10 Delicious Low-Nickel Pizza Ideas You’ll Want to Try
Hi, friends!
If you're reading this, you’re probably on a mission to enjoy pizza without compromising your health, especially if you have nickel sensitivities or other dietary restrictions. I get it! Craving pizza while juggling those limitations can feel like a challenge!
I've spent hours in the kitchen trying to whip up that perfect slice that not only tastes great but also keeps my health in check. So, if you’re steering clear of tomatoes, avoiding toppings high in nickel, or just looking for some fresh pizza ideas, you’re in for a treat! I’ve put together a list of 10 delicious low-nickel pizza recipes that are easy to make and bursting with flavor. Let’s rediscover the joy of pizza together, you deserve to enjoy it without any worries!
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:
Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water and maple syrup in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour only if sticky.
Ferment: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. For deeper flavor, refrigerate for 14 hours after the first rise.
Shape and Rest: Punch down the dough and rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
Bake: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Shape dough on a floured surface, transfer to a parchment-lined sheet, add toppings, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
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)
1 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:
1/2 cup sour cream
2 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup Yo Mama’s BBQ Sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or vinegar if preferred)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cream cheese. Stir them together until smooth.
Add in the Yo Mama’s BBQ Sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
Taste your sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
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 the butter over medium heat.
Add in your shredded chicken and toss it around to warm it up.
Stir in the Yo Mama’s BBQ Sauce, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Let it cook for a couple of minutes, ensuring all the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
Assembling the Pizza:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you're using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it's your desired thickness.
Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Step 3: Spread the Sauce
Spread a thin, even layer of the Ranch BBQ sauce over the dough. Don’t go overboard—just a nice, thin base to start.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken and crispy bacon over the sauce.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
If you’re using red onions, scatter them on top of the cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Place your pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crust is slightly browned.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
After baking, remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions before slicing.
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, combine the sour cream and cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
Add the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, and any additional herbs like basil or oregano.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the thickness 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:
In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the shredded chicken and toss to coat.
Stir in the hot sauce, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s fully coated and heated through.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Assembling the Pizza:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness.
Transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Step 3: Spread the White Sauce
Spread a thin, even layer of the ranch-inspired white sauce over the dough, just enough to coat it lightly.
Step 4: Add the Hot Chicken and Cheese
Evenly distribute the spicy Nashville hot chicken over the sauce.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the chicken.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crust is nicely browned.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
After baking, remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two.
Optionally, garnish with diced pickles and fresh dill for extra flavor and freshness.
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 the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Assembling the Pizza:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough.
Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the sauce, and squeeze the roasted garlic on top.
Scatter the mozzarella evenly over the pizza.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
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:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Spread a thin layer of white sauce over the dough.
In a pan, sauté beef, onions, and green bell pepper (if using) until tender and slightly caramelized.
Top the pizza with the sautéed beef, onions, peppers, and both provolone and mozzarella cheeses.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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 peanut butter, heavy cream, lime juice, honey, sriracha, and a pinch of salt. Adjust sweetness or heat to taste.
Pizza Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Roll out the pizza dough and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Spread a thin layer of creamy peanut sauce over the dough.
Top with grilled chicken, red onion, and mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and drizzle with hot honey (optional) for added sweetness.
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:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Cook the potatoes: In a skillet, melt butter (or tallow) over medium heat. Add thinly sliced potatoes and sauté until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and garlic powder as they cook.
Make the creamy base sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter with heavy cream and whole milk. Stir until well combined and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until creamy and smooth.
Prepare the pizza: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Spread the creamy base sauce evenly over the dough, then add sour cream and chives to the sauce, mixing them in for a burst of flavor.
Layer the toppings: Scatter the pre-cooked potatoes, crispy bacon, and green onions evenly over the sauce. Top with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar.
Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
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)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Make hot honey: Warm honey and chili flakes in a small pot over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir and set aside.
Assemble pizza: Roll out the dough. Spread the white sauce and top with bacon and mozzarella.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with black pepper and fresh herbs if desired.
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
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Prepare the butter sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in sour cream, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Warm over low heat for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Assemble the pizza: Roll out your pizza dough. Spread the butter sauce evenly over the dough.
Layer the toppings: Sprinkle cooked ground beef, roasted corn, and mozzarella over the sauce. Add queso fresco if desired.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve with fresh lime wedges for an extra zing.
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:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Make Caesar-flavored butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture evenly over your rolled-out dough for a buttery, Caesar-like flavor.
Assemble the pizza: Spread Caesar dressing over the dough, then layer on your grilled chicken (tossed in more Caesar dressing), followed by Parmesan and Asiago cheeses.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with shredded iceberg lettuce and a sprinkle of crushed croutons if you like extra crunch. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the top before serving for an added burst of freshness.
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:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Prepare the pizza crust: Roll out your dough and spread a generous layer of Thousand Island dressing over the surface.
Cook the beef: Brown the ground beef and saute onions in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat.
Assemble the pizza: Layer the cooked ground beef over the sauce, followed by mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Sprinkle diced pickles evenly over the top.
Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
Finish the pizza by topping it with shredded lettuce for the signature Big Mac crunch.
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 for even more tasty creations in the future!
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!
