Keto Pizza Crust – NO Cauliflower
Keto Pizza Crust – NO Cauliflower is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 1080 calories per serving. Recipe by Jacki Taylor on YouTube.
Prep: 23 min | Cook: 29 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min
Cost: $8.65 total, $2.16 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.75 cup Almond Flour (superfine almond flour, sifted)
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (or salt & pepper for non‑Italian flavor)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, preferably low‑moisture)
- 3 tablespoons Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil (for greasing parchment paper)
- 0.5 cup Low‑Carb Marinara Sauce (store‑bought, no added sugar (≈3 net carbs))
- 0.5 cup Additional Mozzarella (for topping)
- 5 leaves Fresh Basil Leaves (torn, for garnish)
- 4 Cherry Tomatoes (halved, optional)
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup superfine almond flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Add Mozzarella
Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing until the cheese is coated with the dry mixture.
Time: PT3M
Microwave the Base
Transfer the mixture to a microwave‑safe plate and microwave on high for 32 seconds. The mixture should puff slightly and become a cohesive ball.
Time: PT32S
Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture
Place 3 tbsp softened cream cheese and 1 large egg into the food processor. Pulse 2‑3 times until just combined; the mixture should stay slightly chunky.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Cream Cheese Mixture
Return the microwave‑cooked cheese ball to the mixing bowl and fold in the cream cheese‑egg mixture with your hands until fully incorporated.
Time: PT2M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 390°F
Shape the Crust
Lay a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface, drizzle 1 tsp olive oil and spread. Place the dough on the parchment, cover with freezer paper (glossy side up) and flatten with your hands into a 12‑inch circle. Use a rolling pin (tape the edges for even thickness) to roll to desired thinness.
Time: PT5M
First Bake (Set Crust)
Slide the parchment‑paper‑covered crust onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 390°F until the bottom is lightly golden and the top is set.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 390°F
Add Toppings
Remove the crust, discard the freezer paper, spread 1/2 cup low‑carb marinara sauce, sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, add halved cherry tomatoes and torn basil leaves.
Time: PT3M
Second Bake (Melt & Crisp)
Return the topped pizza directly onto the oven rack (or a pre‑heated pizza stone) and bake for 8 minutes at 390°F until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is crisp.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 390°F
Slice and Serve
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the pizza into 4 slices. Let cool 2 minutes before serving.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 1080
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g net
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Keto, Gluten‑Free, Low‑Carb, Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Tree nuts
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Almond Flour: Coconut flour (use less, 1/3 cup)
- Instead of Baking Powder: Cream of tartar + baking soda (1/4 tsp each)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Herbes de Provence, taco seasoning
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone, Cheddar (will change flavor)
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Full‑fat Greek yogurt (same amount)
- Instead of Egg: Egg white (1 large)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Avocado oil
- Instead of Low‑Carb Marinara Sauce: Homemade tomato sauce with no sugar
- Instead of Additional Mozzarella: Shredded cheddar
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: Oregano leaves
- Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: Sun‑dried tomatoes (re‑hydrated)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Food Processor
- Microwave
- Oven
- Parchment Paper
- Freezer Paper
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheet
- Kitchen Timer (optional)
- Cutting Board
- Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife
- Oven Gloves
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix dry ingredients with cheese
- Microwave the crust
- Incorporate cream cheese mixture into crust
- First bake to set crust
- Second bake to melt toppings
Chef Tips from the Video
- Tape the edges of the rolling pin with painter's tape to gauge consistent thickness.
- Use freezer paper (glossy side up) only as a top cover; it prevents sticking but must be removed before baking.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder to the dry mix.
Troubleshooting
Crust is soggy after the second bake.
Increase the first bake to 12 minutes or bake the crust on a pre‑heated pizza stone for extra dryness.
Crust is too dense or doughy.
Ensure the microwave step fully sets the cheese ball; add an extra 5‑10 seconds if needed. Also, spread the dough thinly before the first bake.
Cheese does not melt evenly.
Distribute the topping cheese in a thin, even layer and bake on the oven rack rather than on a sheet.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices in parchment and foil; freeze up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the crust batter, shape, and freeze on parchment sheets. Bake from frozen for 12‑14 minutes before adding toppings.
- The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of keto pizza crust in low‑carb American cuisine?
Keto pizza crust emerged as a modern adaptation of traditional Italian pizza for the low‑carb, high‑fat diet popular in the United States. It allows keto followers to enjoy the familiar experience of pizza while keeping net carbs under 5 grams per slice.
What are the traditional regional variations of pizza in Italian cuisine compared to this keto version?
Traditional Italian pizza uses wheat flour, yeast, and olive oil, resulting in a chewy, airy crust. The keto version replaces flour with almond flour and adds cheese and cream cheese for structure, creating a richer, denser crust that mimics the chew without carbs.
How is keto pizza traditionally served in American low‑carb communities?
In American keto circles, pizza is often served at weekend gatherings, topped with high‑fat, low‑carb ingredients like pepperoni, sausage, avocado, or low‑sugar marinara. It’s usually sliced into wedges and eaten hot, just like classic pizza.
What occasions or celebrations is keto pizza commonly associated with in the United States?
Keto pizza is popular at family pizza nights, birthday parties, and holiday gatherings where low‑carb diets are observed. It offers a crowd‑pleasing alternative that fits into keto, paleo, and gluten‑free celebrations.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for pizza crust versus acceptable substitutes in this keto recipe?
Traditional crust uses wheat flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. In this keto recipe, almond flour, mozzarella, and cream cheese replace flour and yeast, while baking powder provides lift. Substitutes include coconut flour (use less) or a blend of almond and psyllium husk for extra chew.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making keto pizza crust from Jacki Taylor’s video?
Common mistakes include microwaving the crust for too short a time, which leaves it wet, and over‑mixing the cream cheese mixture, which creates foam and a gummy texture. Also, baking the crust too long in the first bake can make it hard before toppings are added.
Why does this keto pizza crust recipe use a microwave step before oven baking?
The microwave quickly melts the cheese and binds the almond flour, creating a cohesive dough that can be shaped without yeast. This step shortens overall cooking time and prevents a soggy crust that can happen with raw almond flour.
Can I make the keto pizza crust ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can shape the crust, wrap it in parchment and freezer paper, and freeze it. When ready, bake the frozen crust for 12‑14 minutes before adding toppings, or thaw in the fridge and bake as directed.
What texture and appearance should I look for to know the keto crust is done?
The crust should be golden‑brown on the bottom, firm to the touch, and slightly puffed. After the first bake, it will look set but not fully crisp; the final bake will give a crispy edge and a lightly browned top.
What does the YouTube channel Jacki Taylor specialize in?
Jacki Taylor’s YouTube channel focuses on keto, low‑carb, and gluten‑free cooking, offering practical recipes, grocery‑swap guides, and meal‑prep tips for families looking to reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor.
How does the YouTube channel Jacki Taylor’s approach to keto cooking differ from other keto cooking channels?
Jacki Taylor emphasizes simple, family‑friendly meals that use everyday grocery items, avoids exotic specialty ingredients, and provides clear, step‑by‑step video tutorials with a focus on taste and texture, unlike some channels that rely heavily on processed keto products.
Last updated: September 3, 2026






