This easy-to-handle gluten free pizza dough recipe is the perfect foundation for your next family pizza night. Designed specifically for those with Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivities, this recipe delivers a golden, crispy crust with a soft, chewy interior that won’t crumble under your favourite toppings.
Whether you prefer a thin, crispy base or a slightly thicker, bread-style crust, this versatile pizza dough provides the reliable results you’ve been searching for without the fuss of complicated flour blends.
Easy Gluten Free Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-3/4 to 2 ¼ cups all-purpose gluten free flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons gluten free yeast
- ⅔ cup very warm water
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 can pizza sauce *watch for gluten free labels
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees
- Combine 1 cup gluten free flour, undissolved yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl1-3/4 to 2 1/4 cups all-purpose gluten free flour, 2 1/4 teaspoons gluten free yeast, 1-1/2 teaspoon sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Add water and oil2/3 cup very warm water, 3 tablespoons oil
- Mix until well blended, about 1 minute
- Add gradually, enough remaining flour to make a soft dough ball1-3/4 to 2 1/4 cups all-purpose gluten free flour
- Dough will be slightly sticky
- Knead on a floured surface adding additional flour if needed, until smooth and elastic; about 4 minutes.
- Pat dough with floured hands to fill greased pizza pan OR roll dough on a floured counter to 12-inch circle/square
- Top as desired with pizza sauce, toppings and cheese1 can pizza sauce
- Bake on lowest oven rack for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and crust is browned.
Nutrition Details
Recipe Video
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Let us know how it was!The Secret to Perfect Gluten Free Pizza at Home
For many of us on a gluten free journey, the perfect pizza often feels like a distant memory. We’ve all settled for frozen crusts that taste like cardboard or restaurant options that leave us worried about cross-contamination. But creating a high-quality, delicious pizza crust in your own kitchen is not only possible, it’s surprisingly simple. This recipe focuses on accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques to help you reclaim pizza night with confidence.
Understanding Your Ingredients
The backbone of any great pizza is the flour. When working with gluten free flour blends, you are looking for a mix that includes a variety of starches (like tapioca or potato) and a reliable binder (like xanthan gum). These components work together to mimic the elasticity that gluten usually provides. If your preferred all-purpose blend doesn’t include a binder, adding just a teaspoon of xanthan gum can be the difference between a crust that holds its shape and one that falls apart.
Yeast is the next critical player. Many people are intimidated by yeast, but it is the key to that authentic “bakery” aroma and a light, airy crumb. By “blooming” your yeast in warm water with a touch of sugar, you ensure the organisms are active and ready to lift your dough.
Remember: water that is too hot will kill the yeast, while water that is too cold won’t wake it up. Aim for a temperature that feels like a warm baby bottle.
Texture and Handling: What to Expect
One of the biggest hurdles for new gluten free bakers is the dough’s consistency. Unlike traditional wheat dough, which is elastic and easy to toss in the air, gluten free pizza dough is often more like a thick, sticky batter or cookie dough.
Don’t be tempted to keep adding flour until it feels “normal.” Over-flouring will lead to a dense, dry crust. Instead, embrace the stickiness! Using oiled hands or a piece of parchment paper to press the dough into shape is the professional way to handle high-moisture gluten free recipes. This moisture is exactly what creates those beautiful steam pockets and a soft interior.
The Power of the Parbake
If you’ve ever struggled with a “gummy” center under your pizza sauce, parbaking is your solution. By giving the naked dough a quick 5-to-8-minute head start in the oven before adding toppings, you set the structure and ensure the bottom gets crispy. This prevents the moisture from the sauce and cheese from soaking into the raw dough, resulting in a firm, foldable slice every time.
Customizing Your Gluten Free Pizza Crust
While this recipe is excellent as written, it also serves as a blank canvas.
For a Mediterranean flair, try adding a teaspoon of dried oregano and garlic powder directly into the dry ingredients.
For a richer, more tender crust, you can substitute a portion of the water with room-temperature milk.
No matter how you dress it up, this dough remains a dependable staple for any gluten free pantry.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The cold fermentation actually helps develop a more complex, sourdough-like flavour. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before pressing it out.
The most common culprit is the water temperature. If the water was above 115°F, it likely killed the yeast. Additionally, check the expiration date on your yeast packet; “dead” yeast will not produce the carbon dioxide needed for a rise.
For the best results, we recommend parbaking the crust first. Once the crust has baked for about 7 minutes and cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for pizza, simply top the frozen crust and bake until the cheese is bubbly.
Crumbly crust usually indicates a lack of moisture or a missing binding agent. Ensure you are measuring your flour using the “spoon and level” method rather than packing it into the cup. If your flour blend does not include xanthan gum, you may need to add it manually.
Absolutely! Instead of pressing the dough into a large circle, shape it into long strips. Brush them with melted butter, garlic, and herbs before baking for a perfect side dish.
A preheated pizza stone or a perforated pizza pan provides the best airflow and heat distribution. If you only have a standard baking sheet, try flipping it upside down and preheating it in the oven to create a makeshift pizza steel effect.
My goodness did this ever hit the mark with my entire family! We used our fav GF AP flours, topped with what we wanted after dividing into personal sized mini pizzas (dream). Never knew GF pizza yeast existed, now we do. Waaaaaaay easier – pizza every week now. Thanks Gluten Free Journey!!!!
What’s not to love!! Great recipe. Thank you
Loved this pizza dough!! We always ordered “hand tossed” pizza when we went out and I’m so excited to be able to make it easily myself now! Thanks for another wonderful recipe . Definitely hubby-approved.
The entire family loved this recipe. It’s a bonus that it’s simple and doesn’t take long to make.
Thank you!
Holy cow! I made my own pizza! And the crust is PERFECT! Thank you for this easy to follow recipe.
AMAZING RECIPE!!!!!!
I have been coming back to this recipe for years and it has never disappointed! The taste is immaculate and once you get the technique down it works up incredibly quickly.
This is the easiest and yet, the yummiest of the pizza dough I did by myself so THANK YOU!
I made this pizza dough last week and made 2 dough balls. I froze one. The dough is terrific. I spread it out on pizza pan and baked 7 min. Took out and put toppings on. Baked on oven rack for 8 minutes. The crust was awesome. It came out crunchy and was so flavorful. Thank you for all the terrific gluten free recipes.
Thanks for sharing. Was great making pizza again!
What a great pizza dough!
I’ve used this recipe four times now! It’s my family’s favorite pizza~ the dough never disappoints! Always comes out the perfect taste, texture, oh oh so yummy. Thank you
Amazing recipe! We were able to do it successfully on our first attempt ♥️.
The best dough ever! I am addicted to the way this dough bakes. It is the only pizza I eat anymore! My grandsons live it
This is by far the best and easiest dough I’ve ever made. Fast, simple, tender, crispy!
The family loves this dough recipe
Turned out perfect.
I made garlic cheesy bread with this recipe and OMG it was soooooo good! Highly recommend!
Easy and delicious! Everyone loved it. I’m grateful for this recipe! Thank you
This dough made the best pizza I’ve ever eaten in my life!
My favourite pizza dough recipe, by far!
This is my first time trying and I am really happy to share it was delicious!
Gluten free pizza at home? Yes please!
Great recipe
It IS the best gluten free pizza dough; I thought that was an exaggeration at first. I’ve made pizza dough for years and this is now my favourite recipe for homemade pizzas.