Light & Airy Fat-Free Pizza Crust
Discover the joy of homemade pizza with this surprisingly light and fluffy fat-free pizza crust! After a happy accident in the kitchen, I realized that an oil-free crust might just be the perfect canvas for all your favorite toppings. This crust delivers a deliciously crisp texture and is easy to make, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family. With just a few simple ingredients, this crust promises to elevate your pizza game without the guilt, and it's versatile enough to suit any type of pizza—be it classic Margherita or loaded with your favorite veggies. Enjoy a healthier take on pizza night with this delightful recipe that's sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Warm Water
1/2 - 1 cup (Measured and warmed to approximately 110°F (43°C).)
Yeast
1 tablespoon (Active dry yeast.)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (Granulated sugar.)
White Flour
2 cups (All-purpose unbleached white flour.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Fine sea salt.)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of warm water with the yeast and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve, then allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2
While the yeast activates, place the white flour and salt in a food processor. Pulse briefly for about 5 seconds to mix them together.
3
Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add it to the flour mixture in the food processor. Pulse for about 10 seconds to combine.
4
With the processor running, gradually add the remaining warm water in small increments. Continue mixing until a ball of dough forms.
5
Once the dough has formed, let it spin in the processor for about 25 seconds to ensure it's well combined.
6
Lightly spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray, then place the dough ball on top. Cover it with a metal bowl that has also been sprayed with cooking spray. Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how thick you want the crust to be.
7
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). After the dough has risen, gently pat it out on the cookie sheet into your desired pizza shape or style.
8
Once shaped, prick the crust all over with a fork to help it bake evenly. Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 5 minutes until it's lightly set.
9
Remove the crust from the oven. You can either add your desired toppings right away or let it cool slightly. Return the topped pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this pizza crust fat-free?
This recipe is fat-free because it uses no oil, butter, or shortening in the dough mixture, relying on simple ingredients like flour, water, and yeast.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose unbleached white flour for the best results.
How long does the yeast need to proof?
Combine the yeast and sugar with warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
What is the correct temperature for the warm water?
The water should be warmed to approximately 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast.
How much yeast is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast for this recipe.
Do I need a food processor to make this dough?
Yes, the instructions specifically use a food processor to pulse the flour and salt and to knead the dough into a ball.
How long should I pulse the flour and salt?
Pulse the flour and salt briefly for about 5 seconds before adding the liquid ingredients.
How do I add the remaining water to the dough?
With the processor running, gradually add the remaining warm water in small increments until a dough ball forms.
How long should the dough spin in the processor once formed?
Let the dough ball spin for about 25 seconds to ensure it is well combined and properly kneaded.
How do I prepare the cookie sheet for the dough?
Lightly spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray to prevent the dough from sticking.
What is the best way to cover the dough while it rises?
Place a metal bowl that has been sprayed with cooking spray over the dough ball.
Where should I let the dough rise?
The dough should be placed in a warm spot to help it rise effectively.
How long does the dough need to rise?
Allow the dough to rise for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how thick you want your pizza crust to be.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
How do I shape the pizza crust?
Gently pat the dough out on the cookie sheet into your desired pizza shape or style.
Why should I prick the crust with a fork?
Pricking the crust all over with a fork helps it bake evenly and prevents large air bubbles from forming.
How long is the initial pre-bake for the crust?
Bake the shaped and pricked crust for approximately 5 minutes until it is lightly set.
Can I add toppings to the crust immediately after pre-baking?
Yes, you can add your toppings right away or let the crust cool slightly before topping.
What is the final baking time for the topped pizza?
Bake the topped pizza for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the pizza is finished baking?
The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Is this crust suitable for a Margherita pizza?
Yes, this versatile crust is ideal for a classic Margherita or any other combination of your favorite toppings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients: water, yeast, sugar, flour, and salt.
Is this pizza crust recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, its light and airy texture makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
Can I use sea salt for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
Is this recipe good for quick weeknight dinners?
Absolutely, the short rising time and simple preparation make it perfect for casual weeknight meals.
What is the texture of this fat-free crust?
Despite being oil-free, this crust delivers a surprisingly light, fluffy, and crisp texture.
Does the dough require manual kneading?
No, the food processor handles the kneading process in about 25 seconds once the dough ball forms.
Can I load this crust with many vegetables?
Yes, this crust is a perfect canvas for loaded veggie pizzas.
What kind of sugar should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of standard granulated sugar.
Is this a healthy alternative to traditional pizza crust?
Yes, as a fat-free option, it provides a healthier take on pizza night without sacrificing texture or flavor.