My low carb Mozzarella Dough in a How-To video! This versatile fathead pizza dough recipe is so useful, it deserves its own landing page. It makes the best low carb pizza crust but it’s also great for calzones, garlic knots, low carb bagels, and even cinnamon rolls. You won’t believe how good it is.
You know me. I won’t ever claim I came up with a recipe idea on my own when I did not. Sadly, a lot of bloggers do that these days and they never credit their sources of inspiration.
But I am old school and I believe in citing my sources and building strong relationships based on trust. So let me say right off the bat that this is a really good variation of the famous Fathead Pizza dough. I never ever would have come up with using mozzarella cheese as a base for dough on my own. And I am grateful to the Fathead creators, and Tom Naughton of the Fathead Movie, for thinking of it.
How To Make Keto Pizza Dough
Watch me make my version of the famous fathead pizza crust in this instructional video!
Fathead pizza dough is ever evolving stuff, with every blogger putting their own unique spin on it. Mine, which I like to call Magic Mozzarella Dough, is a little sturdier than the original recipe, and uses butter in place of cream cheese, some coconut flour, and a little baking powder to help it rise and puff up a bit.
It’s buttery and rich and even a little flaky. This stuff really is magic and can be used for so many different fun recipes, from savory to sweet. I used it for several recipes in my cookbook, The Everyday Ketogenic Kitchen. Including the delicious Pesto Twists, which were a huge hit with my kids!
But one of the things people miss most when they embark on a keto diet is pizza. It’s the ultimate American comfort food. And the many variations of fathead pizza crust are truly a blessing for all of us.
Here’s how to make the best keto pizza crust with my magic mozzarella dough
- Roll the dough out between pieces of parchment paper to 12 inches (0r use a silicone mat on the bottom)
- Remove the top parchment and roll up the edge a little to create a crust
- Transfer the bottom parchment with the dough on it to a cookie sheet or pizza stone
- Bake at 350F for 10 to 15 minutes, until starting to brown and firm up.
- Remove and top with your favourite toppings and bake again until melted and bubbly.
Tips and Tricks for Nailing Fathead Pizza Dough
But it’s not always the easiest to work with and there are some tricks to getting it right. Let’s go over these, shall we?
- As much as it may go against the keto mantra, you actually want the pre-shredded, part skim mozzarella as it contains some fillers that usually help the dough hold together a little better. But it does NOT have to be the junky kind full of extra starches. I’ve found that the good organic stuff contains vegetable cellulose as an anti-caking agent, and with a little extra almond flour in the mix, it works just as well.
- Use finely ground BLANCHED almond flour. Please please please. Do not use almond meal, which is more coarsely ground and often contains the brown skin of the almond. I had one reader tell me that the dough kept falling apart on her but that she couldn’t imagine that the grind of the almond flour was an issue. BUT IT IS! Because those coarse particles don’t combine with the cheese and butter very well and they don’t absorb enough of the oils to come together like a proper dough. This is the case with ANY low carb baked good. While you can get away with that coarse texture in something like a muffin, it just isn’t going to work in a fine cake or a dough and you will have a crumbly, greasy mess on your hands.
- Keep your heat low at all times. Very low. The lowest it will go. And if you have an electric stove and have a little more difficulty controlling the heat than with gas, you may have to take your pot on and off from the element several times to keep it from getting too hot. You want your butter and cheese to melt together but you never want them to bubble.
- Add the egg last and add it off heat. Because we don’t want it cooking before you have a chance to incorporate it into the dough.
- Knead that sucker, both in the pan and out of the pan. It doesn’t need a lot of kneading (or knead a lot of needing — see what I did there???), but if you do it right after you incorporate the egg and flours, it will hang together much better. I use a rubber spatula to knead it against the sides of the pan after I’ve added the remaining ingredients. Only then, when it comes together, do I turn it out onto a surface, where I knead it a little more until it’s mostly uniform.
- Be ready to adjust. I find that this is actually a very forgiving recipe, if you know how to adjust it. If it comes out of the pan very sticky to the touch, you simply need to sprinkle it with a little more almond flour and knead that in, adding more until it’s not longer sticking to your hands.
There you have it. My tips on how to make the best low carb dough that can be used for everything from pizza to cinnamon rolls. Really, this is remarkable stuff and I hope I’ve given you the confidence to try it and make it work for you!
More recipes that use Keto Pizza Crust
Easy keto pizza crust recipe that can be used for everything from pizza to garlic knots to cinnamon rolls!
- 6 ounces pre-shredded part skim mozzarella
- 5 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup blanched almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
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Sprinkle a clean counter or a large silicone baking mat with almond flour.
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In a large saucepan, melt the cheese and butter together over low heat until they are melted and can be stirred together.
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Remove from heat and add the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Add the egg and stir everything together until a cohesive forms. Use a rubber spatula to really knead the dough together in the pan. It may still contain some streaks of cheese.
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Turn the dough out onto the prepared work surface and knead until uniform. This will only take a little kneading. If your dough is still very sticky, add a tablespoon or two more almond flour and work it in.
Sweet Mozzarella Dough: Leave out garlic powder and add ¼ cup powdered sweetener and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract along with the almond flour.
To make low carb pizza crust:
- Roll the dough out between pieces of parchment paper to 12 inches (0r use a silicone mat on the bottom)
- Remove the top parchment and roll up the edge a little to create a crust
- Transfer the bottom parchment with the dough on it to a cookie sheet or pizza stone
- Bake at 350F for 10 to 15 minutes, until starting to brown and firm up.
- Remove and top with your favourite toppings and bake again until melted and bubbly.
Tami Loftin says
What if I don’t have the pre-shredded mozzarella? Can I just add some kind of “flour” to it?
Carolyn says
You can’t add a flour. You can try a tablespoon of arrowroot or corn starch.
Denise Dunkel says
What temo for cooking into bagels?
Jennifer says
This makes me so happy! I was just telling my husband how I was really craving pizza! I’m going to have to try this. BTW, do you have a recipe for cinnamon rolls made out of this dough?
Carolyn says
I do have one and it’s in my cookbook: http://amzn.to/2FhlENQ
Jesp says
She did give the alternative for a sweet dough. As a guess, I imagine after it is rolled out it’s like regular cinnamon rolls: spread butter on top, spread a cinnamon/erythritol mixture on top of that, roll the dough into a log, cut slices, lay the slices on your pan and cook until golden brown. Havent tried it yet so… 🙂
Jesp says
Actually, a cupcake tray would probably be better than just in the pan as I imagine they will just spread out too much.
Chelyne Juanane says
What can i substitute for the coconut flour?
Carolyn says
You can try oat fibre but this is much better with coconut flour.
allison says
This is truly a magic dough! I love it for pizza, calzones, and flatbread! Adding a little sweetener and it works just like that stuff in a tube! It is my family’s favorite crust for pizza!
olga says
Hi Carolyn, This looks really good. Do you have a cinnamon roll recipe that incorporates this fathead mozzarella dough? I looked throughout your blog and your cinnamon roll recipe did not use mozzarella– just the almond flour and other gluten free / sugar free ingredients. I see you the twists- could we just take that recipe and make those twists into a flat shape to get a more traditional cinnamon roll look?
Carolyn says
Hi Olga. That recipe is my book, The Everyday Ketogenic Kitchen.
Jennifer Varney says
Hi! I was wondering if you had a tortilla recipe made with mozzarella cheese. I thought I saved it off of FB but apparently I didn’t. I’m sure it was from a Keto a few years back. Thanks
Carolyn says
I do not. sorry.
Susan Campbell says
Thebigmansworld.com does. I have made it and we enjoyed. Experiment with different spices to make them different.
Joy says
I am new at making Keto reciepes. Tried the cinnamon twists but is is always sticky. Is powered swerve and confectioners swerve the same or different?
Carolyn says
It’s the same. It could be the brand(s) of flours you are using. Try adding another little bit of coconut flour.
Ashley says
We are new to the Keto lifestyle. In this recipe and many other recipes I notice a combination of different flour. We don’t use tree nuts in this family so could I use all coconut flour and would I need to adjust the amount of flour, eggs and liquid? Thanks!
Carolyn says
No, I’ve tried all coconut in this recipe and it’s too tough.
Tracy says
What can be used instead of almond flour ?
Carolyn says
This recipe has been designed and tested only with almond flour. sorry.
Sarah says
I did the recipe using sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour this evening and it worked fine.
Alisha says
Thank you! I’ve developed an allergy to tree nuts since starting the keto diet.
AnneB says
Ashley – you could try using sunflower seed flower. I haven’t but know it functions similar to almond flour. Or try the original fathead recipe using coconut flour. I prefer THIS recipe but we always liked fathead until I recently changed to Carolyn’s. Good luck!
AnneB says
Flour… darn auto correct! LOL! 😉
Kathy Jo Horan says
Carolyn,
I have made both the cinnamon rolls and a sausage mushroom pizza with the Magic mozzarella dough, and I agree, it truly is magic. Both items were hands-down the best low-carb version ever! The only problem I have with it is that I can’t make something from it every. single. day.
Thanks again for all of your fabulous recipes and for making “real people” recipes that include easy to find ingredients!
Kathy Jo
Carolyn says
Thank you so much!
Kathy Jo Horan says
Forgot to add that every recipe in your cookbook, starting with this one, has been delicious! Now my daughter-in-law loves it, too!
Kathy Jo
Tresa says
Love this dough and all your recipes. .My husband likes stuffed crust pizza so I take the outer edge and cut it into sections and seal in pieces of simi frozen mozzarella sticks around the rim. It makes the pizza smaller but so good. You need to seal it well seal it well so the cheese doesn’t ooz out.
Jennifer Farley says
Love this recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Erica says
I just adore experimenting with Fathead/mozzarella dough. I always use whole milk pre-shredded mozzarella (from Smart & Final). In my side-by-side comparisons, part-skim dough was drier, denser, harder to manipulate and less pleasant in texture than the whole-milk dough. In recipes that call for both mozzarella and butter, I reduce the amount of butter slightly to compensate for the extra fat from the cheese (solely for the purpose of mostly maintaining the recipe’s original proportions).
Kiri says
Amazing dough! Great recipe! Thank you for the idea!
Lori says
Looks like flour on the board. I follow a grain free woe and this would be a no no. Or is coconut flour being used?
Carolyn says
No…it’s almond flour. I am grain-free too, I don’t use flour in ANYTHING. I don’t even have any in my house.
Erica says
If you’re grain-free, you’re going to love Carolyn’s recipes. ?
MIchele says
Tree Nut allergy here, any suggestions on substitutions for almond flour?
Carolyn says
You can try sunflower seed flour but I am not sure how it will fare.
Jennifer Blake says
Perfect for our make-your-own pizza nights!
Mary says
Unless I scrolled too fast I didn’t see what temp to set oven or how long to bake. Pre-bake before toppings? Then again after topping?
Carolyn says
This is just a recipe for the dough itself. Search my blog for “Jalapeño Popper Pizza” and it will walk you through what to do for pizza.
Paula says
When making pizza in an outdoor pizza oven, do you need to prebake the dough and bake again with toppings?
Carolyn says
I think that would probably be best but I haven’t tried it in an outdoor pizza oven. Experiment and get back to me! 😉
nora says
350
Beverly says
SO I am dairy free, would goat cheese and ghee work in this recipe?
Carolyn says
No, i don’t believe that would work.
Julie Mahdi says
I found a goat mozzarella that should work and the ghee is just clarified butter.
Carolyn says
Please let me know how it works out.
Gerry Speirs says
This is truly magic!!
Cookin Canuck says
I may not be following a Keto diet, but I want to try this the next time I’m making pizza dough. Looks amazing!
nell says
Can this dough be made ahead? Say on a Thursday for use on Friday? Thank you!
Carolyn says
Yes, but I would roll it out to whatever you are using it for because it starts to lose its elasticity the longer it sits.
Nell says
Thank you!
Marsha says
We just made this tonight for a pizza. It worked very well with blanched almonds ground in the Vitamix and then sifted. I also used 28% milk fat pizza mozzarella (the Canadian Superstore no name brand) and it was totally fine. This is the best pizza dough ever, and we have been making low-carb pizza for years and tried a few different recipes for the dough. Cannot wait to try this in cinnamon rolls.
Jenny says
What would you recommend to do with leftovers? If I made a pizza, could I freeze individual slices for another time? If yes, would I reheat in the oven? Thank you, love your recipes!
Amber Weber says
I’ve frozen individual slices and just warmed them in a he microwave. Works out great!
ChapelHillBetsy says
I make this recipe all the time and with two of us, always have leftovers. I reheat the leftover pieces in the toaster oven because it crisps up the crust. I think the microwave makes the leftover slices a bit soggy.
Rachel says
Great recipe! I’m new to the low carb stuff and this is a keeper!
Anna says
The people over at Fat Head credit Cooky’s Creations for this recipe. Either way, thanks for keeping it alive! It has saved many their sanity.
Carolyn says
Oh that’s good to know. I had read somewhere that it was the son of the FatHead creator, Jon Naughton? It’s hard when the origins of an idea are so obscure!
Erica says
According to Tom Naughton on his blog, his nephew discovered the recipe and credits it as a modification of a recipe from Cooky’s Creations.
Carolyn says
Aha! good to know!
Audrey Harder says
Does the coconut flour give it any hint of coconut flavor? I can’t stand coconut! Could I use all almond flour?
Carolyn says
No you really don’t taste it.
Marcelle says
As another person asked, how can I store the leftovers? I want to make this today but I will not (I HOPE!) be eating the whole thing at once!
Carolyn says
Are you making it as pizza? If so, just cut up and keep in the fridge for a few days.
Marcelle says
I just had to add….I have almost 1300 recipes saved on Yummly. I make SOOOO many of your recipes (yes, I just bought your book!) that you now have your own category in my Yummly account! Today is Lemon Ricotta Scones AND the Magic Mozzarella Dough!! WOOHOO!!!!
Carolyn says
<3 thanks!
cherie says
Carolyn I love your book 🙂 I just made this into a bacon cheddar ‘stick’ – I added dried parsley and onion powder [actually tjs onion seasoning stuff – fab] to the dough, rolled it out to a rectangle, laid out strips of cooked [not to crispy but it could be if you prefer] bacon, sprinkled with shredded cheddar and sesame seeds and folded it in half, cut into strips, topped with more cheese and seeds and baked. Yum! I feel like my dough was a bit oily – but I’ll keep working on it – it didn’t feel greasy on baking, just while working with it, however I am not sure my flour was quite as fine as yours either – I’ll keep experimenting. But yum and the video made me brave enough to try LOL – thanks! All your recipes are always so wonderful!
Dale Deimel says
Cherie did you mean Traders Joe’s Onion Salt?
Debbie says
my current roll/biscuit recipe allows you to melt the mozzarella cheese and cream cheese in the microwave. Can you do this with the mozzarella and butter in your magic dough recipe. I did purchase your book looking forward to trying your recipes.
Carolyn says
Yes you should be able to do that.
Kathy says
Hi Carolyn. I would like to make the Keto Cinnamon Rolls, but can’t seem to find a recipe for them. When I click the title or picture of them, all I get is a bigger picture. Can you help?
Carolyn says
That’s because that recipe is only in my book The Everyday Ketogenic Kitchen http://amzn.to/2pexrlM
diana says
Thank you, Carolyn for being so meticulous about citing your sources and inspirations as well as for experimenting and coming up with new ways to use recipes and ingredients.
Just a fun little bit history I found for the mozzarella dough: In 2004, “Betty R” posted a recipe using mozzarella dough on Netrition’s low carb friends site, and even she said she got the recipe from somebody else. http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=224104
Cookie at Cookie’s Low Carb Creations used it as a pizza dough on her blog in 2012, and Tom Naughton made it famous sometime after that. Seems that mozzarella dough has been around for much longer than anybody thought!
Linda says
I miss low carb friends!
Mary says
Hello. I can’t wait to try this. What temp do you bake this dough and for how long?
Carolyn says
Depends on what you are making! Check the recipe suggestions at the bottom, that will help. 🙂
Susan says
This looks amazing! I am going to try it today with some tweaking because I am allergic to almonds :(. HAs anyone else had to do this and had success? It will probably change the net carb total. I am thinking of using oat fiber instead of the almond flour.
Cynthia Law says
I’ve read your post several times and can’t find a temperature to bake the pizza crust or for how long. I saw your previous answer to this question but I don’t see it in the blog post anywhere. Can you post it in the (pizza) directions like you do for most of your other recipes?
Carolyn says
Hi Cynthia…this post is only about the dough itself. There are links at the bottom to all the things you can to do with it and those will have full instructions on how to bake for pizza or spanakopita. It doesn’t make sense for me to put it here, since it really depends on the recipe.
Robin Irwin says
I don’t have coconut flour. May I use all almond flour?
Thanks
Carolyn says
It doesn’t turn out as well but you can try. Use another 1/2 cup or more.
David says
I love the pizza crust, but I’m not wild about the coconut flavor in it. I’m just not a coconut fan. Do you know of any substitutes for the coconut flour? Do you know what it’s function is in the recipe, like how does it affect the texture? Just trying to come up with an alternative.
Thanks!
Carolyn says
I don’t taste coconut at all in this…. what brand are you using? It helps give it structure. If you replace it with almond flour, you need to put in a lot more (close to another cup).
carol says
WHAT TEMP. do we cook at? thank you
Carolyn says
That entirely depends on what you are trying to make. There are specific recipes linked at the bottom.
carol says
Made it today. It’s great.
Jennifer Blake says
My family is totally addicted to carbs and anything pizza related. Looking forward to trying this!
Jennifer Farley says
This sounds SO GOOD!
Liz says
LOVE this! Now I can make a pizza just for me!!
gerry speirs says
I’d love to try this!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
Such a great and easy recipe to cut carbs!
Tina Swift says
Love your spanakopita recipe using the garlic knot dough, but is one LITTLE triangle really the serving? If so, it’s too many carbs for me.
Carolyn says
My husband and I used this magic dough to make the crust for low carb chicken pot pie, in ramekins. It worked out very well!
Leigh Ann says
Is there any difference in texture if you use a mixer instead of mixing by hand?
Carolyn says
I’ve never done it with a mixer but you have to work very quickly so I am not sure transferring it to a mixer is worth your while.
Melissa says
Did I miss the oven temperature somewhere?
Carolyn says
No, because this is for the basic dough. How you cook it will depend on what recipe you are using it for.
Tex says
I feel like swearing like a sailor, this is that good! Magic!
Erika says
Could I possibly use any other cheese if I do not have Mozzarella on hand ?
Carolyn says
It probably won’t hold together.
Andrea says
Is their a substitution that can be used for the egg? We can not do flax or chia seeds.
Carolyn says
I am sorry, this recipe relies on egg.
Ann Harper says
make a vegan egg- 1 T flax meal 3 T water….let sit 3 minutes and substitute for egg
Carolyn says
I know what those are. I just truly don’t think they will work in fathead dough.
Heather Jackson says
Yay! Can’t wait to try this – how long does the dough keep in the fridge after you make it?
Carolyn says
It can last for several days but it does lose elasticity.
Tessie says
I tied to make this for the cinnamon rolls but the dough completely fell apart. 🙁 I know its hard to get the hang of it but what did I do wrong. I did not sure bagged cheese I grated my own. I want to cry
Carolyn says
Well, since the recipe does say to use pre-grated cheese, that is the problem right there.
patricia says
Hi Carolyn, I love your recipes and I have your book. Love it. One thing, I have to be dairy free. I can use the dairy free mozzarella, but what can I sub for the butter? I have a coconut oil (butter flavored)……can I use that?
Thanks
Carolyn says
Hi Patricia…I am honestly not sure this recipe will work as a DF recipe. The DF mozzarella tends not to melt very well. I am less worried about the coconut oil than that issue.
Stormie Remus says
Turned out beautifully. It covered a large pizza pan. I’m confused to size .The nutrients says they are for 1/16th. Do you know macros per slice? How many slices in this crust? Thank you, granee
Carolyn says
No, that actually says 1/6th of recipe. It states it serves 6. I’ve re-written to try to make it more clear.
Maribel Tirona says
I positively love this dough recipe. I use it repeatedly and always link it via my blog. It’s topped my Fish Pie, I used it for my Brie en croute, cinnamon rolls with coffee cream cheese icing and most recently, Beef Wellington. Cheers!!!
Ketofilipino_mytirona
Carolyn says
Thanks!
Mia says
Hi Carolyn,
Can I make personal size crusts, par-bake them and then freeze?
I’m trying to stalk the freezer with Keto friendly options for my mom to use when I’m at work.
By the way your Butter Pecan cookies are Amazing!
So far I’ve used the dough to make an almond variation and I’m going to try a chocolate chip and walnut variation next.
I’m really loving your cookbook!
Thanks
Mia
Carolyn says
Yes, you totally can do the mini crusts. I’ve done this myself for my kids.
Lyndell Weldon says
Just confirming with you about your answer to this question, I can par bake them and freeze them?
LISA C HESS says
Delicious! I haven’t tried a recipe of yours that wsnt terrific! Thank you!
Bonnie says
I just made this crust for pizza & loved it. Can leftover pieces that I didn’t put any toppings on be frozen for another time?
Carolyn says
You bet!
Kathe says
HI Carolyn! Reading your wonderful cookbook now! We want to try making the cinnamon rolls using the sweet mozzarella dough recipe. WE couldn’t find how thick to roll out the dough. Any help would be appreciated. Looking forward to trying out so many of your recipes 🙂
Carolyn says
It tells you to roll it out to a 12 inch square.
Rebecca C says
My go-to recipe. Thanks, Carolyn!
Mindy says
This is my go-to recipe for several dough uses. Thank you, Carolyn!
Mary Harrington says
I used Trader Joe’s Almond Meal (not blanched) and made Focaccia (topping: olive oil, crushed garlic, rosemary, parmesan cheese, black pepper) and baked at 400 deg. F 15 min. It came out beautiful. I wouldn’t try it for cinnamon rolls though. Blanched almond flour has been ordered. I LOVE this “bread.”
Carolyn says
Thanks for the feedback, Mary. Yes, almond meal is not ideal here but I am glad it worked out well enough!
Julie says
This is the best keto pizza crust I’ve made yet. After a thin layer of sugar free pizza sauce, I added a layer of caramelized onions, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni and a sprinkling of shredded parm. My pizza yielded eight good-sized slices. Two were plenty for dinner with a small side salad. Will definitely help me get over the every now and then pizza craving.
Carolyn says
Sounds fantastic!
Sasha Cannon says
Made pizza tonight,and it was a flop. The dough worked beautifully: elastic and felt just right. It looked amazing, too, when it was browning. However, I could not even transfer the slices to the plates: they completely disintegrated into a soggy mess! The taste was very good, albeit too salty, so I definitely will skip the salt next time. Used Wellbees almond blanched flour,Kerrygold butter and pre-shredded mozzarella (Kroger brand), so not sure why it did not hold the shape. I wonder if adding whey protein would stiffen it up? Read all the comments– looks like I am the only one with this outcome, so must be the “user error”…
Carolyn says
Hmmm, I wonder what happened! How loaded did you make those pizza slices? I wonder if that’s the issue at all.
Sasha Cannon says
Update. I tried this recipe for the second time, with significant improvements. First, i added no salt , it was still on the salty side from all the cheese and toppings (portabella+shallot+soft sheep cheese+ prosciutto). Secondly, I allowed the crust to fully cook before putting the topings — to a beautiful golden brown all over. Third, I let the pizza rest on the stone out of oven about 15 min before consumption. I think it allowed all fats/liquids to reabsorb/redistribute . The end result was very good: pizza slices were manageable . Thank you.
Carolyn says
Nice! So glad to hear it!
Danny Lineham says
Hi Carolyn, I have read that this can be made more simply by mixing all the ingredients in a food processor, then melting the mixture carefully in the microwave, but I haven’t been able to find any confirmation of this. Do you know if this actually works? Or should I just try in and see how it turns out?
Carolyn says
I have not done it myself. I think neither is more simple. With the food processor, you are dirtying a piece of equipment that requires washing several parts. Personally, I would think my method of melting in a pot and adding all the ingredients into that is the “simplest”.
Katelynn says
I havent made this yet but I was wondering how organic soy flour would work. Im new to low carb and I dont really know how these different flours work while baking.
Carolyn says
Sorry, I don’t use soy flour but it’s definitely not a 1:1 replacement.
Jan OBrien says
Having trouble getting the dough to crisp up. Tastes great, but soggy. Suggestions?
Carolyn says
Did you pre-bake it before putting toppings on?
Pete says
Hi!! Same issue, how long should i prebake it prior to putting on toppings?
Carolyn says
Please read the recipe notes, it’s very clear on this matter.
Jeannette Childers says
Carolyn, I have been looking for a recipe that might work like a wonton wrapper – for egg rolls and rangoons. Gonna give this a try. . .I’ll let you know how it works out. . .
Marc says
Well, I gave this a shot. I tweaked the recipe a bit. I added oregano and garlic to the dough. I always make my own sauce and honestly, it was pretty good. The true test is my oldest daughter, as she thinks healthy food tastes like crap….and she loved it! Winning! Thanks for the recipe!
Jennifer Lundeby says
Has anyone doubled this? Did it work or did you need to make adjustments? Thank you so much, trying this tonight!
Carolyn says
I’ve doubled it without issue.
Jennifer Lundeby says
Thank you! I got six bagels (I used a doughnut pan) and one extra large pizza crust with the doubled recipe. They all came out really good!
Teri says
Can the dough be made in advance, frozen to be defrosted to use later?
Carolyn says
It can but it does lose a little elasticity during the freezer process.
Dodie says
I can’t make this recipe because it contains coconut! I am highly allergic – as in, go to the emergency room allergic. 🙁 Can’t you offer a substitute for the coconut flour or an alternate recipe? It’s very discouraging to get so excited over a recipe only to find you can’t use it. Thank you.
Carolyn says
This works best with coconut flour but you can try doubling that amount with more almond flour.
Renuka says
Can I add some xanthan gum to my home grated cheese mix to get the same effect? I don’t see pre-grated cheese anywhere in India.
if so, how much xanthan gum would you reckon and at which step in the process would it make sense to add it?
thanks in advance. So glad to have discovered your site and recipes!!! 🙂
Carolyn says
I am not entirely sure it would work, but I’d add 1/2 teaspoon and whisk it into the almond flour before adding it to the cheese.
Len Kaiser says
My sister is deathly allergic to coconut. Is there a substitute for the Coconut flour in this recipe?
Carolyn says
You can sub in 3/4 cup almond for the coconut. I will be honest, it makes the dough a little trickier to work with. But it does work.
Amber Tubbs says
Hello there. So I feel like an idiot! I just made this dough to make a pizza. I was just wondering how important is the baking powder? I totally forgot to add it!
Carolyn says
Well, it should be okay but it won’t rise much.
Barbara says
Carolyn, I found that by adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum to your magic mozzarella dough recipe the dough is much easier to work with–more like a traditional wheat-flour dough in terms of ease of rolling, baking, and taste. Thank you for all your recipes and cookbooks-they make eating the keto way so easy!
Carolyn says
Thanks! I actually have a bit of xanthan in my coconut flour version. May have to revisit this one!
Donna says
Wow, this was great but obviously only as a test and not for those trying to lose. One regular slice (an 1/8 of the pie) has 12 grams of carbs. If you have 2 slices you are already over the daily allowance and that’s before you add toppings. Eat but share with many friends!
Carolyn says
Not sure where you are getting your numbers but a serving, which is 1/6th of the recipe, actually only has 6g of carbs. That is before you add toppings but still…
Mike says
Any suggestions to replace the coconut flour in this? I have two family members that are allergic to coconut.
Thanks for any info!
Made your almond flour pie crust the other day and it’s my favorite pie crust of all time, low carb or otherwise. It’s just fantastic and so simple!! Thanks!
Excited to try more of your recipes and ideas. So glad I found your site!
Take care!
Carolyn says
You can do all almond flour but you need to replace the coconut at 3x the amount, so another 3/4 cup almond flour. And even then it’s sticker and you need to knead in some almond flour as you work the dough.
Cheryl M Shockley says
This was so easy!!! Added 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, yo the flour and baking powder, and I actually worked dough w my hands into a crust on parchment, and then baked 10 min. I topped like a usual pizza, when it had cooled, and baked in my Betty Crocker pizza cooker. Let’s just say….OMG I AM SOLD!!!! Thank u so much, this crust is so much easier than the cauliflower version, it will be a staple in our keto lifestyle now!
Carolyn says
So delighted you liked it!
Jackie says
Can I use fresh mozzarella for this recipe?
Carolyn says
No, it really doesn’t work. I tried recently and it just doesn’t melt as well as the pre-shredded.
Amy says
Do you have a reccomendation to leave out the almond flour as I have a severe allergy.. I find substituting more coconut makes it too coarse/dry/crumbly…? Please help.
Carolyn says
Please see my bagel recipe, which is all coconut flour and works for pizza crust too.
Audrey Ling says
I made the pastrami Stromboli last weekend and this week I made the magic Mozzarella Dough as a focaccia to have with (shugary sweets recipe) of Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup….turned out beautiful and tasted as good as it looked. Thank you for this delicious versatile recipe.
Carol Borg says
Made this pizza dough yesterday. I didn’t have coconut flour so used all almond flour. Had to use a lot more so it wasn’t so sticky and could have used even more as in double. Anyhow I precooked the dough and it was a golden brown and puffed up in certain areas. I didn’t put my toppings and cook it till later in the day. Anyhow the outer crust remained firm but the rest wouldn’t hold well.. Ended up having to eat it with a fork. Today being in the fridge all night it’s holding it’s shape so probably better off cold. I will make sure to have coconut flour on hand for next time. I’m sure leaving that out was the problem.
Carolyn says
Yes, not having coconut flour was certainly the issue. It’s so much drier and more absorbent than almond flour that when you sub almond for it, you need to AT LEAST triple it. So you would have needed at least 3/4 cup to 1 cup additional almond flour.
Rachael Yerkes says
This stuff really is magic!
Jessica says
I can’t wait to try this! Thank you so much!
Pam Dana says
This recipe was super easy and really delicious! Thank you!
Anna says
Love this low carb pizza dough!
Toni says
This was amazing! My whole family loved it!
Kim says
I’m sorry guys but this is the worst pizza crust. It never firms up and tastes like almond flour. Sadly it took a while to make and the pizza is so bad I am throwing it in the trash. Moving on to a different recipe tomorrow.
Carolyn says
Sounds to me like you didn’t bake it before adding your toppings. Which would be a huge issue.
Janice says
It was very good!!!
Karen Marbach says
I use full fat mozzarella that I grate myself, and just use 4 T. butter – works great! I love the buttery taste of this pizza crust!
Kristen says
I just made this recipe for the first time for myself and son (low carb and gf) and can I say the search for THE BEST PIZZA CRUST HAS ENDED! Forget fathead dough, this crust is so much better. It is buttery ( not that I want my pizza to be buttery) and flakey without being gross. It is not soggy, you can hold it with one hand to eat and it holds up. I am so excited!!! I love pizza again!
Carolyn says
I am delighted you think so!
SHANNON HATFIELD says
AMAZING!!!!! The whole family ordered out for pizza and I was a little sad. I came across your recipe and thought “what the heck”, I will give it a shot. OMG, I am so very glad that I did!! The only tweak I tried (since I was doing pizza crust) was doubled the garlic powder and added 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. I did not miss regular pizza AT ALL. I am finally managing my diabetes without feeling like I am missing out. THANK YOU <3
Carolyn says
Thanks, Shannon!
Gisele T Dawson says
I’m doing something wrong!! Help lol everytime I make it the dough seems a bit crumbly. It works fine for a pizza but when I tried to make the garlic knots, the dough is just to crumbly to make the 7 inch rope to make into a knot. Please help. I am using a shredded cheese that contained a cellulose powder.
Gisele
Carolyn says
So I think it’s probably not your cheese but your coconut flour. Try cutting back by a tablespoon or two and only adding more if it’s too soft.
KELLY says
REALLY LOVE YOUR RECIPES!, WAS THINKING OF PUTTING SPINACH ON MY PIZZA FOR MY DAD, HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK I SHOULD PUT ON?, THINKING OF DOING A WHITE PIZZA WITH RANCH, MOZZARELLA & SPINACH, HOW LONG DO YOU THINK I SHOULD BAKE IT FOR? AND WHAT TEMP. SHOULD I USE?.
Carolyn says
Yum! I would pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes, and then top and bake (350F or so) for another 10 to 12, until things look right to you.
Michelle Richards says
I started making the fat head dough with the cream cheese
for pizza tonight (which me and my family love) when I remembered that I wanted to try this version. I had already melted the cream cheese and mozzarella and didn’t want to throw out what I had so I just added a couple extra tablespoons of butter to what I already had and followed the recipe from there. It turned out GREAT. It was easy to work with, and I love that the dough wasn’t as “gooey”
Carolyn says
Sounds like an excellent save! 🙂
Kim says
How much shredded cheese in a cup measurement does this recipe use? I have a huge bag which is 32 oz that I’m scooping out of 😃
Carolyn says
The standard for a cup of shredded cheese is 4 ounces.
Alice says
WOWZERS with a capital W!! devoured by hubs and me – we are both very impressed! Shared widely. congrats on such a great adaptation – so light considering the ingredients and so easy to find in a regular supermarket. hooray!
Carolyn says
Thanks, Alice!
Patti A says
Game Changer!!!!!!!!!! Best ever, even if the shape was funny looking! Hubs says once a week for this one! Thanks Carolyn!!
Jennifer says
Absolutely agree. I described it as life-changing. LOL
Diana Nelson says
Loved this recipe! The addition of the butter made for perfect taste and crunch. I cooked recommended time then flipped, carefully, and browned top before adding toppings. Crispy, and extremely filling. My new pizza craving killer, lol.
Jennifer Smoot says
I am in total shock right now. This recipe is magnificent! The butter is PERFECTION and makes the crust so delicious. I have just shared with recipe with 7 friends and purchased your book from Amazon. I’ve described this to my friends as life-changing. Thank you so much, and I look so forward to trying your other recipes!
Carolyn says
So delighted you feel that way! Thanks for buying my book.
Bec says
the originator of the fathead dough is actually Cooky of Cook’s Creations, called it the Holy Grail of Keto, check her website for details, it’s still there
Bec says
sorry that should read Cooky’s Creations
Amanda says
Can this dough be frozen? How perfect it would be to come home from a long day and pull out a pre-formed pizza crust that I can top and bake in no-time. (Sorry if this is answered somewhere here, if it is I couldn’t find it myself)
Carolyn says
Hi Amanda… it can be frozen but it loses elasticity so I recommend rolling it out and shaping it, and then freezing it that way. Let it thaw completely before baking.
Liz says
Nutritional information is FAR from correct! Really upset – was looking forward to this recipe – made it and the net carbs are DOUBLE (12g) per slice what your nutritional information says. For someone on 20g per day this is totally not doable!
Carolyn says
Hello. I am very careful with my nutritional info and I use software that pulls from the USDA database. I am confident of my numbers so I do not know where you are getting yours but I think you need to re-check them.
Lynn says
I’ve been making Fathead dough for years, but I have to say this recipe will be my new go-to. Substituting butter for the cream cheese is brilliant. The result is a nice, buttery, moist dough. I heated up the butter and mozzarella in the micro, and tossed the works into my food processor. Yes, it’s one more thing to wash, but it mixes the dough to a wonderful, cohesive thing of beauty. I turned them in hot dog caddys. Utterly amazing, and I couldn’t tell the difference between them and the wheat four caddys I used to buy in the grocery store. Once again, my waistline and taste buds are in your debt. Thank you!
Megan SparkleBig says
Hey there! I am allergic to Almonds. Will this recipe still work with all Coconut flour? If so, what would the measurement be? (I find coconut flour soaks up a bunch more than almond did when I could have it)
Carolyn says
Hi Megan… use this recipe instead https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/chewy-keto-bagels/
A half recipe is enough for one 10 to 12 inch pizza and it’s all coconut flour!
Lynn says
I had to come back and talk about this lovely dough. I had made a bunch if hot dog caddies, which turned out great. I then flattened the remaining dough and froze it. I defrosted it a week later and used part of it to make a sausage wrap…all done in the air fryer (370 degrees for 4 minutes on each side). That turned out amazing. I took the last bit of leftover dough and smooshed it with my tortilla press, and re-froze it. The dough doesn’t lose any of its fabulosity being frozen. The taste is deliciously buttery and flakey. You’re a genius, Carolyn.
Abeer Shehzad says
Hey Carolyn, my dough came out stringy. Do you know where I could have gone wrong.
Carolyn says
Could be many issues but probably your brand of cheese.
Kaureen says
This is the BEST keto dough I have ever eaten. I don’t remember how many times I have made this recipe. I’m the only one who is on keto, however my family enjoys it a lot. Its even to the point that I don’t eat it as a pizza and just on its own. I made a pizza for my birthday (I am a triplet, so i couldn’t eat a lot of the foods from my party, so I had to make my own pizza.) It doesn’t even taste like it was “keto” at all. Amazing recipe! I’m teaching my sister how to make it as I am typing this!
Joe Alexander says
Prep time 2 min? It takes that long just to get ingredients together! Then add your mix and kneading time.
Carolyn says
It’s just a typo, thanks for letting me know!
Amy R says
This was great as a flatbread! I used it for steak and cheese with horseradish mayo and sour cream as the sauce. Will try the sweet version next time. I’ve done fathead dough many times but this stovetop version with the butter and coconut flour is the best I’ve ever made! Thanks Carolyn, your recipes are the best, as always!
Judy Baker says
I love this dough too, but I remember Tom saying he didn’t create it. Maybe he will weigh in on who deserves the credit and a great big thank You!
Deborah says
Great dough….but to take it to the next level, just crisp the bottom in a hot skillet on the stove top after it comes out of the oven. I make a half recipe ( beating the egg and discarding or saveing the half I don’t need) as two “personal pizzas” ….and crisp the bottom in the skillet. So so good …..soft top, crisp bottom.
Carolyn says
Great idea!
Julia Pridgen says
Outstanding taste, and pretty easy to make! It’s the best low carb crust I’ve ever had.
Carol Schmidt says
I have made the original fathead dough twice and not liked it in the least. I ended up throwing the food out. And I do not even look at recipes now which contain it. However, since your recipes are always amazing I decided to read this recipe and the comments. I am sold on trying it and I just have a feeling it will be delicious. Thankyou Carolyn.
I do enjoy your recipes and your wit. You keep me smiling!
Carolyn says
Thanks, Carol. Now, if you would prefer a coconut flour based dough, be sure to check out my keto bagels. It can be made as pizza crust too.
Lola Marshall says
I bought your latest book full of foolproof recipes :). dough recipe is the best i have come across. i made pasties. the dough is easy to handle, takes a few minutes to make and i did not have to wait for it to cool in the fridge. thank you x
Heather B. says
Do you leave the crust on the parchment paper to bake on a stone? Will it still crips up through the parchment? LOVE all of your recipes!
Carolyn says
Yes, and you need the parchment. It sticks like crazy to a hot stone.
Hina says
I love the pizza dough recipe it came out so good thanks for sharing the wonderful recipe 🙂
Ana says
Hey Carolyn,
I love this recipe for pizza dough. Wondering if you’ve tried it as a crust for quiche? Perhaps a pre-bake in the pie dish before adding the custard?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
Carolyn says
Honestly, it may not work that well for quiche. For one, it’s too big for a 9 inch pie pan. I also suspect it won’t firm up. You’re better off with this recipe. https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/easy-low-carb-press-in-pie-crust/
Ana says
Okay, thank you!!
Kim says
Best dough I’ve tried yet. This recipe is a keeper. Thank you
Chris says
I just made pizza and garlic knots using this dough (more garlic in the knots than than the pizza). We were very disappointed. I used finely ground almond flour from Bob’s Red Mill for the pizza and having run out of that Costco house brand finely ground almond flour for the knots. Otherwise the same ingredients in both recipes.
Both were grainy and crumbly. The pizza batch rolled out nicely and prebaked with no issues but the pizza would not hold up to being picked up and the crust was crumbly. The batch for the knots would not roll out into the logs specified in the recipe they kept crumbling. Then when I tried to knot them they just fell apart!
I am contemplating trying again with the addition of 1-2 table spoons of protein powder.
Carolyn says
It’s likely not the almond flour that’s the problem here, but the cheese. I’ve found that most shredded mozzarella works fine but a few just won’t work. One of them is Organic Valley for some reason. But the Whole Foods 365 brand works fine.
Natalie says
I am so excited to make this!! Love the idea of mozzarella in the dough!! And, low carb…I won’t feel guilty!
wilhelmina says
This is such a great an versatile dough! It is so tasty and really satisfied my pizza cravings!
Kristyn says
What a delicious idea!! I will have to try for our next pizza night! Looks easy & so good!
Kim says
Carolyn – do you think one could add “quick dry yeast” to the recipe to help add a “yeasty” taste?
I adore this recipe….best one out there and I’ve tried 10 different ones! But as good as it is….I miss the “yeasty” taste of pizza crust in my keto recipe. If it were added with only flavor as the intent …. how much would you suggest? Change any other ingredients?
Thanks for the great recipes!!!
Carolyn says
Sure, if you’re just doing it for flavor, go for it!
Keith says
Just made this recipe and very good. I can usually eat several pieces of pizza easily but this crust is so filling two 1/8th slices was my limit. Gave 4-5 only because I’m reserving 5 for a pizza crust identical to a flour yeast crust. 5-5 may never happen in my opinion. I would say make this crust in lieu of a labor intensive cauliflower crust or a pizza bowl recipe. Looks like pizza, eat it by hand like pizza, just be aware that its very filling and don’t expect to pack in the whole pie with 2 beers and still have room for the game with a bowl of pork rinds. Great Keto option! Wish I could attach a photo of my pie.
-Keith
Carolyn says
Holding out for the perfect pizza… I can dig it!
Hoa Nguyen says
My first time making keto pizza and it turns out great with your recipe. My only question is whether I can use a liquid oil like avocado oil to replace the butter. I am just trying to use less dairy fat whenever possible.
Carolyn says
I honestly can’t say how it would fare, but it’s worth a try. I wouldn’t melt it with the cheese, I would add it after the cheese is melted.
Victoria says
Hello 👋🏻 Can I freeze the dough? Or perhaps it’s better to bake it then freeze it? Or perhaps you don’t recommend freezing it in any state at all? Thanks, Victoria
Carolyn says
You can shape it into a pizza crust and freeze that, but don’t freeze it as a ball. It loses elasticity and hard to work with.
Laura says
I miss the yeasty taste is pizza crust. would the addition of nutritional yeast provide that?
Carolyn says
I’d actually add real yeast. It won’t make it rise but will give it the right flavour.
Cindy Lightbourne says
Please help. It sticks to the parchment paper
Carolyn says
Then it doesn’t have enough flour in it. Add another tbsp of coconut flour.
Pamela Wang says
Hello, I’m newer to Keto and wondered about making calzones or even garbage bread with this. Can you put the toppings on before you roll it up and then bake it all? Or do I have to partially bake it first and then try rolling it? I just don’t want to end up with a doughy mess. Thank you.
Carolyn says
Yes, this can be used for calzones.
jb says
Can i use Almond meal instead of almond flour? Thanks
Carolyn says
If it’s not finely ground, you may find it not as nice and smooth.
Shereen Ishag says
Hi there, can I use marble cheese which is cheddar and mozzarella combination?
Carolyn says
No idea, I haven’t tried it.
Rosette Sullivan says
What almond flour do you think is the best on the market. And do you think getting supplies at Thrive would be better than on Amazon, as far as what they have available.
Thank you
Rosette
Carolyn says
I always use Bob’s Red Mill, and it’s available at both places.
Lori says
Made your Magic Mozzarella Dough from your cookbook for Friday date night. Dang, it was so good !! I made the prosciutto and arugula with red sauce on the crust and I made the mushroom, fontina cheese and fresh sage with alfredo sauce on the crust. Delicious is all hubby and I can say. Having leftovers for lunch today, can’t wait. Thanks Carolyn for another great recipe 🙂
Pam Kirsch says
This is by far the most superior recipe for fathead dough that I’ve used yet! Using butter makes it so much better than using cream cheese, in my opinion. My pizza crust was flavorful and was not dry at all. I did brush the edges with a little garlic butter, because that’s how I roll! I will totally use this recipe from now on when I’m in a pizza mood! I can’t wait to use it to make all kinds of yummy “bready” desserts!
Carolyn says
So glad you liked it!