Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

This Gluten-Free Pizza Crust is simple, reliable, and perfect for homemade pizza nights. It uses only 7 basic ingredients and takes about 1 hour from start to finish. The crust bakes up lightly crisp on the edges and soft in the centre, just like a good pizzeria-style pizza.

This dough is also vegan, freezer-friendly, and very flexible. You can make one large pizza or two smaller pizzas, depending on what you need. The crust can be par-baked and frozen, or prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for later use.

The dough spreads easily by hand and does not require kneading. A short pre-bake helps the crust hold toppings without becoming soggy, making it ideal for all your favourite sauces and toppings.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp dry active yeast
1 ¼ cup warm water (divided)
2–3 Tbsp sugar (divided)
3 cups gluten-free flour blend (see Tips & Tricks)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix the yeast with 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C).
Let it sit for 5 minutes so the yeast can activate.
After a few minutes, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of the sugar.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, add:

Gluten-free flour blend
Salt
Baking powder
Remaining 1–2 tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet you like the crust)

Step 4: Make the Dough

Make a well in the centre of the dry mixture.
Pour in the yeast mixture, then add:

Olive oil
Remaining 1/2 cup warm water

Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Shape the Pizza

If making one large pizza, spread all the dough onto a well-greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
If making two smaller pizzas, use half the dough and store the rest wrapped in the fridge for a few days.

Using your hands, gently press the dough from the centre outward.
If sticky, lightly dust with brown rice flour.
Spread until the dough is thin (less than 1/4 inch thick).

Step 6: Pre-Bake the Crust

Place the crust in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes.
The surface should look dry and light cracks may appear—this is normal.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Remove the crust from the oven.
Spread generously with your favourite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Step 8: Bake Again

Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 15–25 minutes, depending on the toppings.
The crust edges should turn golden brown, and the toppings should be hot and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve

Slice immediately and serve hot.
This pizza reheats well the next day in the oven or microwave.

Tips & Tricks

To make 3 cups gluten-free flour blend:
- 1 cup white rice flour
- 1 cup brown rice flour
- 1 cup tapioca flour
- 3/4 tsp xanthan gum
This recipe makes 2 small-medium crusts or 1 large crust.
The suggested flour blend gives the best texture, but you may use your own blend if preferred.
You can prepare the dough 1–2 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge.
If the dough feels sticky while spreading, sprinkle lightly with brown rice flour.
For freezing, par-bake the crust first, then cool and freeze for up to 1 month.
A simple sauce option: tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, dried basil, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder.