A carnivore pizza crust replaces flour with meat or cheese, and it works better than you might expect. The two popular versions are a chicken crust, made from ground chicken, egg and Parmesan, and a cheese crust, made from melted mozzarella and egg. Both bake into a firm, sliceable base for cheese and meat toppings. This guide gives you both methods, bake times, safe temperatures and topping ideas.
Quick Answer
To make carnivore pizza crust, mix one pound of ground chicken with an egg, half a cup of Parmesan and salt, press it thin onto parchment and bake at 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes until firm and 165°F. Top with mozzarella and cooked meat and bake again until melted. A cheese crust uses mozzarella, Parmesan and egg and bakes faster. Both need dairy and rest for five minutes before slicing.
Key Takeaways
- Chicken crust uses ground chicken, egg and Parmesan, and it must reach 165°F.
- Cheese crust uses mozzarella, Parmesan and egg, and bakes in 12 to 15 minutes.
- Press the mixture thin and bake it before adding toppings for a firm base.
- Cooked meats are the best toppings, and pepperoni is a processed option.
- Store leftovers three to four days and reheat to 165°F.
Ingredients (Chicken Crust)
- 1 pound ground chicken, preferably thigh meat
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
- Optional toppings: cooked ground beef, crumbled cooked sausage or pepperoni
Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes. Makes one 10-inch pizza, about 4 slices.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the ground chicken, egg, Parmesan and salt until combined.
- Press the mixture onto the parchment into a thin round, about 1/4 inch thick and 10 inches wide, using damp hands.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the crust is firm and golden and reaches 165°F.
- Top with mozzarella and any cooked meat toppings. Return to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Rest for five minutes, then slice and serve.
Cheese Crust Method
Mix two cups of shredded mozzarella, half a cup of grated Parmesan and one egg. Press thin onto parchment and bake at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes until golden. Top, and bake for 5 minutes. This crust is crisper but richer, and it relies heavily on dairy.
Tips for a Crust That Holds Together
- Use thigh meat for a juicier crust, and keep the layer thin.
- Pre-bake the crust before topping, so it does not stay soft.
- Pat down damp toppings, and do not overload.
- Let the pizza rest for five minutes before slicing.
- Use parchment, or the crust will stick.
Topping Ideas
- Extra mozzarella or cheddar.
- Cooked and crumbled ground beef from our ground beef recipes.
- Crumbled plain sausage cooked to 160°F.
- Pepperoni, kept occasional because it is processed meat.
Storage
Cool, wrap and refrigerate for three to four days, or freeze slices. Reheat in the oven or skillet until steaming hot, 165°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is carnivore pizza crust made of?
Usually ground chicken or mozzarella cheese bound with egg and Parmesan.
Why is my carnivore pizza crust soggy?
It is probably too thick or underbaked. Press it thin, pre-bake until firm and avoid wet toppings.
Can you make carnivore pizza crust without dairy?
A pure meat crust made from ground beef or chicken and egg is possible but softer. Parmesan and mozzarella add structure.
What temperature should a chicken crust reach?
165°F, as the USDA recommends for ground poultry.
Can you freeze carnivore pizza?
Yes. Freeze slices on a tray, then bag them, and reheat to 165°F.
Conclusion
A carnivore pizza crust from chicken or cheese is a satisfying way to enjoy pizza night without flour. Press the crust thin, pre-bake it, top it simply and cook chicken to 165°F.
Keep Reading
- How to Make Carnivore Bread: with just eggs and cheese
- How to Make Carnivore Tortillas: for tacos and wraps
- Easy Carnivore Diet Dinner Ideas: for busy weeknights
- 20 Carnivore Diet Recipes With Ground Beef: that never bore
Sources
- USDA FSIS. Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart: 165°F for poultry and 160°F for ground meat
- FoodSafety.gov. Cook to a Safe Minimum Internal Temperature: ground poultry temperature
