If you’re craving pizza but trying to cut carbs, this Low-Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is the perfect fix. It has all the melty cheese, hearty toppings, and saucy goodness you love—without the carb-heavy crust. In less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying bowl that’s keto-friendly, gluten-free, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re watching your macros or just want a lighter dinner, this recipe is here to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Crustless Pizza Bowl
Flavor Without the Guilt
This recipe delivers classic pizza flavor without the extra carbs. By replacing the crust with a baked cheese base, you’ll still get a crispy, golden “bottom” with fewer ingredients and fewer calories.
Fast and Fuss-Free
Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. No dough to roll out, no waiting for it to rise—just mix, bake, top, and enjoy.
Customizable to Your Taste
You can tailor every bowl to your preferences. Want more veggies? Go for it. Prefer spicy sausage over ground turkey? Swap it in. Love it extra cheesy? Add more cheese. The possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or mix with cheddar for added richness)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
For the Toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce (use low-sugar or homemade for fewer carbs)
- 1 cup cooked ground turkey, beef, or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 cup mixed low-carb veggies (like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or onions)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins
- Sliced black olives
- Diced tomatoes
- Red pepper flakes
- A sprinkle of oregano or garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or small ramekins—or line them with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella with the lightly beaten egg. This mixture forms the base of your crustless pizza, and the egg helps bind everything together.
Scoop the mixture evenly into the muffin cups or ramekins. Press it down and push some up the sides to form mini “bowls” for your toppings.
Step 2: Bake the Cheese Bowls
Place the muffin tin or ramekins into the preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese starts to turn golden brown and crisp at the edges.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Carefully take them out of the tin so they maintain their shape.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Bowls
Spoon marinara sauce into each cheese bowl. Add your protein of choice—turkey, beef, sausage, or skip it for a vegetarian option.
Layer in your veggies. You can use them raw, but sautéing first can help reduce moisture and intensify flavor.
Top each bowl with extra mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Step 4: Bake Again
Return the assembled bowls to the oven for another 5–7 minutes. You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese on top.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is hot and melty, pull the bowls out of the oven. Garnish with fresh basil, a few black olives, or a dash of red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve hot and dig into your guilt-free pizza indulgence!
Tips for Success
- Cheese Matters: Mozzarella is best for structure, but mixing in cheddar or Monterey Jack boosts flavor.
- Mind the Moisture: Veggies like mushrooms and zucchini release water when cooking. Sauté them first for a firmer, tastier result.
- Protein Swap: Try shredded rotisserie chicken or spicy chorizo for a new twist.
- Batch Ahead: Make the cheese bases in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just reheat, top, and bake when needed.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
Based on 4 servings:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
Delicious Variations
Vegan Option
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and swap the protein for plant-based crumbles or seasoned tofu. Opt for a vegan marinara sauce to complete the dish.
Keto Upgrade
Add more high-fat, low-carb ingredients like pepperoni, bacon, or avocado slices. Stick to low-sugar sauces and skip the veggies that are higher in carbs.
Turn Up the Heat
Spice lovers can add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Make It Breakfast-Friendly
Turn this recipe into a low-carb breakfast bowl by replacing the marinara with scrambled eggs and topping it with cooked breakfast sausage, spinach, and cheese.
FAQs
What is a crustless pizza bowl made of?
A crustless pizza bowl skips the traditional dough and uses a base of melted cheese and egg. It’s then topped with marinara sauce, protein, veggies, and more cheese.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! With only around 8g of carbs per serving, this dish fits perfectly into a keto or low-carb diet, especially if you use sugar-free marinara and avoid starchy veggies.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep the cheese base and keep it in the fridge for a few days. When you’re ready, add your toppings and bake.
What other cheeses can I use for the base?
Mozzarella is ideal, but you can mix in cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for extra flavor. Just avoid soft cheeses, which won’t hold shape well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze them before adding sauce and toppings. Freeze the baked cheese bases, then thaw, top, and bake when you’re ready.