Homemade Pizza in 30 Minutes or Less
Don't think you have to kiss pizza goodbye just because you're trying to lose weight. It's fun and easy to make healthy, delicious homemade pies.
Homemade pizza doesn't have to eat up all your SmartPoints® values, and you might be surprised how simple it is to make. If you start with pita bread, packaged naan or a bagel, it doesn't even need to be time-consuming. Try these great tips for enjoying this American favorite.
Putting Together a Pizza: The Crust
Stop in at your local pizza joint and ask if you can buy some unbaked dough. You'll get restaurant-quality yeast dough that's already risen — ready to stretch, roll, top and bake. (You can also buy pre-mixed unbaked dough in the refrigerator or freezer section of your supermarket.)
Use whole-wheat pita rounds as crusts. Don't split them; just spoon on sauce and toppings and cook them on a baking sheet.
Buy naan at the grocery store; find it in either the bread section, or frozen. The teardrop shape doesn't lend itself to conventional slices, but the flavor (and built-in portion control) more than makes up for it.
Split onion or garlic bagels in half and scoop out the doughy filling. Hollowed out, these make great vehicles for your delicious toppings and sauce.
Make your own homemade yeast dough with whole-wheat flour. Try our Pizza Dough recipe.
Putting Together a Pizza: The Toppings
Jarred pizza sauce is often full of fat and sugar. Try fat-free/sugar-free pasta sauce — just whisk in a little tomato paste to thicken it. Or, try one of the other delicious toppings below. Likewise, think beyond the typical thick layer of mozzarella.
Excessive cheese does not make a pizza, and it adds lots of calories. A pizza without cheese can be delicious, especially when topped with fresh vegetables. If you do opt for cheese, buy a good-quality one and use it sparingly.