Papa Murphy's Crustless Keto-Friendly Pizza Options
Papa Murphy's has officially embraced the ketogenic diet by offering a line of crustless pizzas designed for those limiting their carbohydrate intake. These are prepared in-store and placed in a 7" x 9" tray for you to take home and bake, ensuring a fresh, low-carb meal. The key to their keto offering is the complete removal of the high-carb pizza crust.
How to Order Your Keto Pizza
When ordering a crustless pizza, you have two primary methods: choosing one of their pre-designed keto options or building your own. Both methods require mindful choices, especially regarding the sauce, as some can contain hidden sugars.
- Select a Pre-Made Keto Pizza: Papa Murphy's lists several specialty recipes as keto-friendly, such as the Chicken Bacon Artichoke and Gourmet Vegetarian. When selecting these, pay attention to the default sauce. The traditional red sauce contains more carbs than the Creamy Garlic or Olive Oil & Garlic options.
- Create Your Own Crustless Pizza: For full control over your macros, you can build a custom crustless pizza. This allows you to choose your preferred keto-friendly sauce and up to five toppings marked as "KF" (Keto Friendly).
Choosing Keto-Friendly Sauces and Toppings
To ensure your pizza remains keto-compliant, careful selection of ingredients is crucial. The standard red sauce contains some sugar, which can add up, so opting for a different base is a smarter choice.
Sauce Choices
- Creamy Garlic Sauce: A rich and flavorful keto-approved base, often used in their specialty keto options.
- Olive Oil & Garlic Sauce: A simple yet classic base that is naturally low in carbs.
- No Sauce: The most carb-conscious option, though it may result in a drier final product.
Topping Choices
- Proteins: Pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon, ground beef, grilled chicken, and bacon are excellent choices.
- Cheeses: Whole-milk mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan are standard and low-carb.
- Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, black olives, green peppers, mixed onions, zucchini, and artichoke hearts are all good options.
Making Comparisons: Crustless Pizza vs. Traditional
The most significant difference between a crustless pizza and a traditional one is, of course, the removal of the high-carb bread base. This completely changes the nutritional profile, moving it from a standard meal to a keto-friendly one. The crustless option is more akin to a pizza casserole, rich with toppings and cheese.
| Feature | Crustless Keto-Friendly Pizza | Traditional Pizza (Original Crust) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Very low (typically under 5g net carbs per serving) | Very high (significantly impacts daily carb limits) |
| Serving Method | Baked and served in an oven-safe tray | Sliced and served on a traditional crust |
| Texture | Soft, dense, and casserole-like | Chewy or crispy, depending on the crust type |
| Nutritional Focus | Low-carb, high-fat, high-protein | Variable, depending on toppings, but high-carb |
| Customization | Excellent control over sauces and keto-friendly toppings | All toppings available, but limited by crust carbs |
Potential Pitfalls to Avoid
While Papa Murphy's offers a very clear keto-friendly path, a few missteps could derail your diet. Always double-check the default sauces on their specialty items. The traditional red sauce should be swapped out for a lower-carb alternative like the creamy garlic or olive oil base. Secondly, be mindful of additional seasonings, especially if ordering a custom pie. Finally, remember that it's a 'Take 'N' Bake' product, so proper home baking is key to the best result.
How to Bake Your Keto Pizza at Home
For optimal results, follow Papa Murphy's baking instructions for crustless pizzas. Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the tray on the center rack for 12 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. The take-and-bake model gives you control over the final product's freshness.
Conclusion
Papa Murphy's provides an excellent and convenient option for individuals following a ketogenic diet who crave a pizza-like experience. By choosing their crustless pizzas and being mindful of sauce and topping selections, you can enjoy a satisfying, low-carb meal without having to prepare it from scratch. The ability to customize your order makes it a versatile choice that fits neatly into a keto lifestyle.
For additional insights on managing a low-carb lifestyle, visit the official Keto Diet website.
