Smart Ways to Make a Healthier Pizza At Home
Do you desire a healthy pizza, but not the crowds? Making a healthy pizza at home is now easier than ever before! Enjoying pizza and eating healthy is a convenience that many enjoy. What is even better is that this dish can be created and experienced in your own kitchen. Following these simple steps will ensure a healthy and tasty pizza in the comfort of your own home…
Quality Ingredients
First and foremost, ensure that you have quality ingredients that are fresh. Freshness on a pizza is essential, especially when working in your own kitchen. Right from the start, you should make this a critical priority when shopping for your ingredients. Skip as many canned options as possible and head to the produce and deli for your ingredients. Organic veggies and fresh cheeses are extremely important when creating a healthy and delicious pizza. You may have fresh vegetables already in your refrigerator needing to be cooked. Add those to your pizza, also!
Create a Healthy Crust
Are you looking for a healthier carb option? A whole wheat crust is a great alternative for a healthy pizza. You can make your own at home, or purchase a pre-made crust from your local bakery or grocer. Sub out regular flour for wheat flour in your dough recipe. Some grocers have the dough already mixed for your convenience, requiring you to knead and bake, and this dough is inexpensive. Depending on the time you have or the amount of money you want to spend on the pizza, this may be an excellent option for you.
Are you looking for a low-carb crust option? Ground cauliflower with an egg for binding, your favorite spices, and parmesan cheese molds together for a solid crust. Cauliflower has the ability and texture to be a viable substitute for traditional bread and grains.
If you are following a low-carb or ketosis lifestyle, this option for your pizza is healthy and tasty. Make sure you cook the crust first and then build your sauce and ingredients.
Homemade Pizza Sauce
Using fresh tomatoes and spices, you can easily make your own pizza sauce where you control the sodium and sugar, both of which are found substantially in jarred sauces. Homemade pizza sauce will endure that fresh taste of tomatoes infused with spices that jarred pizza sauce lacks, no matter how fresh they claim to be. Making homemade pizza sauce can allow you to control the consistency, making the sauce as chunky or smooth as you like.
If you are not a fan of red pizza sauce, you still have healthy options for a pesto-based sauce or classic garlic and olive oil. A homemade pesto sauce with basil, garlic, and cheese is as simple as the red sauce and can grasp just as much freshness.
Both of these options are as light as homemade pizza sauce and are healthy options. Besides the health benefits and fresh tastes, homemade pizza sauce allows you to develop your flavor to your liking. This is a benefit that cannot be purchased in town.
Get The Cheese
Cheese is essential for pizza, so it should be included in your creation. However, when choosing your cheese, opt for a lighter cheese option. More dense cheeses include extra calories and can upset your stomach. Dense cheeses can also weigh down the pizza, impairing its cooking and overall taste. Adding lighter cheese will give you the cheese fix you crave, the options for multiple kinds of cheese, and keep your pizza healthy and light overall. Mozzarella, light parmesan, and provolone are the best light cheese options for a healthy pizza. Shredded and grated choices of these cheeses will give your pizza that cheese flavor with appropriate textures and measures.
Need Meats or Proteins?
Maybe you like meat on your pizza? If you desire meat on your pizza, opt for healthier versions, like chicken, turkey sausage and turkey bacon. If you want that pepperoni taste, opt for turkey pepperoni, or thin slices of salami from the deli. While the traditional pork sausage and pepperoni are very popular, the extra calories and sodium are not as healthy as the turkey options that are now available. The leaner options will make your pizza lighter, and your body will thank you afterwards.
For more protein flavor, consider adding thin steak slices or shrimp. Shredded chicken is also a great option, as it can be used as thin or thick as you desire, making it a versatile protein and perfect for those meat-lover creations.
Got Your Veggies?
While in the produce section searching for fresh and organic produce, consider the veggies that are in season. These veggies often have a better taste and are locally grown. There is no wrong veggie, as all vegetables are created equal in the eyes of pizza. If you already have a few things in the fridge that need to be cooked soon, throw them on also. From peppers to spinach, you can add and mix any veggie variety for your pizza. Are there fresh mushrooms available? Grab a tub and sprinkle those on for a fuller and healthy protein option.
Build Your Healthy Pizza
Finally, combine all of your ingredients and build a healthy pizza! Begin with your choice of homemade sauce and light cheeses. Conclude the building of your pizza with your selection of fresh veggies and meats. Throw it in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes. Finally, you can enjoy a healthy pizza creation of your preference in the comfort of your own home.
