Quinoa Pizza Crust
Vegetable dishes

***Quinoa Pizza Crust

๐Ÿš€ Imagine biting into a slice thatโ€™s crispy, golden, and packed with protein โ€“ yet entirely guilt-free. This isnโ€™t your average crust. Itโ€™s light, nutty, and made from wholesome quinoa soaked to perfection.๐Ÿงก You wonโ€™t miss the flour, the yeast, or the bloating that comes with it.๐Ÿšซ From the first crunch to the last chewy bite, itโ€™s a flavour explosion youโ€™ll crave on repeat.๐Ÿ’ฅ Whether youโ€™re gluten-free, fitness-focused, or just quinoa-curious โ€“ this oneโ€™s for you. The best part? It holds toppings like a pro โ€“ no soggy centres, just pure structural brilliance.๐Ÿงฑ

๐ŸŒฟ A warm, hearty bake straight from your oven to your heart๐Ÿ’›

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ Who said pizza canโ€™t be both indulgent and nourishing? This Quinoa Pizza Crust is your ticket to guilt-free satisfaction, combining nutty flavours with a crunchy bite that holds all your favourite toppings.๐Ÿง€Forget the heaviness of traditional dough โ€“ here, every slice is packed with protein, fibre, and natural goodness that keeps you energised and satisfied. โฐ Itโ€™s quick to make, versatile enough for endless creative toppings, and entirely gluten-free. Whether youโ€™re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe proves that comfort food and healthy eating can truly go hand in hand. Letโ€™s redefine pizza nights with something wholesome, modern, and simply irresistible.๐Ÿ’ฏ

๐Ÿ… Top it with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh pesto, or whatever your heart desires. Perfect for those warm evenings when the oven calls and salad just wonโ€™t cut it.๐ŸŒž Itโ€™s quick enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests.๐Ÿ•’ No dough drama, no kneading โ€“ just soak, blend, and bake.๐ŸŒ€ Your kitchen will smell like an Italian bistro, minus the guilt. ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Great hot or cold, itโ€™s ideal for next-day lunches or picnic slices. Itโ€™s pizza redefined โ€“ with purpose, protein, and pure deliciousness.๐Ÿ”ฅ Ready to surprise your taste buds and nourish your body at the same time? Letโ€™s go! ๐Ÿš€

๐Ÿ’ฅThe protein-rich combination supports satiety and muscle health๐Ÿ’ฏ

โฑ๏ธ Quick Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25โ€“30 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
Servings: ~8 slices (1 medium pizza)
Difficulty: Easy โ€“ Beginner Friendly ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ
Best Served:Fresh from the oven with your favourite toppings ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿง€
Texture: Crispy edges, slightly chewy centre
Flavour Profile: Nutty, earthy, with a subtle crunch ๐ŸŒฑ
Dietary Notes:Naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and can be made vegan ๐ŸŒฟ
Occasion: Perfect for healthy weeknight dinners, family pizza nights, or casual entertaining ๐Ÿท๐Ÿ•

โญ Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  1. ๐ŸŒพ Naturally gluten-free โ€“ perfect for coeliacs and gluten-sensitive eaters.
  2. ๐Ÿฅฆ High in plant-based protein โ€“ thanks to the mighty quinoa.
  3. ๐Ÿ•’ Quick & easy to make โ€“ no rising or proofing required.
  4. ๐Ÿ• Crispy, golden texture โ€“ holds toppings beautifully without going soggy.
  5. ๐ŸŒฑ Wholesome & clean ingredients โ€“ no flour, yeast, or processed fillers.
  6. ๐Ÿง˜โ€โ™€๏ธ Great for weight management โ€“ satisfying yet light on calories.
  7. ๐ŸŽ‰ Customisable toppings โ€“ from Mediterranean to spicy or sweet.

๐Ÿ• Pizza night just got a whole lot healthier โ€“ and more exciting!๐ŸŒฟ

๐Ÿ“… Nutrition Per Serving (entire recipe)

Based on 6 slices (1 pizza crust):

  • Calories: 134 kcal
  • Protein: 5.8g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.5g
  • Sugars: 1.2g
  • Fat: 4.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3g
  • Fibre: 2.6g
  • Sodium: 5mg

Cooking it feels easy and rewarding, making your kitchen smell like home ๐Ÿ˜๏ธ

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿณ How to Make It (Step-by-step)

Step 1: Soak the Quinoa
Rinse 200g of quinoa thoroughly, then soak in water for at least 6 hours or overnight.
๐Ÿ’ก Soaking improves digestibility and softens the grains for blending.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat to 220ยฐC (425ยฐF). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
๐Ÿ’ก Using a pizza stone can boost crispiness!

Step 3: Blend the Base
Drain the soaked quinoa, then blend with 1/4 cup hot water and a pinch of salt until smooth.
๐Ÿ’ก Add 1/2 tsp garlic powder or dried herbs for extra flavour.

Step 4: Spread the Batter
Pour the batter onto the tray and spread into a round or rectangular shape, about 0.5 cm thick.
๐Ÿ’ก Use a spatula dipped in water to smooth evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Crust
Bake for 20 minutes or until edges start turning golden.
๐Ÿ’ก Flip halfway through for an even crunch on both sides.

Step 6: Prepare Your Toppings
Slice cherry tomatoes, prepare mozzarella, wash arugula, and make or grab pesto.
๐Ÿ’ก Keep toppings minimal for best crust texture.

Step 7: Add the Toppings
Once the crust is baked, layer with mozzarella, tomatoes, pesto, pine nuts, and arugula.
๐Ÿ’ก Return to oven for 5 minutes just to melt the cheese.

Step 8: Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide into slices.
๐Ÿ’ก Let it rest for 2โ€“3 minutes to set before cutting.

Step 9: Garnish & Elevate
Drizzle a little olive oil or balsamic glaze before serving.
๐Ÿ’ก A sprinkle of chilli flakes adds a spicy kick.

Step 10: Enjoy Mindfully
Savour your crispy slice with gratitude โ€“ and a fork if needed!
๐Ÿ’ก Pairs beautifully with sparkling water or herbal iced tea.

๐Ÿก Nothing says โ€œhomeโ€ like the smell of something delicious baking in the oven.

๐Ÿ›’ Ingredients:

  • ๐ŸŒพ 200g raw quinoa (soaked overnight)
  • ๐Ÿ’ง 1/4 cup hot water (about 60ml)
  • ๐Ÿง‚ Pinch of salt
  • ๐Ÿง€ 100g fresh mozzarella
  • ๐Ÿ… Handful of cherry tomatoes
  • ๐ŸŒฟ 2 tbsp basil pesto
  • ๐Ÿง† 1 tbsp pine nuts
  • ๐Ÿฅฌ Handful of fresh arugula
  • ๐Ÿซ’ Optional: Olive oil or balsamic glaze for drizzling

๐ŸงŠ Storage & Freshness Tips

  1. โ„๏ธ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  2. ๐Ÿ”ฅ Reheat in the oven at 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) for 5โ€“7 minutes to restore crispiness.
  3. ๐ŸงŠ Freeze the crust separately (without toppings) for up to 2 months.
  4. ๐Ÿšซ Avoid microwaving โ€“ it softens the crust.
  5. ๐Ÿซ™ Store pesto in a separate jar to keep flavours fresh when assembling later.

Bake, share, and let the lightness linger๐Ÿ’•

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Kitchen Tools and ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Equipment Needed ๐Ÿ”ช

  • ๐Ÿฅฃ Mixing bowl
  • ๐Ÿ”ช Sharp knife
  • ๐Ÿงผ Fine mesh sieve
  • ๐ŸŒ€ High-speed blender or food processor
  • ๐Ÿ“„ Baking parchment or silicone mat
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Oven
  • ๐Ÿ• Pizza cutter or large knife

๐Ÿ“… Nutritional Benefits

Quinoa is a complete plant protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. ๐ŸŒฑ
Itโ€™s rich in fibre, iron, and magnesium, supporting digestion and energy levels. ๐Ÿ•
Mozzarella adds calcium and a satisfying texture without overwhelming calories. ๐Ÿง€
The crust is naturally gluten-free and low in refined carbs. ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ
Healthy fats from pesto and pine nuts promote satiety and skin health. โœจ

Itโ€™s not just food โ€” itโ€™s a gesture of care, for yourself or someone you love ๐Ÿ’–

๐ŸŒฟ Health Benefits of the Ingredients

Quinoa is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids your body needs.๐Ÿ’ฅ
It is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.๐ŸŒพโŒ
Rich in fibre, quinoa supports digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.๐Ÿƒ
Olive oil (Extra Virgin) contributes healthy monounsaturated fats that promote heart health.โค๏ธ
Garlic adds antioxidants that may help strengthen your immune system.๐Ÿง„๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ
Oregano is packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds.๐ŸŒฟโœจ
Tomatoes (if used as a topping) provide lycopene, known for protecting against free radicals.๐Ÿ…
Nutritional yeast (often added for flavour) is a great source of B vitamins.๐ŸŒž
The high protein and fibre content help stabilise blood sugar levels.๐Ÿฉธ
Together, these ingredients create a wholesome base that fuels energy without heavy carbs.โšก

๐Ÿ“… Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad of rocket, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette. ๐Ÿฅ—
Pairs well with iced green tea or a cold kombucha. ๐ŸงŠ
Slice into mini squares for a light appetiser at parties. ๐ŸŽ‰
Add a poached egg on top for a hearty brunch version. ๐Ÿณ
Use the crust base for dessert pizzas with nut butter and fruit. ๐ŸŒ

๐ŸŒž This isn’t just breakfast โ€” itโ€™s your new ritualโ˜•

โœ… Top 20 Tips

๐Ÿ’ก Soak quinoa for at least 6 hours โ€“ overnight is best.
๐Ÿ’ก Rinse quinoa well to remove bitterness.
๐Ÿ’ก Use hot water to help blend quinoa smoother.
๐Ÿ’ก Add herbs like oregano or rosemary to the batter.
๐Ÿ’ก Always line your tray โ€“ the batter sticks easily.

๐Ÿ’ก Use a silicone mat for a cleaner crust release.
๐Ÿ’ก Flip halfway for extra crispiness.
๐Ÿ’ก Donโ€™t overload the crust with toppings.
๐Ÿ’ก Arugula should be added after baking to stay fresh.
๐Ÿ’ก Sprinkle seeds on the crust before baking for texture.

๐Ÿ’ก Bake in a preheated oven for even results.
๐Ÿ’ก Add turmeric to the batter for colour and anti-inflammatory boost.
๐Ÿ’ก Serve warm for best flavour.
๐Ÿ’ก Let the crust rest before slicing to avoid crumbling.
๐Ÿ’ก Toast pine nuts lightly for richer flavour.

๐Ÿ’ก Blend in garlic or onion powder for depth.
๐Ÿ’ก Store pesto in small portions for future pizzas.
๐Ÿ’ก Donโ€™t skip the parchment โ€“ it makes or breaks the crust.
๐Ÿ’ก This crust also works for flatbreads or wraps.
๐Ÿ’ก Top with seasonal veggies for variety year-round.

This quinoa pizza crust is a revolutionary twist on a classic favourite.๐Ÿ•
Made entirely from soaked quinoa, it skips flour, yeast, and gluten, delivering a crispy, nutty base that holds its toppings beautifully. Itโ€™s naturally rich in protein and fibre, making it more nourishing than traditional crusts.๐Ÿ’ฅ
The process is surprisingly simple: soak the quinoa, blend it into a smooth batter, spread it thinly, and bake until golden. The result is a sturdy yet light base that you can load with your favourite vegetables, cheeses, or even dairy-free alternatives.๐Ÿฅฆ๐Ÿง€
Itโ€™s a perfect option for gluten-free eaters, health-conscious foodies, and anyone looking for an innovative pizza night experience.๐ŸŒž

Bake it once โ€” and itโ€™ll find a place in your weekly routine ๐ŸŒž

โ™ป๏ธ 20 Professional Secrets

โœจ Always soak the quinoa for at least 6โ€“8 hours to achieve a smooth batter.
โœจ Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before blending to remove bitterness.๐Ÿ€
โœจ Add a pinch of baking powder for extra lift and airiness.
โœจ Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and ensure an even crust.
โœจ Preheat the baking tray for maximum crispiness.
โœจ Spread the batter thin for a cracker-like crunch or thicker for a breadier texture.
โœจ Blend with only olive oil for richer flavour and a more golden finish.๐Ÿšซ๐ŸŒป๐Ÿšซ
โœจ Season the batter directly with herbs for depth in every bite.
โœจ Bake the crust alone first before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.
โœจ Flip halfway through baking for an even, golden base.
โœจ Add grated Parmesan to the batter for extra savoury notes.๐Ÿง€
โœจ Cool the crust slightly before adding toppings to avoid steam buildup.
โœจ Use a pizza stone if available for artisan-style crispiness.
โœจ Sprinkle cornmeal on the parchment for authentic pizzeria texture.
โœจ Store leftover batter in the fridge for up to 2 days for quick use.
โœจ Make mini quinoa pizza bases for appetisers or kidsโ€™ meals.
โœจ Pair with bold sauces like pesto or harissa for contrast.๐ŸŒถ๏ธ
โœจ Top with fresh greens after baking for a restaurant-style touch.
โœจ Experiment with roasted garlic in the batter for complexity.
โœจ Slice with a sharp knife or pizza cutter to keep edges clean.

๐ŸŽจ Creative Variations to Try

๐Ÿ• Mediterranean Delight: Top with olives, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
๐Ÿ… Caprese Style: Add mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
๐ŸŒฑ Vegan Power: Load with cashew cheese, grilled zucchini, and roasted red peppers.
๐ŸŒฎ Taco Pizza:Use salsa as a base, then add black beans, corn, and avocado.
๐Ÿ„ Forest Mushroom: Sautรฉed mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and a touch of truffle oil.
๐ŸŸ Nordic Twist:Smoked salmon, dill, crรจme fraรฎche, and capers.
๐Ÿฅฉ Steakhouse Pizza:Thinly sliced beef, caramelised onions, and blue cheese.
๐Ÿ Sweet Version: Bake with ricotta, figs, walnuts, and a drizzle of honey.
๐Ÿ› Indian Fusion:Curry-spiced sauce with paneer, spinach, and chutney drizzle.
๐Ÿฅ— Salad Pizza: Bake crust plain, then top with rocket, parmesan shavings, and lemon vinaigrette.

Hereโ€™s to mornings made better, one warm slice at a time ๐ŸŒž

๐ŸŽฏ Common Mistakes to Avoid

โŒ Not soaking quinoa long enough, leading to a gritty batter.
โŒ Forgetting to rinse quinoa, which can leave a bitter taste.
โŒ Spreading the batter too thick, making the crust undercooked.
โŒ Overloading with toppings, causing a soggy centre.
โŒ Baking at too low a temperature, resulting in a pale and soft crust.
โŒ Not preheating the oven and tray, which reduces crispiness.
โŒ Skipping parchment paper, making it nearly impossible to remove.
โŒ Adding wet ingredients like fresh tomatoes before prebaking the crust.
โŒ Cutting into the pizza before it cools slightly, causing breakage.
โŒ Using too much oil in the batter, which can weigh it down.

๐ŸŒ Variations Around the World

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy: Quinoa Margherita with mozzarella, tomato, and basil.
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Mexico: Salsa base with jalapeรฑos, black beans, and avocado.
๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan: Teriyaki chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and spring onions.
๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท France: Quiche-inspired toppings with Gruyรจre, spinach, and bacon.
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India: Curry sauce with paneer and coriander leaves.
๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท Turkey: Lahmacun-style with minced lamb, spices, and parsley.
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece: Olive oil base with olives, feta, and oregano.
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ USA: Classic pepperoni and mozzarella for a familiar twist.
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Morocco: Harissa sauce with roasted aubergine and chickpeas.
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ท Brazil: Pizza Portuguesa with ham, eggs, onions, and olives.

Try it, love it, and share it โ€” itโ€™s made for moments worth savouring๐ŸŒž

๐Ÿฃ Perfect Pairings

๐Ÿฅ— Light green salad with vinaigrette to balance richness.
๐Ÿท A crisp Sauvignon Blanc for freshness against the earthy crust.
๐Ÿฅค Sparkling water with lemon for a clean, refreshing sip.
๐Ÿง„ Garlic butter dip for indulgent edges.
๐Ÿ… Roasted tomato soup for a comforting side.
๐Ÿฅฌ Grilled asparagus or courgettes to keep it seasonal.
๐Ÿง€ Burrata cheese to spread luxuriously on top after baking.
๐Ÿบ A light lager beer for casual pizza nights.
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ Spicy chilli oil drizzle for an extra kick.
๐Ÿจ A light sorbet dessert to cleanse the palate afterwards.

๐Ÿ• This quinoa pizza crust isnโ€™t just a healthy twist โ€“ itโ€™s a revolution on your plate.โœจ Each bite gives you that comforting, crispy texture we all adore, but with nourishing intent.๐Ÿ’š Itโ€™s a recipe that empowers you to enjoy pizza while staying aligned with your goals. Youโ€™ll love how light yet satisfying it feels โ€“ perfect after a long day or as a fun weekend treat.๐ŸŽ‰ Itโ€™s kid-approved, friend-worthy, and Instagram-ready.๐Ÿ“ธ Leftovers? They reheat like a dream or shine cold for lunchbox wins.๐ŸงŠ Once you try it, youโ€™ll never look at pizza crust the same way again.๐Ÿ‘€

๐ŸŒŸPure magic.๐ŸŒŸ Letโ€™s bake! ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ๐ŸŽฌ

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ Pizza doesnโ€™t have to be a guilty pleasure โ€“ with this quinoa crust, it becomes a celebration of flavour and well-being.๐Ÿ’ž Each slice is light yet filling, crunchy yet tender, and a perfect base for your imagination in the kitchen.๐Ÿ˜๏ธ This recipe is not just about taste, but also about fuelling your body with nutrients that make you feel good from the inside out. Whether enjoyed on a cosy night in, served at a gathering, or prepared as a fun weekend project, it will surprise everyone with how delicious healthy pizza can be. So gather your toppings, fire up the oven, and let this quinoa crust transform your pizza nights into something extraordinary.๐Ÿ’ฏ

๐Ÿ• Plus, knowing itโ€™s naturally gluten-free and packed with plant protein is the cherry on top.๐ŸŒฑ Experiment with toppings โ€“ go classic or creative, sweet or savoury.๐ŸŽจ Itโ€™s a base that adapts and inspires, meal after meal.๐Ÿ”„ Whether youโ€™re cooking for one or a crowd, it scales beautifully and delivers every time. Let this be your new weekly ritual โ€“ one that tastes amazing and fuels your body.๐Ÿ” Celebrate balance, flavour, and health โ€“ all baked into a single slice.๐ŸŽฏ Soak your quinoa, preheat your oven, and prepare for pure satisfaction. Pizza night just became the healthiest, happiest moment of your week. ๐ŸŽ‰

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