Anti-Inflammatory Mediterranean Pizza Chips
A Crispy, Gut-Friendly, Heart-Healthy Snack Inspired by the Mediterranean Diet
Introduction & Description
Anti-Inflammatory Mediterranean Pizza Chips are a modern, nutrient-dense twist on classic pizza flavors, transformed into crispy, bite-sized chips that are perfect for snacking, entertaining, or guilt-free comfort food. Inspired by the Mediterranean diet, this recipe focuses on anti-inflammatory ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, oregano, tomato sauce rich in lycopene, and optional nitrate-free proteins.
Unlike traditional pizza made with refined dough and inflammatory seed oils, these pizza chips are crafted using low-carb bases, high-quality fats, and herbs known for reducing chronic inflammation. The result is a crunchy, cheesy, savory snack that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health, heart health, and metabolic balance.
This dish is especially appealing to those following anti-inflammatory diets, Mediterranean diet plans, low-carb lifestyles, gluten-free eating, or insulin-resistant meal plans. It’s quick to prepare, visually irresistible, and endlessly customizable.
Why This Recipe Is Anti-Inflammatory
Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and brain fog. This recipe avoids inflammatory triggers like refined flour, trans fats, and excess sugar while emphasizing:
Extra virgin olive oil (rich in oleocanthal)
Tomatoes (high in lycopene antioxidants)
Oregano & herbs (natural anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory compounds)
High-quality protein (optional nitrate-free pepperoni or plant-based toppings)
Calcium & healthy fats from real cheese
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Base Options (Choose One)
2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella (low-moisture)
OR 1½ cups parmesan cheese (for ultra-crispy chips)
OR dairy-free mozzarella (clean-label, minimal additives)
Sauce
½ cup organic tomato sauce (no added sugar)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings
Nitrate-free pepperoni slices (or turkey pepperoni)
Kalamata olives (sliced)
Sun-dried tomatoes
Roasted red peppers
Fresh basil (post-bake)
Seasoning
Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Create the Cheese Base
Spoon small mounds (about 1½ tablespoons) of shredded cheese onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each mound into thin circles.
Step 3: Add Sauce
Lightly spoon ½ teaspoon of tomato sauce onto each cheese circle. Do not overload—too much sauce prevents crisping.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Place one or two pepperoni slices or your chosen toppings on each chip. Sprinkle oregano and black pepper on top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and bubbling.
Step 6: Cool & Crisp
Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. The chips will firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional & Health Benefits
1. Supports Gut Health
Cheese provides probiotics (especially if using fermented varieties), while herbs support gut microbiome balance.
2. Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil helps reduce LDL oxidation and systemic inflammation.
3. Blood Sugar Friendly
Low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for diabetes-friendly, keto-friendly, and insulin-resistant diets.
4. Anti-Oxidant Rich
Tomatoes and herbs combat oxidative stress and cellular inflammation.
Variations & Customizations
next
ADVERTISEMENT
