Easy Chickpea Pizza Crust: High Protein Pizza Recipe

Are you in need of a healthier option to satisfy that pizza craving? This chickpea pizza crust recipe is the perfect high protein pizza solution—crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily have a delicious, nutrient-dense crust that pairs perfectly with all your favorite toppings! 

Why You’ll Love This

Pizza is always a great idea. But, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pizzas, this chickpea flour crust is a game changer. Plus, it’s completely gluten-free, making it a great option for those with Celiac disease non-celiac gluten sensitivity. 

Unlike regular pizza dough, which is often made with refined flour and lacks protein and fiber, this version is packed with 22 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving – and that’s just from the crust alone! Add your favorite toppings like mozzarella cheese, buffalo chicken, ground chicken or ground turkey for an extra protein boost. Add veggies like your favorite tomato sauce, bell peppers, and red onion to give you more antioxidants and fiber in your high protein pizza crust.

Not only is this crust nutrient-dense, but it’s also a really easy protein pizza recipe to make. With just six simple ingredients, you can mix everything in one bowl and have your pizza in the oven in minutes. There’s no need to knead, rise, or roll out the dough – just mix, pour, and bake with your favorite toppings! The result is a crust that’s sturdy enough to hold all your favorite toppings while having the slightly nutty, savory flavor of flatbread.

In addition to being a high-protein pizza crust, this chickpea pizza crust is also rich in iron, B vitamins, and healthy probiotics from the Greek yogurt. These nutrients support digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being, making this a healthy choice for a weeknight dinner or meal prep staple. Whether you top it with classic marinara and cheese or get creative with fresh veggies and pesto, this crust is a delicious, nutritious, and foolproof way to enjoy pizza guilt-free!

Ingredients You’ll Need For High Protein Pizza 

While this high protein pizza may use ingredients that are new-to-you, you can usually find them easily in most grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need to make this chickpea pizza crust recipe.

• Chickpea flour: this flour is made from chickpeas, making it rich in plant based protein and fiber. It has a slightly nutty and savory flavor that is easy to work with and tastes great. If you can’t find chickpea flour at your local grocery store, it can usually be ordered online.

• Greek yogurt: I recommend using plain, full-fat Greek yogurt. High protein Greek yogurt offers moisture and binds the crust together to give you a soft but sturdy crust. 

• Egg: another binding agent for the crust, the egg prevents the crust from being too dry and crumbly. 

• Baking powder: this ingredient acts as a chemical leavening agent. It helps to lift the crust and prevent it from being too dense. In typical pizza dough, the yeast rises and gives a light airy crust. With this chickpea pizza crust, there’s no yeast so the baking powder helps the dough to rise a little to give it more of a flatbread texture and taste.

• Salt: helps to bring out the flavors of the crust.

• Garlic powder: adds more flavor dimension to this high protein pizza crust. 

How To Make High Protein Chickpea Pizza Crust

This high protein pizza crust is a super easy recipe to make! 

First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Next, mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Pour the dough ball onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Note: the dough will be sticky! 

Since the dough is so sticky, I usually opt to skip the rolling pin and just use my hands for the next part. Using your hands, press the dough into a circle that’s about one half inch thick around. Note: this high protein pizza recipe is more similar to a flatbread or thin crust pizza.   

Now, you’re ready to add your favorite toppings. I usually add tomato sauce and shredded cheese to every pizza I make. Then I change it up between a variety of different toppings! Pizza night can be a great way to use up whatever toppings you may have leftover in the fridge. See the Variations section below for some pizza topping combo ideas.

Bake the pizza crust with toppings in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the crust is a light golden brown color and your cheese is melted. 

Allow to cool for several minutes before cutting with a pizza cutter. 

How To Store It

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or in the oven. 

Tips, Variations, + Substitutions

• If you don’t have chickpea flour, you can substitute 1 cup of self-rising flour OR 1 cup of all purpose flour plus increase the amount of baking powder in the recipe to ½ tablespoon baking powder. Omit the egg but keep all other ingredients the same. Cook time will be closer to 20 minutes to get that golden brown color.  
• Omit the egg and instead add 1-2 tbsp warm water or olive oil if the dough feels too sticky or dry without it.
• Pizza Topping Ideas:
  • Caprese Pizza: mozzarella and parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes (sliced lengthwise in half), fresh basil, arugula, balsamic drizzle, optional: shredded chicken for more protein
  • Buffalo Chicken Pizza: shredded cheese, buffalo chicken, chopped peppers and green onions
  • Pepperoni Pizza: turkey pepperoni and cheese
  • Hawaiian Pizza: pineapple, red bell peppers, red onions, and mozzarella, optional: ham for extra protein
  • Greek Pizza: mozzarella and feta cheese, cherry tomatoes (sliced lengthwise in half), artichoke hearts, baby spinach, kalamata olives, and Italian seasoning

Other High Protein Recipes You’ll Love

Healthy Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip

Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Cottage Cheese Egg Bites (High Protein)

High Protein Mexican Tuna Salad

If you make this High Protein Chickpea Pizza Crust recipe, please consider leaving a star rating and review at the end of this blog post. This is incredibly helpful to me, my small business, and to other readers!

The post Easy Chickpea Pizza Crust: High Protein Pizza Recipe appeared first on The PCOS Nutritionist Alyssa.