Ingredients
1 ½ cups almond flour (165g)
½ cup chia seeds (70g)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup olive oil (60ml)
¾ cup warm water (180ml), approximately
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace and Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of a crisp exterior and tender interior for your pizza base. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment paper prevents sticking and makes transfer of the delicate dough much easier. If you don’t have parchment paper, a silicone baking mat works well too.
Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups of almond flour, ½ cup of chia seeds, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly distribute the seasonings throughout the flour mixture. This ensures every bite of your pizza base will be flavorful. The Italian seasoning brings traditional pizza flavors, while the garlic and onion powders add depth and savory notes that complement a wide range of toppings.
Step 3: Adding Wet Ingredients
Pour ¼ cup of olive oil into the dry mixture. The oil adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients while contributing to a tender texture. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, stir until the oil is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Next, gradually add warm water, starting with about ½ cup and mixing continuously. The warm water activates the chia seeds’ binding properties more efficiently than cold water would.
Step 4: Forming the Dough
Continue adding water in small increments until the mixture comes together as a cohesive dough. You’ll likely use close to the full ¾ cup, but the exact amount depends on your specific almond flour and the ambient humidity. The dough should be pliable but not sticky—it should hold together when pressed but not adhere to your fingers. If the dough becomes too wet, add a tablespoon of almond flour at a time until the right consistency is achieved.
Step 5: Resting the Dough
Allow the dough to rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step gives the chia seeds time to absorb moisture and develop their gel-like binding properties. During this resting period, the dough will become more cohesive and easier to work with. You may notice it becoming slightly firmer as the chia seeds expand—this is exactly what you want to see.
Step 6: Rolling Out the Crust
Place the dough between two large pieces of parchment paper. This prevents sticking without requiring additional flour, which could make the dough too dry. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough outward from the center, working your way around to create a circular shape approximately 12-14 inches in diameter. Aim for an even thickness of about ¼ inch throughout. The parchment paper allows you to lift and reposition the dough as needed for even rolling.
Step 7: Transferring to Baking Sheet
Carefully peel off the top piece of parchment paper. If the dough sticks, try peeling the paper back at a sharp angle rather than straight up. Transfer the crust, still on the bottom piece of parchment, directly onto your prepared baking sheet. If the dough tears during transfer, simply press it back together with your fingers—this forgiving dough repairs easily.
Step 8: Pre-Baking the Crust
Bake the crust in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. This pre-baking step is essential for achieving a firm base that won’t become soggy when toppings are added. The crust should turn a light golden brown around the edges and feel set in the center. Keep a close eye on it after the 18-minute mark, as almond flour can brown quickly due to its natural oils.
Step 9: Adding Toppings and Final Baking
Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and add your favorite pizza toppings. For a classic approach, spread tomato sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings of your choice. For dairy-free options, nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives work wonderfully. Return the pizza to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the toppings are heated through and any cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 10: Serving
Allow the pizza to cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing. This brief cooling period helps the crust set further and makes cutting cleaner. Use a sharp pizza cutter or knife to slice into 8 equal pieces and serve immediately while still warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
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