Craving pizza but keeping carbs low? This keto cloud bread pizza swaps the usual dough for a light, airy crust made from whipped egg whites and cream cheese. It is low-carb, gluten-free and grain-free, and it is simple enough for beginners.
Cloud bread has a soft, fluffy texture that firms up in the oven into a surprisingly sturdy base. Top it with sugar-free pizza sauce, melted mozzarella and your favourite keto-friendly toppings, and you have a pizza-night fix in about 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-carb and keto-friendly: only 3g net carbs per serving.
- Gluten-free and grain-free: made without traditional flour.
- Easy and quick: ready in 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Pizza flavours: garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato and melted cheese do the work.
Ingredients
For the Cloud Bread Crust
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 3 tbsp cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Pizza Toppings
- ½ cup sugar-free pizza sauce
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup pepperoni slices (or any keto-friendly toppings)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Eggs: separate them while cold, as the whites split more cleanly, then let them come to room temperature for better volume. Make sure no yolk gets into the whites.
- Cream of tartar: it stabilises the whipped whites. If you do not have any, a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar can do a similar job.
- Cream cheese: softened cream cheese blends smoothly into the yolks. Lumps will be hard to fold out later.
- Pizza sauce: check the label for added sugar, or use a thick tomato passata seasoned with oregano and garlic.
- Toppings: choose low-moisture toppings so the thin crust stays crisp.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cloud Bread Crust
- In one bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, mix the egg yolks, cream cheese, salt, garlic powder and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate it.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
- Spread the batter into a round pizza shape on the parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and firm.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the pizza sauce over the crust.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly.
- Add the pepperoni or other keto-friendly toppings.
- Bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with oregano and red pepper flakes for extra flavour.
Tips for the Perfect Cloud Bread Pizza
- Whip the egg whites properly: stiff peaks give the crust its airy texture. Use a clean, dry bowl, since any grease stops the whites from whipping.
- Do not overmix: fold gently so the crust stays light and fluffy.
- Use parchment paper: it prevents sticking and ensures an even bake.
- Let it cool before slicing: the crust firms up as it cools.
- Keep the sauce thin: a light layer stops the crust going soft.
- Customise your toppings: try mushrooms, olives or fresh basil for variety.
Variations
- Veggie pizza: top with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers and olives.
- Chicken and spinach: use cooked shredded chicken and a handful of wilted spinach.
- Extra herby: brush the baked crust with garlic butter before adding sauce.
- Cheese swaps: try cheddar, gouda or provolone in place of mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pizza warm with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, or alongside a bowl of soup for a light dinner. It also works well as a quick lunch or snack.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Fat | 16g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbs | 3g |
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to keep the crust from going soft. The microwave will make it rubbery, so it is best avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store and reheat cloud bread pizza?
Yes. Store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
Can I freeze the cloud bread crust?
Yes. Bake the crust first, let it cool, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to use, add toppings and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes. Swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda or provolone for a different flavour.
Why did my crust deflate or turn soggy?
The most common reasons are under-whipped egg whites, overmixing when folding, or too much sauce. Whip to stiff peaks, fold gently and spread the sauce thinly.
Is cloud bread the same as regular bread?
No. It is a very light, egg-based bread with no flour, so it is softer and more delicate than yeast bread, but it holds toppings well once baked.
Final Thoughts
Keto cloud bread pizza is a handy way to enjoy pizza flavours while staying low-carb. Give it a try and let us know in the comments which toppings you chose.
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