Food is more than sustenance. It’s pleasure, traditions, and an expression of love. From all these things, you can already guess my favorite food to discuss— pizza.
Pizza is one food that is universally beloved. After all, it’s easy to customize to all kinds of palates, dietary restrictions, and even budget. Pizza can be a part of a healthy diet and it’s quite versatile in the toppings and styles it can come in. Whether you’re a vegan or a carnivore, gluten-free or not, there’s something delicious out there for you.
Indeed, gluten-free pizza options have become increasingly popular, both at pizzerias and in grocery stores. It’s no surprise then that customers looking for a delicious pizza experience that doesn’t contain gluten want to know the best restaurants and menu items to try.
If you’re new to gluten-free pizza, don’t worry. In this article, I’m going to discuss all topics related to making the most of arguably everyone’s favorite food: from understanding gluten-free pizza menus and identifying the best pizza restaurants for gluten-free options to providing insider tips and recipes for making amazing pizza at home (and eating out).
So settle in for a slice of knowledge, and let’s explore our options for going gluten-free when it comes to pizza.
Understanding Gluten-Free Pizza Menus
Before we even get started chatting about the best spots to grab a gluten-free slice, let’s spend some time understanding what’s available on the gluten-free pizza menus.
Gluten-free pizza, like most other kinds of gluten-free foods, requires different ingredients than your traditional pizza. First, there’s the crust. To make a gluten-free pizza, you can either buy a pre-made gluten-free pizza crust or make your own.
Most pre-made gluten-free crusts are made from a blend of different glutinous-free flours, like rice flour, tapioca flour, or buckwheat flour. The crust will often be dairy and egg-free as well, but not always so be sure to check labels before purchasing.
Once you have your gluten-free crust ready, topping options are virtually limitless. Whether you go for the standard pepperoni, vegetarian, or something exotic, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to find toppings that go with your gluten-free crust.
Many pizzerias offer gluten-free versions of their traditional pizzas. This means you can order any pie that’s offered on the menu, just with a gluten-free crust. Some places also offer dedicated gluten-free menus that have an array of options featuring gluten-free toppings and crusts.
The Best Pizza Restaurants For Gluten-Free Options
When it comes to pizza, it’s all about the experience. And for those looking for a gluten-free slice, that means finding a restaurant that can accommodate your needs.
To make sure you find the best spot to get you pizza, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure the restaurant takes precautions to prevent cross-contamination. This means they should have separate preparation areas and utensils, as well as separate pans and ovens, for gluten-free orders. Additionally, the pizza chef should robustly inspect all ingredients and cooking surfaces to avoid the introduction of any gluten into the gluten-free pizza.
Next, find out what type of ingredients the restaurant is using for their gluten-free pizzas. A good restaurant should source all of their ingredients with care and detail, and they should provide information about their ingredients. This way, you can rest assured that the restaurant’s gluten-free pies are actually safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
When it comes to gluten-free pizza, Boston Pizza is a top contender. Not only do they offer gluten-free crusts, but they also offer vegan and vegetarian options for those looking for plant-based alternatives. Not to mention, they have plenty of fun toppings to select from, making this spot perfect for anyone looking to explore a gluten-free pizza experience.
In Canada, you can also check out Pizza Pizza. It’s an iconic restaurant chain in the country and offers a dedicated gluten-free menu with all of the usual suspects (yes, pepperoni is on there!) and plenty of toppings so you can find something to please any palate.
If you’re in the US, California Pizza Kitchen has been a long-time favorite with customers. They offer a comprehensive gluten-free pizza menu, and as an added bonus, they offer air frying options which cut down on the fat and calories.
Tips For Dining Out With Gluten-Free Pizza
When you’re at the restaurant, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your pizza experience is safe and delicious.
First, make sure to double-check all ingredients with the server. This way, you can make sure no unexpected ingredients like wheat, flour, or barley snuck in. Additionally, ask about the restaurant’s cooking process. If a pizza is marked as gluten-free, it should be cooked in a designated oven and not come into contact with any dishes that contain gluten.
Finally, be sure to enjoy your gluten-free pizza just as you would any other pizza— with a few modifications. Instead of pouring that traditional Parmesan cheese, opt for a sprinkle of dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast instead. Consider adding extra toppings to make it even more flavorful and opt for a thin crust to cut down on carbs. You can even use healthier oils and spreads, like olive oil or garlic spread, instead of traditional pizza sauces.
Making Delicious Gluten-Free Pizza At Home
Although it might seem intimidating, making delicious gluten-free pizza at home is easier than you think. With some basic ingredients and a few helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a star pizza chef.
To make a gluten-free pizza crust, you’ll need gluten-free flour, yeast, and warm water. You can use a variety of gluten-free flours, like rice, tapioca, or buckwheat.
Once you’ve mixed the ingredients together and formed a dough, knead it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin and place it in a pizza pan. Next, top it with your favorite toppings and bake for about 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
You can also get creative with your toppings. For a vegan option, try swapping out classic pepperoni for vegan sausage and adding vegan cheese. Or add some diced veggies and go meatless. For a gluten-free and dairy-free option, you can swap out classic mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative and swap the sauce for olive oil, garlic spread, or pesto.
Conclusion
Gluten-free pizza is easier to come by than ever before— and it can taste just as delicious as conventional pizza. With some insider tips and helpful resources, finding the best pizza spot to get a gluten-free meal can be almost as easy as rolling out a crust.
Whether you need to stick to a strict gluten-free diet or just want to add variety to your diet, there are plenty of delicious options out there. And with the right ingredients, a little creativity, and a great pizzeria, you can have the best gluten-free pizza experience you’ve ever had— no matter where you are.
