Can homemade pizza be healthy?
Pizza is unquestionably a fan favorite all around the world, whether as a comfort dish or celebratory food. Of course, who could resist the allure of that delectable crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and other delectable toppings? However, due to the said ingredients, a slice of pizza might already be rich in calories, salt, and carbohydrates.
You do not need to be concerned, though, because pizza can be nutritious when made at home! When creating homemade pizza, add nutrient-dense toppings like veggies and lean meats like grilled chicken to improve the nutritional content. What’s more is that you have complete control over the ingredients that go into your pizza!
To begin, making a thinner crust instead of a regular or loaded crust can save you a lot of calories and sodium. And, for added health benefits, a whole-grain crust or gluten-free flours are always a good idea, as they can increase fiber content.
For sauce, you can top your pizza with unsweetened sauce or a traditional red sauce which is rich in vitamins A and C.
For cheese, it is good to note that not all cheese is created equal so it’s best to choose those that have lower calories and reduced-fat options such as goat cheese or crumbled feta.
Lastly, for the toppings, you will never go wrong with veggies as they are high in fiber and various vitamins. You can also add your lean meats such as chicken, ham, or lean ground beef but make sure to limit the volume.
How to make healthy pizza dough
Now that you are convinced about making your own homemade pizza, you will have to start with your pizza dough of course! Here is how you can make a healthy pizza dough with very few ingredients such as:
Ingredients
1 cup warm water 1
1 tbsp active dry yeast
2 to 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450F. Grease a pizza pan and set aside. On a large mixing bowl, pour in warm water, sugar, and yeast then stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes or until bubbles form. Add olive oil and gently stir to combine. Add 2 cups of flour and then salt then mix with a spatula until a ball begins to form. Add more flour as needed. Transfer into a surface sprinkled with flour and knead into a smooth dough, adding an extra cup of flour if needed. Roll the dough into your desired shape and transfer to the pan. To ensure the dough doesn’t form air pockets, use a fork to prick to the dough all around (gently so you do not poke holes all the way through the crust).
Bake on the lower rack of your preheated oven for 5 minutes and remove from your oven. (this is just to very slightly prebake the dough). If you notice air bubbles forming, poke them with a fork to let the air out. Add pizza sauce and your toppings of choice. Bake on the lower rack of your oven for around 15-20 minutes until the crust looks crispy and lightly browned. Let cool and serve.
Healthy pizza recipes
If you need more delicious pizza ideas (because the possibilities are endless!), then here are 15 healthy pizza recipes you will love.
15. Weight Watchers Pizza with 2 ingredient Weight Watchers Pizza Dough
I thought everyone knew about this 2 ingredient Weight Watchers Pizza Dough, but when I mentioned it at work, no one seemed to know what I was talking about. I made it my mission to share it!
Check it here.
14. Greek-style Veggie Phyllo Pizza – Healthy Game day food
Game day foods are extra special because we’re not just talking munchies like chips and pretzels here, folks! We are talking about scrumptious spreads of delicious real food – game day party food – which is one of my favourite kinds of food.
Check it here.
13. Better For You Egg White Breakfast Pizza & Simple Resolutions
Like many, I have overindulged over the holidays and I want to get back on track. But that doesn’t mean that I want to give up pizza! Eggs, pizza and breakfast…well, they just naturally go together. And although whole eggs are healthy, breakfast pizza made with Naturegg Simply Egg Whites is a lighter meal option after the holidays (fewer calories and fat).
Check it here.
12. Quinoa Pizza Casserole
This quinoa pizza casserole is the perfect healthy side dish if you love pizza! With all the flavors you love, plus topped with cheese (and your other favorite pizza toppings) everyone will love this! Gluten-free with a vegan option.
Check it here.
11. Paleo Pizza Crust Recipe
This paleo pizza crust recipe is quick and easy and absolutely delicious. Even my picky husband and toddler love it when I make pizza with it.
Check it here.
10. Prosciutto Cauliflower Crust Pizza (Low Carb)
A golden, delicious base made with a surprising ingredient: cauliflower! Flavoured with more of that gorgeous Italian hard cheese and combined with eggs to bind, the result is a delightfully bread-like base, with crispy edges and a delicate flavour.
Check it here.
9. Low Carb Pizza Recipe (Gluten Free Pizza Recipe)
Check it here.
8. Vegan Cauliflower Pizza with Basil Pesto
This easy Vegan Cauliflower Pizza with a delicious low-carb cauliflower crust is the perfect healthy alternative to a traditional pizza! Now you can indulge whenever you like.
Check it here.
7. Skinny Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza
This skinny buffalo chicken flatbread pizza is a lighter way to enjoy the flavor of buffalo chicken wings. If you like it spicy, you’ll love this healthy flatbread recipe!
Check it here.
6. Homemade Mini Pizzas with Sourdough Bread: Quick, Easy, & Healthy
These homemade mini pizzas are made with a sourdough-bread crust, making them the perfect quick and easy dinner recipe. Sourdough has health benefits, and a slightly sour base is the perfect pairing with savory mini pizza toppings like sausage and veggies.
Check it here.
5. Ultimate “Fat Head” Pizza
Ultimate “Fat Head” Pizza – You don’t have to go without pizza just because your eating low carb or grain free!
Check it here.
4. Instant Pot Portobello Mushroom Pizza Recipe
Low-carb pizza made in Instant Pot? Yes, it’s for real! Treat yourself to Instant Pot portobello pizza – you’ll love it!
Check it here.
3. Eggplant Pizzas Recipe (Low-Carb, Gluten-Free)
Pizza has to be one of the most mouthwatering meals out there. This recipe for eggplant pizzas is savory and decadent while being low-carb and gluten-free.
Check it here.
2. Portabella Mushroom Pizzas
Savory, cheesy, flavorful pizza-stuffed mushrooms! These are incredibly easy to make and customize with toppings of your choice. Great healthier alternative to pizza!
Check it here.
1. Zucchini Pizza Boats
Zucchini Pizza Boats are a great way to get your pizza fix and add a lot more veggies to your diet! Fresh zucchini takes the place of the pizza crust, they are hollowed out to resemble a boat and then loaded with all your favorite pizza toppings.
Check it here.
Healthy Pizza Recipes - Best Alternatives to Traditional Pizza!
If you need more delicious pizza ideas (because the possibilities are endless!), then here are 15 healthy pizza recipes you will love.
Ingredients
- GREEK-STYLE VEGGIE PHYLLO PIZZA
- QUINOA PIZZA CASSEROLE
- PALEO PIZZA CRUST
- PROSCIUTTO CAULIFLOWER CRUST PIZZA
- LOW CARB PIZZA
Instructions
- Choose any healthy pizza recipes from the post that you like.
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best healthy pizza recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.