Healthy Homemade Quinoa Crust Cheese Pizza (55 Minutes)

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This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic cheese pizza with a crust made entirely from quinoa, resulting in a gluten-free and protein-rich base.

Topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, a generous amount of cheese, and your choice of toppings, this pizza is not just nutritious but also incredibly tasty and satisfying.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding soak time)
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the Quinoa Crust:
  • 3/4 cup quinoa, soaked overnight in water
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Toppings:
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Your choice of toppings (e.g., sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or other herbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare Quinoa Crust (5 minutes + 30 minutes baking): Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse and drain the soaked quinoa thoroughly. In a blender, combine the quinoa, water, baking powder, and salt. Blend until a smooth batter forms. Pour olive oil into a 9-inch cast iron skillet or a round baking pan. Place it in the oven for 5 minutes until hot. Carefully remove the skillet and pour the batter into it, spreading evenly. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the crust and bake for another 15 minutes until crisp and golden.
  2. Add Toppings (5 minutes): Remove the crust pan from the oven. Spread pizza sauce over the crust, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Add your chosen toppings (if any).
  3. Bake the Pizza (10 minutes): Return the pizza to the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Garnish and Serve (2 minutes): Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil and season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs or red pepper flakes.
  5. Slice and Enjoy (3 minutes): Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

This quinoa crust pizza is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier version of your favorite dish without sacrificing flavor. The key to a crispy crust is ensuring that the quinoa is well-blended and that the skillet is hot before adding the batter.

Feel free to get creative with the toppings – this crust pairs well with a variety of flavors. Whether you’re catering to gluten-free needs or just looking for a new pizza recipe to try, this quinoa crust pizza is sure to be a hit.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Pair this with...

Lemony Arugula Salad

Start with a generous handful of fresh arugula; it's peppery and packs a punch. Toss in a sprinkle of pine nuts for a delicate crunch. Now, for the star of the show – thinly shaved Parmesan; go on, be generous! For the dressing, whisk together the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 3 tbsp of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a crack of black pepper. The lemon brightens the bold arugula and complements the nutty pine nuts and salty Parmesan. Toss everything together and bam, a gourmet side salad in a snap.

Marinated Artichokes

Start with fresh artichoke hearts. If you're using whole artichokes, trim away the outer leaves and steam until tender, then scoop out the inner fuzzy choke, leaving just the tender heart. For the marinade, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, a pinch of dried oregano (or fresh herbs if you have them), salt, and pepper. Add a little red pepper flake if you're in the mood for some heat. Immerse the artichoke hearts in this marinade and let them soak in all that zesty goodness for a few hours, or overnight for even more flavor. Before serving, top with fresh parsley or other fresh herbs.

Homemade Marinara

Kick things off with some ripe, juicy tomatoes – Roma or San Marzano are excellent choices. In a large pot, sauté finely diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they're translucent. As they soften, they'll lay the aromatic foundation for your sauce. Next, add in the tomatoes, either crushed or finely diced, depending on your texture preference. To elevate the flavors, toss in some seasonings: salt, pepper, and maybe a bit of sugar to balance the acidity. Herbs like basil, oregano, and a bay leaf can be added to infuse the sauce with earthy notes. Let everything simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld. Over time, the sauce will thicken and develop a rich, robust character. Once you're happy with its consistency and taste, remove it from the heat.

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