Weight Watcher Mini Pizzas (Low Points low-Carb, High-Protein)

These Weight Watcher Mini Pizzas are a low-carb, high-protein alternative to traditional pizza, making them the perfect choice for anyone following a Weight Watcher or low-carb lifestyle. Featuring a delicious cheese-based crust that’s packed with protein and healthy fats, these mini pizzas will help you satisfy your pizza cravings without the carb overload. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fun appetizer for a party, or a filling family meal, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • ¾ cup almond flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

  • ¼ cup low-carb pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or more, as desired)
  • Your favorite low-carb toppings: sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, spinach, vegan or plant-based pepperoni, etc.
  • Dried Italian herbs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the mini pizza crusts from sticking while baking.

Melt the Cheese:
Place the shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the cheeses in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the cheeses are fully melted and smooth. This process creates a stretchy, dough-like texture that serves as the base for your pizza.

Mix with Almond Flour and Egg:
Once the cheeses are melted, add the almond flour, egg, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir well until a dough-like consistency forms. The almond flour acts as a low-carb substitute for traditional flour, providing the structure for your pizza crust.

Shape the Mini Pizza Crusts:
Divide the dough into small portions, approximately 1 ½ inches each. Roll each portion into a ball and place it on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten each ball of dough into a small pizza base, about 3 inches in diameter. If you prefer a thinner crust, you can press the dough out more.

Step 2: Pre-Bake the Crusts

Bake the Crusts:
Place the mini pizza crusts in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on the crusts to prevent over-baking, as they can quickly go from golden to crispy.

Remove from the Oven:
Once baked, take the crusts out of the oven and let them cool slightly. This step is essential to allow the crust to firm up before adding the toppings.

Step 3: Add Toppings

Spread the Sauce:
Using a spoon, spread a thin layer of low-carb pizza sauce or marinara sauce over each mini pizza crust. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges to mimic the traditional pizza look.

Add Cheese and Toppings:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. From here, you can get creative by adding your favorite low-carb pizza toppings. Some great options include sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, spinach, or even vegan pepperoni for a plant-based alternative.

Feel free to experiment with other toppings like grilled chicken, ground turkey, or turkey bacon if you’re looking to add more protein. Dried Italian herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme can also be sprinkled on top for added flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Mini Pizzas

Bake Again:
Return the mini pizzas to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This final bake ensures that the toppings are heated through and the cheese achieves that perfect gooey texture.

Garnish and Serve:
Once the mini pizzas are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of dried Italian herbs for extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

These Weight Watcher Mini Pizzas are incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are a few ideas for serving them:

  • With a Side Salad: Pair these mini pizzas with a fresh, crisp salad for a well-rounded meal. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with olive oil and vinegar, or a Caesar salad without croutons.
  • As Party Appetizers: These bite-sized mini pizzas are perfect for parties, gatherings, or game nights. They make for a fun and interactive appetizer, and you can customize the toppings to cater to different tastes.
  • Dip Options: For an extra flavor boost, serve the mini pizzas with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or try a creamy garlic butter dip. Both options complement the crust and toppings beautifully.

Tips and Variations:

  • Try a Cauliflower Crust: If you prefer a veggie-packed option, replace the almond flour with cauliflower rice. This will result in a crust that’s even lower in carbs, making it perfect for those looking to reduce their carb intake further.
  • Use Vegan Cheese and Toppings: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply swap the regular mozzarella cheese and cream cheese for vegan versions. There are plenty of delicious dairy-free cheeses available that melt well and mimic the texture of traditional cheese.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the crusts in advance and freeze them for a quick meal. Simply bake the crusts, allow them to cool, and freeze them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, add your toppings and bake for a few minutes until hot.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 2 Mini Pizzas):

  • Calories: 180
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Net Carbs: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 15g

Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints (Per Serving):

Each serving of these Weight Watcher Mini Pizzas (about 2 mini pizzas) contains approximately 5 SmartPoints on the Weight Watchers program, depending on the specific ingredients used. By selecting low-fat cheese or substituting with plant-based ingredients, you can adjust the SmartPoints to fit your personal WW plan.

Why You’ll Love These Weight Watcher Mini Pizzas:

These Weight Watcher Mini Pizzas are more than just a tasty treat – they’re a convenient, satisfying way to enjoy pizza without the guilt. The crust is a perfect balance of high-protein mozzarella and almond flour, making it both filling and low in carbs. The toppings are fully customizable, allowing you to tailor each pizza to your specific tastes or dietary needs.

If you’re following a Weight Watcher or low-carb diet, these mini pizzas are a game-changer. They help curb those pizza cravings while keeping your macros in check. Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping for the week, or simply need a quick snack, these Weight Watcher Mini Pizzas will be your go-to recipe.

Final Thoughts:

Pizza lovers can rejoice – Weight Watcher Mini Pizzas are here to save the day! With their golden, crispy crust, gooey melted cheese, and endless topping possibilities, they’re a fun and delicious way to enjoy a pizza night on a Weight Watcher or low-carb diet. Plus, they are quick and easy to make, making them ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Whether you’re looking to satisfy your pizza cravings or serve up a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Weight Watcher Mini Pizzas are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a healthier, low-carb pizza option that everyone will love.