes more than one pizza. What do you do with the others?

FREEZE THEM FOR LATER!

 After you pre bake the crusts, cool the ones you want to place in your freezer. Wrap in plastic wrap and then place in zip type bags if they will fit. If not, double wrap in plastic and then in foil. Date, label and place flat in your freezer until hard. They will keep for 6 months. To Cook: Place the frozen pizza crust on a baking sheet and add toppings. Bake at 400 degrees for 13-20 minutes or until the toppings are hot and the cheese has melted. Or, allow to thaw and follow the directions above. 

Your very own “frozen pizza” from the freezer section of your home grocery store!

 Now, I don’t want to see you in front of the frozen pizza section again!