7 Healthy Pizza Crust Alternatives

Mmmm, pizza. That cheesy, saucy goodness is one of the most popular foods on the planet. In fact, Americans love pizza so much that we eat 350 slices every second!

As delightful as pizza is, however, the traditional pie is not typically low-calorie or nutrient-rich. But swapping out pizza’s flour-based crust with veggies can easily change that. Read on to learn about the most delicious healthy pizza crust alternatives!

Best Veggies to Make Healthy Pizza Crusts

Once you get the hang of a recipe, feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies and see what you like best. In the meantime, here is our list of favorites.

1. Cauliflower

   The current champion of alternative pizza crusts tops our list too.
   Why it’s great for pizza crust: Cauliflower’s mild taste and relatively low water composition make it an almost seamless swap for flour-based crusts.
   Health benefits: Just one serving of cauliflower contains three-quarters of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. It’s also a good source of vitamins B6 and K, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

2. Zucchini

   Transcend the zoodle and move into the realm of the zucchini pizza pie crust!
   Why it’s great for pizza crust: Zucchini’s light flavor is versatile and makes it a great swap for carbs in many meals.
   Health Benefits: Zucchini is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamins A, B and C. Remember most of these compounds are found in the zucchini’s skin, so don’t peel it off before eating.

3. Sweet Potato

   It’s not just for fries, pies and Thanksgiving casseroles topped with marshmallows.
   Why it’s great for pizza crust: The smooth, starchy texture of sweet potatoes mimics dough very well.
   Health benefits: Sweet potatoes are one of nature’s unsurpassed sources of beta-carotene. They are also a great source of potassium, vitamins B1 and B2 and fiber.

4. Beets

   A bright purple pizza crust? Sure, why not!
   Why it’s great for pizza crust: They add a sweet, earthy twist that goes great with melty cheeses like gruyere and smoked mozzarella.
   Health benefits: Packed with essential nutrients, beets are a wonderful source of folate, iron, vitamin C and fiber.

5. Leafy Green Mix

   Power greens like kale, spinach and swiss chard pack a big nutritional punch.
   Why it’s great for pizza crust: They’re very flavorful and only take seconds to prep in the food processor.
   Health benefits: Dark green leafy greens are known for being an excellent source of iron, carotenoids and calcium. They also contain vitamins C and K, allowing them to act as antioxidants too.

6. Carrots

   No-bunny will be laughing at you for this tasty concoction!
   Why it’s great for pizza crust: Like beets, carrots add a sweet flavor that goes great with salty, sharp cheeses and a variety of sauces.
   Health benefits: Carrots are very rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. They’re also a good source for biotin, vitamins B6 and K and potassium.

7. Broccoli

   Cauliflower makes a mean crust, so why not try out its green “sister,” broccoli?
   Why it’s great for pizza crust: Like cauliflower, broccoli has a firm texture that makes it a great sticky dough alternative.
   Health benefits: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are very rich in fiber. They also contain several important carotenoids, folate and vitamins C, E and K.