10 Low-Nickel Pizza Recipes That Actually Make Clean Eating Feel Fun
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Hi, friends!
Stop scrolling, this is your sign to make pizza night fun again without wrecking your gut or your skin. Nickel allergies? Weird food sensitivities? Tired of Googling “Can I eat tomato sauce” every time you crave a slice? Same.
After way too many trial-and-error dinners, I finally nailed a lineup of low-nickel pizza recipes that are actually worth turning on the oven for. Think gooey cheese, crispy crust, and zero sketchy ingredients.
Oh, and if you’ve never used a pizza stone, now’s the time. This one’s my ride-or-die. Grab it here and thank me later.
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Pizza Dough Recipe
Here's a pizza dough recipe for you that’s super simple and uses quality, easy-to-digest ingredients. Use it with any of the following recipes!
Ingredients:
4 cups high-quality 00 or all-purpose flour – Organic, unbleached
2 tsp sea salt
1 packet active dry yeast – Ensure it's fresh for a proper rise.
1 1/4 cups warm water – About 100°F (37°C), for yeast activation.
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey – A small sugar source to kickstart yeast activation.
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix 1¼ cups warm water with 1 tsp honey. Sprinkle 1 packet yeast over the top and let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups flour and 2 tsp sea salt.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil to the flour. Stir until a rough dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour only if too sticky.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled. For extra flavor, refrigerate for up to 14 hours after rising.
6. Shape & Rest: Punch down the dough, let rest 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Shape your dough, place on parchment, add toppings, and bake 10–12 minutes until golden.
Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes kitchen chaos and drool-worthy pizza pics.
1. BBQ Bacon Ranch Pizza
If you’re a fan of BBQ pulled chicken (or pork) and pizza, you’re really in for a treat with this recipe! Add in some crispy bacon for that extra crunch and flavor, and then drizzle on a creamy ranch dressing that ties it all together beautifully.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza:
1 lb pizza dough (pre-made or homemade – use the recipe I shared earlier if you're making it from scratch)
1/2 cup homemade Ranch BBQ Sauce (recipe below)
¾ cup cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie or cook your own)
4 slices crispy bacon, chopped into bits
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Chopped green onions (optional)
Homemade Ranch BBQ Sauce:
Ingredients:
¼ cup Primal Kitchen’s Ranch
½ cup Yo Mama’s BBQ Sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Instructions:
Instructions: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup Ranch, ½ cup BBQ sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Mix until smooth, then taste and season with salt and pepper.
BBQ Sauce for the Chicken:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Yo Mama’s BBQ Sauce (or any BBQ sauce you prefer)
1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: In a small pan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add ¾ cup shredded chicken and toss to warm. Stir in ½ cup BBQ sauce, ½ tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes until the chicken is coated and glossy.
Assembling the Pizza:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat it inside the oven.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread the Sauce: Spoon ½ cup Ranch BBQ sauce over the dough, spreading a thin, even layer.
4. Add Toppings: Layer on the BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheese. Add red onions if using.
5. Bake the Pizza: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Garnish & Serve: Let the pizza cool for 2 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and slice to serve.
Picking the right ingredients can make or break your pizza! If you want the full scoop on grocery shopping low-nickel style, check out how I do it here: What’s Actually in My Fridge (No, It’s Not Just Leftovers and Wine)
2. Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza
This pizza brings the heat with crispy Nashville hot chicken. The spicy chicken is complemented by a creamy sauce that helps mellow the heat without overpowering it.
Ingredients:
For the Pizza:
1 lb pizza dough (pre-made or use the recipe shared earlier)
1/2 cup ranch-inspired white sauce (recipe below)
1 1/2 cups spicy Nashville hot chicken, shredded
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Diced pickles (optional)
Fresh dill (optional)
Ranch-Inspired White Sauce:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sour cream
2 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup milk (or more if you prefer a thinner consistency)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp lemon juice (or vinegar)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 tsp dried basil or oregano for a subtle Italian flavor
Instructions: In a bowl, mix sour cream and cream cheese until smooth. Add milk, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, and optional herbs. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting consistency with more milk if needed.
Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken:
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup Nashville hot sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional based on spice preference)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and toss to coat. Stir in hot sauce, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 5 minutes until fully coated and glossy.
Assembling the Pizza:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a floured surface to your preferred thickness and transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
3. Spread the Sauce: Spoon ½ cup white sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Add Chicken & Cheese: Top with Nashville hot chicken, then sprinkle 1½ cups mozzarella cheese evenly across.
5. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden.
6. Garnish & Serve: Let cool slightly, then top with diced pickles and fresh dill before slicing.
What’s your favorite pizza topping combo? Drop it below!
3. White Pizza with Garlic
If you prefer a more classic pizza without the tomato sauce, this white pizza is the answer. With rich ricotta, mozzarella, and a touch of garlic, this pizza is creamy and full of flavor. This is a simple but indulgent pizza option that's perfect for those avoiding tomatoes.
Ingredients:
1 lb pizza dough (pre-made or homemade – use the recipe above)
1/2 cup white sauce (recipe below)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat)
1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 cloves fresh garlic, roasted
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, (optional)
White Sauce:
1/2 cup heavy cream (full-fat)
2 tbsp butter (grass-fed)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
White Sauce Instructions:
Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 2 tbsp flour to create a roux and cook 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in ½ cup heavy cream, stirring continuously until thickened (3–5 minutes).
Season with ½ tsp garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Assembling the Pizza:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a pizza stone or baking sheet.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread ½ cup white sauce over the dough as your base layer.
4. Add the Cheese & Garlic: Dot with ½ cup ricotta, sprinkle 1½ cups mozzarella, and scatter the roasted garlic. Add 2 tbsp Parmesan if using.
5. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve: Slice hot, drizzle with olive oil if you want extra shine, and enjoy that perfect creamy-garlic bite.
4. Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
This Philly-inspired pizza has tender beef, sautéed peppers, and onions, all smothered in mozzarella and provolone for that cheesy, melty goodness.
Ingredients:
1 lb pizza dough (pre-made or homemade, use the recipe above)
1/2 cup white sauce (recipe above)
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1/2 green bell pepper (optional, if you tolerate it)
1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 450°F (230°C) and prepare a pizza stone or baking sheet.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to your baking surface.
3. Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread ½ cup white sauce over the dough as the base.
4. Cook the Toppings: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté ½ lb ground beef, ½ onion, and ½ green bell pepper (if using) until tender and lightly caramelized.
5. Assemble the Pizza: Layer the cooked beef mixture evenly over the sauce, then top with ½ cup provolone and 1½ cups mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Slice hot and enjoy!
5. Spicy Thai Chicken Pizza
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this Spicy Thai Chicken Pizza will hit the spot. With a creamy sauce base and a spicy chicken topping, this pizza delivers a bit of heat and sweetness with every bite.
Ingredients:
1 lb pizza dough (pre-made or homemade – use the recipe above)
1/2 cup creamy peanut sauce (recipe below)
1/2 lb grilled chicken, sliced (tossed with a little sriracha)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Hot honey (optional)
Creamy Peanut Sauce:
1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth, natural)
2 tbsp heavy cream (or whole milk)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp sriracha (or more for extra heat)
Pinch of salt
Instructions: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup peanut butter, 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, ½ tsp sriracha, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust sweetness or heat to taste.
Pizza Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat it inside the oven.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread the Sauce: Spoon ½ cup creamy peanut sauce over the dough, spreading an even layer.
4. Add Toppings: Top with sliced grilled chicken, red onions, and ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake the Pizza: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted.
6. Garnish & Serve: Top with chopped cilantro and drizzle hot honey (optional) before slicing.
6. Loaded Baked Potato Pizza
Craving comfort food? This Loaded Baked Potato Pizza gives you all the crispy, creamy goodness of a loaded baked potato, but in pizza form.
Ingredients:
1 lb pizza dough (use the dough recipe above)
1/2 cup creamy base sauce (recipe below)
1/4 cup sour cream, plus extra for garnish
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1-2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced and pre-cooked in butter
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Butter or tallow for cooking the potatoes
Creamy Base Sauce:
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp whole milk
Pinch of salt
Instructions: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter with ¼ cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp whole milk. Stir in a pinch of salt and heat gently until smooth and creamy.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Cook the Potatoes: In a skillet, melt butter or tallow over medium heat. Add thinly sliced potatoes and sauté 5–7 minutes until golden and tender. Season with ¼ tsp garlic powder and a pinch of salt.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Make the creamy base sauce as described above.
4. Build the Pizza: Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a floured surface. Spread the creamy base sauce evenly over the dough. Add ¼ cup sour cream and 2 tbsp chives, mixing slightly into the sauce layer.
5. Add Toppings: Layer the pre-cooked potatoes, crispy bacon, and green onions evenly. Top with ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup cheddar.
6. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Finish & Serve: Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
7. Hot Honey & Bacon Pizza
There’s something magical about the combination of bacon and hot honey. This pizza brings together crispy bacon and a sweet-spicy honey drizzle that creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
Ingredients:
1 lb pizza dough (use the recipe above)
1/4 cup white sauce (recipe above)
4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tbsp hot honey (see below)
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Hot Honey:
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust for heat)
Instructions: In a small pot, warm ¼ cup honey and ½ tsp chili flakes over low heat for 2–3 minutes. Stir and set aside to infuse.
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Assemble the Pizza: Spread ¼ cup white sauce evenly over the dough. Top with crumbled bacon and ½ cup mozzarella.
4. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
5. Finish & Serve: Drizzle with 2 tbsp hot honey and sprinkle with black pepper and fresh herbs if using. Slice and serve warm.
8. Street Corn Taco Pizza
If you love street corn, you’ll love this pizza! It combines the creamy, tangy flavors of Mexican street corn with grilled chicken and a cheesy crust.
Ingredients:
1 lb pizza dough (recipe above)
1/4 cup creamy butter sauce (recipe below)
1/2 lb grass-fed ground beef, cooked
1/2 cup roasted corn (sautéed in butter)
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
Fresh cilantro
Fresh lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Creamy Butter Sauce:
1/4 cup butter
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt, to taste
Instructions: In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter over low heat. Stir in 2 tbsp sour cream, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Warm for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Prepare the Sauce: Make the creamy butter sauce as described above.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out 1 lb pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. Assemble the Pizza: Spread ¼ cup creamy butter sauce evenly over the dough. Layer with cooked ground beef, roasted corn, and ¼ cup mozzarella. Sprinkle ¼ cup queso fresco on top.
5. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
6. Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a bright, zesty finish.
9. Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza
If you love Caesar salad, this pizza is the perfect crossover. With grilled chicken, parmesan, and a creamy Caesar dressing, this pizza is light but satisfying.
Ingredients:
1 lb pizza dough (recipe above)
2 tbsp butter (melted)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/4 cup Caesar dressing (Primal Kitchen’s or homemade)
1/2 lb grilled chicken, tossed in Caesar dressing
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded Asiago cheese
1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded (added after baking)
Crushed croutons (optional, for topping)
Fresh lemon wedges (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Make the Caesar-Flavored Butter: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp melted butter, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp dried parsley. Brush this mixture evenly over your rolled-out dough for a rich, garlicky base.
3. Assemble the Pizza: Spread ¼ cup Caesar dressing evenly over the dough. Add the grilled chicken (tossed in a little extra Caesar dressing), then layer with ¼ cup Parmesan and ¼ cup Asiago.
4. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Finish & Serve: Top with shredded iceberg lettuce and a sprinkle of crushed croutons for crunch. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving for a light, zesty touch.
10. Big Mac Pizza
For those who love a good burger, this Big Mac Pizza is a fun twist on the classic fast food favorite. With ground beef, pickles, and cheese, it’s like a Big Mac in pizza form.
Ingredients:
1 lb pizza dough (recipe above)
1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing (Primal Kitchen’s or homemade)
1/4 chopped onions
1/2 lb ground beef, seasoned with salt and pepper
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup diced pickles
1/2 cup fresh shredded lettuce (added after baking)
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Spread a generous layer of ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing evenly over the dough.
3. Cook the Beef & Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, brown ½ lb ground beef with ¼ cup chopped onions, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat.
4. Assemble the Pizza: Layer the cooked beef mixture evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup cheddar cheese on top, then add ¼ cup diced pickles.
5. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
6. Finish & Serve: Top with ½ cup shredded lettuce for that signature Big Mac crunch. Slice and serve immediately.
FAQ’s
Q1: What are the best low-nickel pizza toppings for sensitive eaters?
A: When it comes to low-nickel pizza toppings, focus on fresh, whole ingredients like mozzarella, ricotta, chicken, bacon, and mild veggies such as peeled potatoes or peeled carrots. Avoid canned, processed, or seed-heavy options. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano add flavor without raising nickel levels.
Q2: How can I make pizza dough safe for a low-nickel diet?
A: Use organic, unbleached all-purpose or 00 flour instead of whole wheat or multigrain, which tend to have more nickel. Stick with simple ingredients: sea salt, olive oil, honey, and fresh yeast. Avoid whole grains, seeds, or nuts in the dough.
Q3: Is homemade pizza sauce better than store-bought for low-nickel diets?
A: Absolutely. Many store sauces have hidden ingredients like canned tomatoes or additives that raise nickel levels. Making your own sauce from fresh tomatoes or skipping tomato sauce altogether (hello, white pizza!) lets you control what goes in and keeps it nickel-friendly.
Q4: Can dairy products be safely included in a low-nickel pizza?
A: Yes, organic full-fat dairy like mozzarella, ricotta, and cream can be safely enjoyed on a low-nickel diet. Just watch out for processed cheese blends or anything with fillers, which may contain nickel contaminants.
Q5: Can I substitute gluten-free flour for a low-nickel pizza crust?
A: Most gluten-free flours are high in nickel (like buckwheat, quinoa, or millet). Stick with organic, unbleached wheat flour or experiment with white rice flour blends, which tend to be lower in nickel, but test your tolerance carefully.
Q6: What are easy ways to add protein to low-nickel pizzas?
A: Rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and plenty of melty mozzarella or ricotta cheese. You can also toss on thin slices of cooked pork, beef, or even some fried eggs for a brunchy twist.
Q8: How do I store leftover low-nickel pizza without losing flavor?
A: Wrap leftovers tightly in parchment or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To revive it, warm in an oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crispy, microwaves tend to make it soggy.
Q9: Can I make low-nickel pizza ahead for parties?
A: Definitely. Prepare the dough and sauce a day ahead, assemble the pizza just before baking, and pop it in the oven. For extra ease, par-bake crusts and freeze, then add toppings fresh on party day.
Q10: What kitchen tools make low-nickel pizza prep easier and tastier?
A: A heavy-duty pizza stone (linked and shown in the intro!) is a game changer for crispy crust. A good rolling pin and pizza cutter make prep smoother. Bonus points for a digital thermometer to get dough proofing and oven temps just right.
Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, savory, or creamy, these pizzas are delicious! I’d love to know your favorite pizza topping! Share it in the comments, and let’s swap ideas!
Want more low-nickel meals that taste like real food? Check out my Easy Weeknight Dinners: 5 Flavor-Packed Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Make
And hey, if you know any fellow pizza lovers or someone navigating a low-nickel diet, share this post with them! Don’t forget to sign up for our free monthly newsletter for more scrumptious recipes and wellness tips. Happy pizza-making!
