Excellent choice! A Low-Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is the ultimate solution for a quick, satisfying pizza craving without the carbs or fuss of making a dough. It’s essentially all your favorite pizza toppings baked together in a delicious, cheesy, saucy dish.
Here’s a highly customizable and easy recipe.
Low-Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
This recipe is like a deconstructed, deep-dish pizza without the crust. It’s incredibly fast and flexible.
Yields: 1 generous serving (easily doubled)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Base Ingredients
· ½ cup low-sugar marinara or pizza sauce (check labels for added sugar)
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 2-3 tablespoons diced pepperoni (or other pizza toppings – see ideas below)
· 1 tablespoon chopped onion or bell pepper (optional)
· ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
· Pinch of garlic powder
· Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a small oven-safe dish, like a ramekin, small baking dish, or even a cast-iron skillet. Lightly grease it if it’s not non-stick.
- Create the Base Layer: Spread the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle about half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce. This creates a cheesy layer that helps hold everything together. Then, add your chosen toppings (pepperoni, vegetables, etc.). Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Add the Cheesy Top: Cover everything with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to get golden spots.
- Broil (Optional): For an extra crispy, browned top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool for a couple of minutes before digging in—the inside will be very hot! Enjoy straight from the bowl with a fork.
Customization Ideas (The Best Part!)
Protein Options:
· Classic: Pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, crumbled bacon, ham, or salami.
· Keto-Friendly: Grilled chicken, ground beef, or even shrimp.
Low-Carb Vegetable Options:
· Mushrooms, black olives, jalapeños, spinach, onions, bell peppers, banana peppers, or artichoke hearts (use sparingly as they have some carbs).
Sauce & Cheese Variations:
· White Pizza: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara.
· Buffalo Chicken: Use shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
· Different Cheeses: Try a blend of provolone, asiago, or fontina along with the mozzarella.
Recipe Variations
- The “Meat Lover’s” Pizza Bowl
· Add a layer of cooked Italian sausage, crumbled bacon, and sliced pepperoni under the final layer of cheese.
- The “Supreme” Pizza Bowl
· Sauté some diced green bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms before adding them as a layer. Include pepperoni and olives.
- The “Margherita” Pizza Bowl
· Use a high-quality marinara sauce. After baking, top with fresh basil leaves and slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, then broil for just 30 seconds to melt the fresh mozzarella.
Why This Recipe Works (Nutrition & Tips)
· Truly Low-Carb: By eliminating the crust, you remove the primary source of carbohydrates in a traditional pizza.
· High in Protein & Fat: The cheese and meat toppings make this dish very satiating, perfect for a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
· Quick & Easy: It comes together faster than delivery!
· Single Serving: Perfect for controlling portions and satisfying an individual craving.
· Use a Thick Sauce: A thicker sauce will prevent the bowl from becoming too watery.
· Pre-cook Veggies: If using vegetables with high water content (like mushrooms, zucchini, or onions), sauté them first to release moisture. This prevents a watery pizza bowl.
· Air Fryer Option: You can make this in an air fryer! Cook at 370°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Enjoy your delicious, guilt-free pizza fix