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Home » Recipes » Mains » Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust (Easy, Gluten-Free)

Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust (Easy, Gluten-Free)

Published: Aug 21, 2023 Modified: Nov 15, 2023 by Elizabeth · 35 Comments

Made with just 5 ingredients, this Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust is ideal for pizzas or flatbreads. Ready in minutes, it's a great quick meal! Vegan and gluten-free.

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Chickpea pizza on parchment paper, sliced into pieces. Basil leaves sit nearby.

Like many, pizza is one of my all-time favourite foods.

There's nothing quite like the taste of (vegan) mozzarella cheese, tomato and basil or pesto, all spread over a delicious crust.

For a while now, I've been experimenting with making vegan gluten-free pizza bases.

One of the alternatives I've really come to love is this gluten-free Chickpea Pizza Crust.

Made with just 3 main ingredients (chickpea flour, tapioca starch and dried herbs, plus water and salt) it cooks quickly, is packed with protein and doesn't fall apart!

The perfect hearty base for your favourite toppings, this vegan pizza crust is filling, versatile and SO easy to whip up.

So much so that you'll find yourself wanting it for dinner every night!

A woman's hand holds a slice of chickpea flour pizza, topped with cheese, cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. The rest of the pizza is in the background.
Contents hide
1 Why you'll love this
2 What is chickpea flour?
3 Main ingredients
4 Variations
5 How to make chickpea flour pizza crust
6 Why use a cast iron pan
7 Expert Tips
8 How to store
9 FAQS
10 More dinners under 30 minutes
11 Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust (Easy, Gluten-Free)

Why you'll love this

Super easy - Once you've mixed the ingredients together and poured the batter into the pan, you just leave it to bake for a few minutes et voila - it's ready for you to add your favourite toppings.

Perfect for first time bakers who want to make their own pizza creations!

Lower in carbs - This chickpea crust pizza has a fraction of the carbs found in traditional pizza dough. A guilt-free pizza option for those watching their carb intake!

Gluten-free - You can enjoy pizza nights to your heart's content even if you're sensitive to gluten with this chickpea version.

(Pssst! All my recipes can be gluten free if you're looking for more inspiration.)

Filling - Loaded with protein-rich chickpea flour, this gluten-free pizza crust is incredibly filling - leaving you feeling satisfied for hours after eating it.

One serving size (half of a 10-inch pizza) also gives you 5 grams of fiber.

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A woman's hand takes a slice of chickpea pizza on parchment paper. Basil leaves and a pizza wheel sit nearby.

What is chickpea flour?

Chickpea flour, also known as besan, gram, or garbanzo bean flour, is a gluten-free flour made from ground whole chickpeas or garbanzo beans.

Aside from being a great source of plant protein (21 grams of protein per cup), it's naturally high in fibre.

Chickpea flour also contains key vitamins and minerals that would otherwise be missing from a pizza crust.

With a naturally nutty flavour, it adds a subtle taste to the pizza base without overpowering the other ingredients.

It also works nicely with common pizza toppings like tomato, herbs like oregano and basil, and cheese, making it an irresistible option for vegan and gluten-free pizza lovers!

Main ingredients

Ingredients for chickpea flour pizza crust.

Chickpea flour - A great gluten-free alternative to a wheat or white flour crust, it provides a distinct nutty flavour and gives the pizza crust a nice texture.

It's cheap and widely available in many grocery stores (try Indian grocery stores if you can't find it in supermarkets).

NOTE: this recipe is specific to chickpea flour and it can't be replaced with other types of flour like almond and oat flour.

Tapioca starch - Starch acts as a binder to hold the chickpea flour dough together, and it also helps to make the crispy crust pliable. You can also use ground flax or chia if you want to skip the starch.

Dried mixed herbs (optional) - Use any combination of herbs you want, such as oregano, basil and parsley. It's important to use high quality herbs because it will affect the flavour of the pizza.

Olive oil & salt - Salt is just for flavour, and olive oil goes straight in the pan to heat up and give the pizza crust a nice crispiness (for an oil-free variation, see below).

Toppings - Feel free to add whichever toppings you prefer to this healthy pizza - mine are just a guide.

I like a combination of the following: fresh tomato sauce, basil or basil pesto, artichokes, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers and vegan mozzarella. But you can always just make a classic cheese pizza!

Chickpea pizza on parchment paper, topped with tomatoes, vegan cheese and basil, sliced into pieces. Basil leaves sit nearby.

Variations

Tapioca-free - If you'd prefer to avoid tapioca starch, just substitute in 2 tablespoons ground flax or chia seed instead.

This will give a slightly different texture (the tapioca makes the pizza more pliable) but won't make a huge difference.

Oil-free - For an oil-free version, simply use a regular baking sheet lined with baking parchment (instead of using oil on a cast iron pan).

How to make chickpea flour pizza crust

Oil being poured into cast iron pan.

Preheat your oven to 400°F/205°C.

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to cast iron pan, and place in oven to heat. (If not using a cast iron pan, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.)

Dry ingredients for chickpea pizza crust in a glass bowl with a whisk.

Add all dry ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.

Chickpea pizza crust batter in glass bowl with whisk.

Add ¾ cup of water, ¼ a cup at a time, whisking really thoroughly after each addition so as to avoid lumps.

When all water is added, set mixture aside for 5 minutes to thicken slightly (it will still be runny).

Chickpea pizza batter being poured into hot cast iron pan.

Remove cast iron pan from oven and pour batter evenly into it, so it covers surface. (If not using a cast iron pan, pour onto baking or cookie sheet and use a spoon to spread in a rough 5mm layer.)

Cooked chickpea flour pizza crust in cast iron pan.

Bake for approximately 8 minutes in oven, until plain pizza crust is firm but not yet golden brown.

Chickpea pizza crust with uncooked toppings in cast iron pan.

Spread a layer of tomato sauce over pizza base, scatter over cheese and top with tomato slices and/or other desired toppings.

Cooked chickpea flour pizza in cast iron pan.

Bake another 7-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and toppings are cooked.

Scatter pizza with basil leaves before serving. Enjoy!

Check out my web story on how to make this low carb pizza crust.

Why use a cast iron pan

I really like to use a cast iron pan with hot oil in it for this crispy chickpea crust because it gives the crust a crunchier texture, and helps it cook faster.

That said, if you want to avoid oil/don't have a cast iron pan, don't worry! You can use a regular baking sheet - see my notes in the recipe.

Uncooked chickpea pizza batter in hot cast iron pan.

Expert Tips

Avoid lumpy batter - Ensure you add the water SLOWLY as you mix the batter, ¼ cup at a time.

This will help you avoid getting lumps in the mixture, as these will be harder to get out the more liquid you add in one go.

Make sure the pan is hot! This (combined with olive oil in the pan) helps make gluten-free crusts crispier and cook faster.

Chickpea pizza on parchment paper, sliced into six pieces. Basil leaves and a pizza wheel sit nearby.

How to store

Like regular pizza, this chickpea flour crust will last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

If you don't plan on eating it all straight away, cut the cooked pizza into slices and store them separately between parchment paper for easier reheating later.

When you're ready to enjoy your pizza again, place slices on a baking tray and heat them in the oven at 375°F/190°C for about 5-8 minutes.

This pizza is definitely best enjoyed warm!

Chickpea flour pizza on parchment paper, sliced into pieces. Pizza is topped with cheese, cherry tomatoes and basil. Basil leaves sit nearby.

FAQS

Is chickpea flour healthy?

Yes! There are many health benefits of chickpea flour. Because it's made from chickpeas it's high in protein, low on the glycemic index and contains various vitamins and minerals.

What can I use chickpea flour for?

Pizzas, savoury crêpes, pancakes, cookies, vegan frittatas...the list goes on! It works well in many baked goods instead of flour, although you can't always substitute it 1:1. Sometimes you need to add extra ingredients like flax or starches to help it bind.

Does a chickpea flour crust taste the same as a regular pizza crust?

No. Chickpea flour provides a much more dense pizza crust than regular flour, so it's a lot more filling. Also, it's made without yeast so it's a lot less airy than regular pizza crust.

How many carbs are in chickpea pizza crust?

This chickpea pizza recipe is not only vegan and gluten-free but is also low-carb. A 10-inch chickpea pizza crust has about 70 grams total, which is equivalent to two to three slices of regular pizza. Definitely a healthier way to satisfy your pizza cravings!

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Chickpea pizza on parchment paper, sliced into pieces. Basil leaves sit nearby.
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4.93 from 64 votes

Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust (Easy, Gluten-Free)

Made with just 5 ingredients, this Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust is ideal for pizzas or flatbreads. Ready in minutes, it's a great quick meal! Vegan and gluten-free.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, comfort food, gluten-free, healthy, vegan
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 2 people (1 x 10" pizza crust)
Calories per serving: 274kcal
Author: Elizabeth Emery

Special Equipment

  • cast iron pan (optional, see alternative below)

Ingredients

Pizza Crust

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chickpea flour
  • 2 tablespoon tapioca starch (can use ground flax instead if you'd prefer not to use tapioca)
  • ½ tablespoon dried mixed herbs (optional)
  • Sea salt to taste

Toppings - all optional (feel free to use your own)

  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • ½-¾ cup your favourite mozzarella (I love making my own vegan mozzarella cheese)
  • Tomato slices
  • Any other desired toppings (mushrooms, olives, basil pesto, spinach and artichokes are all delicious on this pizza)
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F/205°C.
  • Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to cast iron pan, and place in oven to heat. (If not using a cast iron pan, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.)
  • Add chickpea flour, tapioca starch, dried mixed herbs and salt to taste to a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Add ¾ cup water, ¼ a cup at a time, whisking really thoroughly after each addition so as to avoid lumps.
  • When all water is added, set mixture aside for 5 minutes to thicken slightly (it will still be runny).
  • Remove cast iron pan from oven and pour batter evenly into it, so it covers surface. (If not using a cast iron pan, pour onto parchment-lined baking sheet and use a spoon to ensure evenly spread in a rough 5mm layer.)
  • Bake for approximately 8 minutes in oven, until pizza crust is just firm but not golden.
  • Spread a layer of tomato sauce over pizza base, scatter over cheese and top with tomato slices and/or other desired toppings.
  • Bake another 7-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and toppings are cooked.
  • Scatter pizza with basil leaves before serving. Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Leave a rating above and mention @vancouverwithlove or tag #vancouverwithlove on Instagram!

Notes

Toppings - Try a combination of the following: tomato sauce, basil, artichokes, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers and vegan mozzarella.
Tapioca-free version - Substitute 2 tablespoon ground flax or chia seed instead. Note, this will give a slightly les pliable texture.
Avoid lumpy batter - Ensure you add the water SLOWLY as you mix the batter, ¼ cup at a time. 
Make sure the pan is hot! This (combined with the olive oil in the pan) will help make these gluten-free crusts crispier and cook faster.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 35.8g | Protein: 10.3g | Fat: 10.1g | Saturated Fat: 1.3g | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 399mg | Fiber: 5.1g | Sugar: 5g | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

If you’ve tried this recipe, please leave a comment or tip for others below.

I'd love to know how you’ve made it your own!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Simon

    February 19, 2021 at 1:34 am

    5 stars
    I made this tonight, a lot easier than I thought it would be as someone new to cooking!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      February 22, 2021 at 7:00 pm

      Thanks Simon! I'm so glad you found it easy. I love how simple it is to make too. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sab

    May 05, 2022 at 8:12 am

    Is there an alternative to flaxseed?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 07, 2022 at 4:47 am

      Ground chia seed would work equally well I think. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Lee-Ann Hart

    May 16, 2023 at 8:18 am

    4 stars
    This was delicious, I made it as a practice run for when my Mother In Law comes to stay. Would make one big base rather than 2 smallish ones next time.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 17, 2023 at 1:00 am

      So glad you loved it Lee-Ann. Yes, that's a great idea. I tend to go with two as my pans are a little smaller, but 1 big one would work!

      Reply
  4. Andrea

    May 25, 2023 at 2:41 am

    5 stars
    Love how easy this pizza crust is to whip up! It was so perfect for pizza night this week. Will be making it again!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 29, 2023 at 9:43 pm

      Ah so happy to hear it Andrea!

      Reply
  5. Nancy

    May 25, 2023 at 10:19 pm

    5 stars
    I was hesitant at first but it was easier to make then expected and tastes amazing.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 29, 2023 at 9:44 pm

      So glad you liked it Nancy. Surprisingly easy isn't it?

      Reply
  6. swathi

    May 26, 2023 at 4:26 am

    5 stars
    I am excited to try thic chick flour pizza crust. perfect. I have chickpeaflour in hand.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 29, 2023 at 9:44 pm

      I hope you love it Swathi!

      Reply
  7. Julia

    May 27, 2023 at 7:42 am

    This held together so well, glad to find another alternative to wheat flour for our homemade pizza nights!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      May 29, 2023 at 9:44 pm

      Great to hear! That's actually one of my fave things about chickpea flour - that it holds together so well as a crust!

      Reply
  8. Dennis

    June 15, 2023 at 12:48 pm

    5 stars
    I love chickpea flour but never thought of using it for pizza crust. The crust was delicious and the bonus was it was Gluten-Free!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      June 15, 2023 at 8:01 pm

      Thanks so much Dennis - really glad you enjoyed it. Chickpea flour works surprisingly well as a pizza crust doesn't it?!

      Reply
  9. Swathi

    June 15, 2023 at 10:13 pm

    5 stars
    Chickpea flour pizza crust looks delicious. I am yet to try chickpea flour pizza crust.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      June 23, 2023 at 1:43 am

      I highly recommend it. Hope you try it!

      Reply
  10. Nancy

    June 16, 2023 at 5:21 pm

    5 stars
    What a brilliant idea to use chickpea flour for pizza crust. It’s really crispy

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      June 23, 2023 at 1:43 am

      Thanks Nancy! So glad you loved it. 🙂

      Reply
  11. andrea

    June 16, 2023 at 10:12 pm

    love love love how simple this chickpea crust is to make! it's so perfect for pizza night!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      June 23, 2023 at 1:43 am

      Thank you! I know, the simplicity is what nails it for me too. 🙂

      Reply
  12. Debra

    June 18, 2023 at 12:34 pm

    5 stars
    Delish. Great alternative to GF flour for pizza crust. We topped with pesto and roasted red peppers and it was fabulous.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      June 23, 2023 at 1:44 am

      That combination sounds perfect. I need to try peppers and pesto together myself!

      Reply
  13. Devon

    August 20, 2023 at 12:51 am

    5 stars
    holy cow! this was a hit for me and my husband. i’m new to the gluten-free lifestyle and upon finding out i had to eliminate gluten from my diet i was SHATTERED. but this recipe has brought me so much peace of mind. i’m kinda weird when it comes to texture so i did a half batch and tested it out in my husband. i liked it so much an hour later i made another for myself. yum! so easy - thank you!!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      August 21, 2023 at 6:16 pm

      Oh that made my day Devon! Thank you. So pleased you love it. It's one of my favourite pizza crust recipes - I actually just made a batch this weekend too. 🙂 (Heads up - if you try this recipe again you'll likely notice the photos and some of the blog post content has changed as I'm updating it today. Don't worry, the recipe will stay exactly the same!)

      Reply
  14. Mary

    August 23, 2023 at 10:24 pm

    5 stars
    Your Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust sounds like a great option for pizza night. I am bit weary of cauliflower crust.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      August 24, 2023 at 6:46 pm

      I hear you! It's nice to have a change from cauliflower for sure. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Giangi Townsend

    August 24, 2023 at 12:34 am

    5 stars
    I love chickpeas anything; therefore, I will give your recipe a try. Thank you for the in-depth instructions and so easy to follow

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      August 24, 2023 at 6:46 pm

      So glad it's helpful Giangi! Hope you love it.

      Reply
  16. Mina

    September 01, 2023 at 7:58 am

    5 stars
    So excited to make this on our next pizza night! It's always nice to try the healthier option.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      September 01, 2023 at 8:19 pm

      I agree Mina - hope you love it!

      Reply
  17. Amybeth Hurst

    November 12, 2023 at 1:01 pm

    I wonder if cornstarch would work? I don't feel like going to the store, and I have everything except tapioca/chia.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      November 13, 2023 at 5:28 pm

      I haven't yet tried it so can't say for sure, but I think it would work. Please let me know how you get on if you do try it!

      Reply
    • Diane Sontag

      December 01, 2023 at 2:58 am

      I have the same question - will cornstarch work instead?

      Reply

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