High Protein Low Carb Pizza With Cashew Crust

This delicious, nutritious, grain-free, gluten-free, high-protein pizza with a cashew and cottage cheese crust is perfect for weight management and a metabolism boost. This healthy pizza alternative is easily made and customizable with your favorite toppings. This low carb pizza crust recipe will satisfy your cravings!

High Protein Low Carb  Pizza Crust

Who doesn’t love pizza? Unfortunately, some people cannot eat gluten or grain crust, so I experimented with a different version made of nuts. It is grain-free, keto, and Paleo. The protein pizza crust is delicious and worth a try an dit is 

Why High-Protein?

Increasing your protein intake can have numerous health benefits, including:

• Muscle Building: Essential for growth and repair of muscles.
• Weight Management: Protein helps you feel full longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
• Metabolism Boost: A high-protein diet can increase your metabolism, aiding in weight loss.

Why Make This High-Protein Mediterranean Pizza?

Nutritional Benefits

1. High in Protein: The crust made from cashews, eggs, and cottage cheese provides a significant protein boost, essential for muscle growth and repair.
2. Healthy Fats: Ingredients like cashews, olives, and pesto contribute healthy fats that support heart health and provide sustained energy.
3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Toppings like spinach, cherry tomatoes, and basil are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals such as iron and calcium.
4. Low in Carbs: This alternative crust has less carbohydrate content than traditional pizza, making it suitable for low-carb or keto diets.

Flavor and Texture

1. Gourmet Experience: Combining basil pesto, feta, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, gourmet flavor profile that rivals any restaurant pizza.
2. Fresh and Vibrant: Ingredients like fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and basil add a burst of color and freshness, making each bite a delight.
3. Unique Crust: The cashew-based crust provides a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a tender yet sturdy base that stands out from regular pizza dough.

Customizability

1. Personalized Toppings: While the Mediterranean toppings are a winning combination, you can easily customize the pizza with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.
2. Versatile Meal: This pizza can be enjoyed as a main dish for lunch or dinner or even as a delicious appetizer for gatherings.

Ingredients for the Crust For the Cashew Crust

Cashews

Cashews provide healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and zinc. They also contribute a creamy texture to the crust. Alternatively, use almond flour.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. They also add structure and stability to the crust.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is rich in protein and calcium,  essential for bone health. Its creamy consistency helps bind the crust ingredients together. You can also use Greek yogurt instead.

Parmesan Cheese  

Parmesan adds delicious savory flavor.

Ingredients For Pizza Toppings

Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings. Here are some suggestions:

Spinach

Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color and a boost of vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber. It wilts slightly during baking, blending beautifully with the other toppings and adding a subtle earthy flavor.

Basil Pesto

Basil pesto is a flavorful base sauce that infuses pizza with the aromatic essence of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s a rich, savory alternative to traditional tomato sauce, providing a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Kalamata Olives

Kalamata olives offer a briny, slightly tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the pizza’s creamy elements. 

Feta Cheese 

Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element to the pizza. Its sharp, salty flavor complements the richness of the pesto and the olives, while its crumbly texture contrasts nicely with the smooth, melted mozzarella. I like to use goat or sheep feta. It’s so much more flavorful than cow feta.

Parmesan Cheese

A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory depth to the pizza. Its sharp and slightly salty taste enhances the overall flavor profile, and it browns beautifully in the oven, creating a delightful crust.

Cherry Tomatoes

Halved cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness and acidity, balancing the savory and salty toppings. Their juicy, vibrant red interiors add a fresh and colorful touch to the pizza.

Fresh Basil

Fresh basil leaves, added after baking, bring a final touch of brightness and herbal aroma. The leaves’ peppery, slightly sweet flavor enhances the overall freshness and complexity of the pizza.

How to make High Protein Low carb Pizza

Prepare the Cashew Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a pizza stone if you have one.
2. Blend the crust ingredients: In a food processor, combine the cashews, eggs, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and oregano. Blend until you get a smooth, thick batter.
3. Spread the batter: Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet or pizza stone. Use a spatula to spread it into a circular, about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Bake the crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

Add Toppings

1. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Spread pesto or the tomato sauce evenly over the crust. You can also use dandelion pesto or pepita cilantro pesto.
3. Add your toppings: Arrange the toppings of your choice and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Bake Again

1. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
2. Cool and serve: Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips and Variations for High Protein Low Carb Pizza

• Herbs and Spices: For added flavor, experiment with different herbs and spices in the crust. Basil, thyme, Italian seasoning, or rosemary to the crust.
• Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a vegan cottage cheese alternative or vegan yogurt.
• Add Other Veggies: Bell pepper, mushrooms etc.
• Storage: This pizza crust can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

More Ways to Boost Protein in Your High Protein Low Carb Pizza

Just like any great pizza, you can customize your toppings to suit your taste. Here are some protein-packed options that you can add to this low-carb pizza.

1. Protein Powder: Add protein powder such as hemp seeds or whey powder. 
2. Meat and Poultry: Add grilled chicken breast, meatballs, ground chicken, bacon, and turkey bacon. These options are not only delicious but also rich in protein.
3. Cottage Cheese: Spread a layer of cottage cheese on the base of your crust. A half cup of cottage cheese packs over 20 grams of protein, adding a creamy texture.
4. Goat Cheese: Creamy and luscious, perfect for people struggling to digest cow cheese.
5. Ricotta Cheese: Like cottage cheese, ricotta offers 12 grams of protein per half cup. Dollop spoonfuls on top just before baking for a creamy, protein-rich boost.
6. Plant-Based Proteins: Sliced tofu and tempeh are protein-packed, plant-based alternatives. You can also make an Italian bean spread that will add more protein to your pizza.
7. Nutritional Yeast: A vegan substitute for parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and extra protein. Sprinkle it over the top of your pizza for a tasty protein enhancement.

How to store leftovers

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for three to five days. 

Who said you can’t have pizza on a high-protein diet? This innovative low carb pizza crust proves you can indulge in your favorite comfort food while meeting your nutritional goals. Whether you want to build muscle, lose weight, or eat healthier, this high-protein pizza is a delicious solution. Perfect for a pizza night, this gluten-free option will satisfy your pizza cravings!

So next time you’re craving pizza, ditch the delivery and whip up this nutritious alternative in your own kitchen. 

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