Alternatives to Pizza Crust

Let's face it, most of us LOVE pizza. There may be times when you want to enjoy some delicious pizza but perhaps have a gluten intolerance, feel the need to watch your carbs, or simply don't have the ingredients or time to prepare pizza dough.  These are some of my tried and tested go to alternatives to pizza dough that have allowed me to devour one of my favorite foods at times when I did not think it was possible!

1. Zuchini/Corguette Pizza Slices

This vegetable that is part of the squash family is extremely versatile. It can be used in muffins, in cakes, as pasta and now as a pizza base!? You betcha! As many of you know, I like to be creative when it comes to food. This was something I was inspired to make while I was trying to lose weight for my wedding and craving pizza. It definitely satisfied those cravings! This is a gluten free option (for those that have an intolerance). Check out the easy recipe with photos and steps here.

2. Pita Bread Mini Pizzas

Pita bread was my best friend when I moved out of my parents' house! It didn't take long to start using it as a pizza base and I was instantly hooked! To this day, I still use pita bread as a pizza base as it is very inexpensive (ie. 89 cents for a pack of 6 pitas), you can store the pitas in the freezer and always have them on hand for when those pizza cravings arise, it is very quick and easy to make the pizza, and it simply tastes delicious. These are also a fantastic activity for kids or for a party (especially since not everyone will like the same toppings). Prepare all the toppings beforehand and allow the kids or party guests to make their own individual pizzas by placing their favorite toppings on the base. Big hit! To make this recipe, simply follow from Step 3 of the Zucchini/Courgette Pizza Slices recipe, although it is pretty self explanatory: you can easily just place some sauce on the pita along with your favorite toppings and that's basically it! Bon Appetit!

3. Cauliflower Pizza Crust

I know what you're thinking: "Cauliflower as a pizza base?!! That's just poppycock!" and that is what I also thought when a friend of mine told me about this recipe. But I just HAD to try it because, as mentioned,  I love creative and weird recipes. This was a little bit more time consuming but I loved the results. This is also another gluten free option for those that need it. I followed the Cauliflower Pizza Crust recipe from the Lucky Penny Blog or just do a Google search for "cauliflower pizza crust" and you will find a variety of recipes to choose from. 

4. Baguette Pizza Bread

Just like the Pita Bread Mini Pizzas (above), you can also use a sliced loaf of bread or a sliced baguette or some kind of French bread as a base....or any kind of bread, really! I'm a lover of carbs so anything goes and when I made pizza out of a fresh loaf that we had on hand, I was in heaven! If you have a gluten intolerance, try using gluten free bread! Simple and delicious!

There really are endless possibilities when it comes to making pizza and now there also seem to be endless possibilities for the pizza crust as well. There are plenty more alternatives out there than the ones I have listed but these are just some of my favorites. What are some of your favorites and some that I should try out?! I'd love to hear your suggestions and also let me know if you try any of the above out!

I leave you with some more photos of my pizza crust alternative adventures. Click on the photos for a description. Bon Appetit!