Craving Pizza Without the Carbs?
Let’s be real, there are days when all you want is a big, cheesy slice of pizza… but your jeans are already giving you the side-eye. Enter the Cheesy Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl, a crustless keto pizza recipe that satisfies your comfort food cravings without the carb-heavy aftermath. It’s a quick fix, super customizable, and a total crowd-pleaser even for the picky eaters in your house.
Whether you’re trying to stick to your low-carb lifestyle, exploring keto pizza bowls, or simply looking for a dinner idea that doesn’t involve 18 dirty dishes, this one’s a keeper. Think of it as your go-to when you want all the ooey-gooey goodness of pizza without the dough drama.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
- It’s low-carb and guilt-free. Yes, you can still enjoy pizza while keeping your carbs in check.
- Ready in under 30 minutes. Because who has time to deal with dough on a Tuesday night?
- Totally customizable. Use what’s in your fridge—this is a judgment-free zone.
- Family-approved. Even the kids will dig in without asking, “Where’s the crust?”
Simple Steps to Your New Favorite Doughless Pizza
Here’s how to create this magic in a bowl. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than convincing your kids to eat mushrooms.
1. Get That Oven Going
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want that cozy heat ready to melt your cheese dreams into reality.
2. Flavor Up That Sauce
In a mixing bowl, stir together your marinara sauce, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is where the flavor begins—don’t skimp!
3. Layer Like a Pro
Grab an oven-safe bowl or ramekin. Pour your seasoned marinara sauce into the bottom. This is the saucy base of your crustless keto pizza.
4. First Cheese Layer
Sprinkle in half of your shredded mozzarella. Trust the process—this is where things start getting good.
5. Toppings Galore
Add the fun stuff: sliced pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives. Not a fan of olives? Leave ’em out. Want to throw in some cooked sausage or spinach? Go wild!
6. Second Cheese Shower
Top it off with the rest of the mozzarella. Yes, more cheese is always the answer.
7. Bake and Bubble
Pop it in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly crispy on top. You’re looking for that “straight-from-the-pizzeria” vibe.
8. Cool Just a Bit
Let it sit for a few minutes. We know it’s tempting to dive in, but molten cheese waits for no one—except you, because you’ve earned it.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 7g (Net carbs: 5g)
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Please note: Nutrition values can vary based on specific brands and add-ins.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2 (or 1 if you’re hangry)
Quick Cooking Tips
- Use a broiler at the end for an extra bubbly top—just don’t walk away or you’ll be Googling “how to clean burned cheese from oven.”
- Swap proteins like grilled chicken or ground turkey for a leaner twist.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little spice. Your tastebuds will thank you.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop it right out of the bowl and serve with a fork—no fuss. Pair with a light side salad or some roasted broccoli if you’re feeling extra virtuous. It’s also a fun dish to make in individual ramekins for a family “pizza night” that doesn’t end in a food coma.
Make-Ahead & Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can even freeze your assembled, unbaked bowls for a future low carb crustless pizza emergency (and let’s be honest—those happen).
A Little Backstory
This doughless pizza creation came to life one chaotic Wednesday night. I had 20 minutes, zero patience, and an intense craving for something cheesy. I tossed some toppings in a bowl, added marinara, cheese, and prayed to the pizza gods. Ten minutes in, the kitchen smelled like an Italian bistro, and my family thought I’d ordered takeout. From that moment on, this dish became part of our weekly rotation—and trust me, it’s never gone out of style.
FAQ: Let’s Answer Your Crustless Keto Pizza Questions
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Provolone, cheddar, gouda—whatever melts well and makes you smile. Just avoid anything too oily or crumbly.
Is this recipe truly keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s a great option for a keto pizza bowl because it skips the crust and keeps the carbs low. Just double-check your marinara sauce label—some brands sneak in sugar.
Can I make this vegetarian?
For sure. Skip the pepperoni and pile on more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or even eggplant for a hearty twist.
Can I meal prep this?
Yep! Assemble the bowls in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready. They’re also great reheated, so go ahead and double up.
What size bowl should I use?
Anything oven-safe works, but 12 to 16 oz ramekins or small Pyrex bowls are perfect.
Can I add more protein?
Totally. Crumbled sausage, diced chicken, or even tofu work great. Just cook them first before adding to the bowl.
Why isn’t there a crust?
Because that’s the whole point! This is a low carb crustless pizza that lets the toppings shine without the added carbs.
Does it taste like real pizza?
Honestly? It’s all the best parts of pizza—melty cheese, savory sauce, and flavorful toppings—just without the dough. You won’t miss the crust, promise.
Final Slice: Crustless Pizza for the Win
Whether you’re living that keto life, cutting back on carbs, or just too tired to roll out dough, this Cheesy Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl is your new weeknight BFF. It hits all the right notes—comforting, customizable, and low-effort. Plus, with the flexibility to make it your own, you’ll never get bored. Next time the pizza craving strikes, skip the delivery app and dive spoon-first into your very own bowl of delicious doughless pizza goodness.
Looking for more easy, low-carb inspiration? Pair this pizza bowl with our buttery and flavorful Cheesy Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob, or keep things savory with Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on our irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes the perfect low-effort dessert!
📌 Ingredients and quantities can be found in the recipe card below this article. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl
Equipment
- Oven-safe bowl
Ingredients
Pizza Bowl Base
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers any color
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix marinara sauce with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the seasoned marinara sauce evenly into the bottom of an oven-safe bowl.
- Layer on half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add pepperoni, bell peppers, black olives, and mushrooms over the cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes