October 26, 2023
Review RecipeCrustless Pizza
Our crustless pizza is a satisfying, keto-friendly twist on the classic, featuring Italian sausage, zesty sauce, and a medley of your favorite toppings without the traditional crust.
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If you are ready to savor pizza in a whole new way, our crustless pizza is the answer. This keto-friendly twist eliminates the crust but keeps all the mouthwatering toppings intact, making it a quick and tasty solution for your pizza cravings.
Crustless Pizza Ingredients
In our crustless pizza recipe, Italian sausage brings a hearty, savory flavor, complementing the zesty richness of pizza sauce.
Sliced mushrooms add an earthy note and satisfying texture, while thinly sliced green peppers offer a fresh, slightly sweet crunch.
The gooey, melted mozzarella cheese binds everything together, and the pepperoni adds smoky, spicy notes.
You’ll need:
- 1 (1 pound or 454 grams) ground mild Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1½ cups of pizza sauce
- 1 (4 ounces or 113 grams) canned sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
- ½ cup of thinly sliced green peppers
- 2 cups of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20 slices of full-size pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil (optional garnish)
PRO TIP:
We recommend shredding your cheese from the block for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese tends to have a preservative coating that prevents the cheese from melting well.
Substitutions and Additions
ITALIAN SAUSAGE: If you prefer a different protein or are looking for a leaner option, consider using ground turkey, ground turkey sausage, ground beef, chopped smoked bacon, or Canadian bacon as substitutes for the ground sausage in this easy crustless pizza recipe.
PIZZA SAUCE: While our recipe calls for pizza sauce, you can easily swap it with marinara sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.
ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS: Get creative with your favorite pizza toppings! Add black olives, thinly sliced onions, red or yellow bell peppers, or baby spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
How To Make This Crustless Pizza Recipe
All of the tasty toppings get combined and layered in the pan before being baked to bubbling perfection.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Rub a 10-inch cast iron skillet with vegetable oil.
STEP TWO: Add the cooked sausage, pizza sauce, and sliced mushrooms to a medium-sized (2 to 3 quarts) mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
STEP THREE: Evenly spread the Italian sausage mixture into the bottom of the prepared skillet.
STEP FOUR: Sprinkle the two teaspoons of Italian seasoning over the top of the Italian sausage mixture.
STEP FIVE: Layer the thinly sliced green peppers over the Italian seasoning layer.
STEP SIX: Spread the freshly shredded mozzarella cheese over the layer of green pepper.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
When spreading the mozzarella cheese, make sure it’s evenly distributed to create a gooey, cheesy blanket across the pizza.
STEP SEVEN: Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the shredded cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
Remove from the oven and garnish with the chopped fresh basil. Allow the crustless pizza to sit for five minutes before serving.
PRO TIP:
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your pizza as the suggested baking time approaches.
How To Serve
Serve slices of crustless pepperoni pizza with a Caesar salad for a balanced meal. The crisp, fresh greens complement the rich flavors of the pizza.
Make it a family dinner by adding a side of garlic bread or cheesy pull apart bread. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Our pizza casserole and zucchini pizza boats are two more pizza recipes that are delicious and loaded with gooey cheese.
Storage
Planning ahead or dealing with leftovers? Here’s how to store your crustless pizza:
MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the Italian sausage mixture and assemble the pizza in advance, then bake it when ready. This is perfect for busy days.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers covered in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, wrap portions of the pizza tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
It can be frozen for up to two to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake or microwave.
REHEATING: Reheat your crustless pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds until hot.
Why We Love This Recipe
Our crustless pizza has won our hearts for several reasons:
LOW CARB: It’s a keto-friendly twist on traditional pizza, making it suitable for those watching their carb intake.
QUICK AND EASY: With a short prep time and simple steps, it’s a perfect easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights.
CHEESY GOODNESS: The generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese adds irresistible creaminess to every bite.
Our crustless pizza recipe offers a fun twist on the classic pizza experience. With its low-carb, keto-friendly profile, customizable toppings, and plenty of cheese, it’s a game changer for various occasions. Enjoy its cheesy, savory goodness and the convenience of a no-crust pizza that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar cheese, provolone, or even a cheese blend to create your unique flavor profile.
How do I reheat leftovers without making them soggy?
Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispness of the cheese. Alternatively, use a microwave for a quick reheat, but note that the texture may be slightly different.
What other seasonings can I use?
Get creative with your seasonings! Try garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes for added depth and spice.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Sauté fresh mushrooms before adding them to the sausage mixture for a deeper flavor.
Can I freeze individual slices for later?
You can wrap individual slices in foil and freeze them for convenient, quick meals.
Is it spicy with Italian sausage and pepperoni?
The spice level can vary depending on the brand of sausage and pepperoni you use. If you prefer less heat, choose milder options.
Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
While a cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving a golden crust, you can use an oven-safe, non-stick skillet or a baking dish as an alternative.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Crustless Pizza
Our crustless pizza is a satisfying, keto-friendly twist on the classic, featuring Italian sausage, zesty sauce, and a medley of your favorite toppings without the traditional crust.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground mild Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (454 grams)
- 1½ cups pizza sauce
- 4 ounces canned sliced mushrooms (113 grams)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ cup thinly sliced green peppers
- 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20 slices full-size pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil, optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Rub a 10-inch cast iron skillet with vegetable oil.
- Add the cooked ground Italian sausage, pizza sauce, and sliced mushrooms to a medium-sized (2 to 3 quarts) mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- Evenly spread the Italian sausage mixture into the bottom of the prepared skillet.
- Sprinkle the 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning over the top of the Italian sausage mixture.
- Layer the thinly sliced green peppers over the Italian seasoning layer.
- Spread the freshly shredded mozzarella cheese over the layer of green pepper.
- Arrange the sliced pepperoni evenly over the shredded mozzarella. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Remove from the oven and garnish with the chopped fresh basil. Allow the crustless pizza to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- We recommend shredding your cheese from the block for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese tends to have a preservative coating that prevents the cheese from melting well.
- When spreading the mozzarella cheese, make sure it’s evenly distributed to create a gooey, cheesy blanket across the pizza.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your pizza as the suggested baking time approaches.
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