#24: How to have The Best Gluten-Free Pizza Nights

Today we’re talking about one of the hardest things to give up when going gluten-free — pizza.

Seriously, how many times have you heard—or maybe even said—“I could never live without pizza!” I get it. Pizza isn’t just food — it’s tradition, it’s comfort, it’s family game night and lazy weekends and celebration dinners.

But here’s the truth: going gluten-free doesn’t mean pizza night is over. Not even close.

In this episode, I’m sharing my top gluten-free frozen pizza picks, what to ask at restaurants to make sure the pizza is truly safe, and a quick and easy gluten-free pizza crust you can make at home and keep in your freezer for the next time the craving hits. Oh—and yes, that recipe is on my website!

If you’ve been missing pizza or just want to feel like you can finally enjoy it again without the stress, this one’s for you.

Reclaiming Pizza Night: The Complete Guide to Gluten-Free Pizza Perfection

Gluten-Free Travel Can Feel Overwhelming—But It Doesn’t Have To Be

Going gluten-free doesn't mean saying goodbye to one of America's most beloved comfort foods: pizza. When I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2011, I feared pizza night was over forever. That Friday tradition, those birthday celebrations, the easy weeknight meals – all seemed lost. But with my engineering background, I approached this challenge methodically, and today I'm sharing everything I've learned about creating and finding incredible gluten-free pizza options that rival (and sometimes surpass) their gluten-containing counterparts.

The Emotional Side of Giving Up Pizza

The emotional connection to pizza runs deep for many of us. It's not just food; it's tradition, celebration, and togetherness. That's precisely why giving it up feels so devastating when first going gluten-free. There's a genuine grief process many experience, especially when watching friends and family enjoy regular pizza while feeling left out. Understanding this emotional component is crucial – it's normal to feel this loss. However, with the right approach, you can reclaim pizza night and perhaps even enhance it.

The Best Gluten-Free Frozen Pizzas

The frozen pizza market has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with numerous excellent gluten-free options now available.

Here are some top picks:

• Against the Grain – My personal favorite, with a cheese-infused, grain-free crust.

• Udi's, DiGiorno, California Pizza Kitchen, Cheddar, Trader Joe's – All offer tasty options.

• Store brands – Kroger and Walmart now carry certified gluten-free pizzas.

• Dairy-free option – A’dia makes a solid dairy-free, gluten-free choice.

When selecting any frozen pizza, always check labels carefully, ensuring they're certified gluten-free and produced in facilities that minimize cross-contamination risks.

How to Upgrade a Frozen Pizza

While these frozen options provide a great foundation, a few simple enhancements can elevate them significantly:

• Add fresh mozzarella or your favorite cheese.

• Pile on extra toppings like pepperoni, olives, or veggies.

• Sprinkle on dried oregano or Italian seasoning.

• Pro Tip: After baking, switch your oven to broil and place the pizza near the top rack for 1–2 minutes. This gives you crispy edges and bubbly, caramelized cheese—just watch closely to avoid burning!

Eating Out: Gluten-Free Pizza at Restaurants

Dining out presents additional challenges, but with preparation, you can still enjoy restaurant pizza safely.

Chains like Mellow Mushroom and Donato's often have gluten-free protocols:

• Separate prep areas

• Dedicated pans and utensils

• Splatter screens to reduce airborne flour

Always communicate clearly. Use the term gluten allergy, and ask specific questions:

• Do you use separate utensils and dedicated ovens?

• Will you cut the pizza with a clean cutter?

Your health matters—don’t be afraid to speak up.

Homemade Gluten-Free Pizza: The Ultimate Control

For total control over ingredients and cross-contamination, homemade pizza is the way to go.

On my website, you’ll find a quick, yeast-free gluten-free pizza crust that’s a reader favorite.

Pro Tip:

• Par-bake the crusts (8–10 minutes), cool, then freeze in gallon bags.

• When you're ready to eat, just top and bake for 10–14 minutes.

• For extra flavor, mix herbs and spices like oregano, garlic powder, or onion powder right into your dough.

Mentioned Resources

Gluten-Free Pizza: https://www.theglutenfreeengineer.com/gluten_free_recipes/b/the-best-gluten-free-pizza-crust-easy-freezer-friendly