Crustless Pizza Bake
If you love pizza but want something a little lighter (without sacrificing any of that cheesy, saucy goodness), this Crustless Pizza Bake is your new best friend. It’s all the best parts of pizza—savory sauce, melty cheese, and delicious toppings—just without the crust. Trust me, you won’t even miss it!
Why You’ll Love Crustless Pizza Bake
Versatile: Customize it with your favorite toppings just like a traditional pizza.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.
Quick and Easy: Comes together in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Go classic with pepperoni, or add veggies and different cheeses to switch it up.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone at the table will love this cheesy, hearty dish!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Crustless Pizza Bake
Pizza Sauce: The flavorful base that brings everything together. Choose a high-quality, flavorful sauce for the best taste.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The ultimate gooey, melty goodness. A must for that perfect pizza pull!
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.
Italian Sausage: Provides a rich, meaty flavor. Feel free to swap it with ground beef or turkey for a lighter option.
Pepperoni Slices: A classic topping that adds a little spice and crispiness.
Bell Peppers: Adds a sweet and slightly crunchy bite.
Black Olives: Brings a salty, briny contrast to the richness of the cheese.
Mushrooms: A perfect umami boost that complements the pizza flavors.
Red Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and crunch.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the flavors blend beautifully.
Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, spread a layer of pizza sauce, followed by cooked sausage, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and your favorite toppings.
Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. The cheese will set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop onto plates, sprinkle with extra Parmesan or fresh basil, and dig in!
Nutrition Facts (Notes)
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time (Notes)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Crustless Pizza Bake
This dish is fantastic on its own but pairs well with:
- A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or low-carb breadsticks
- Roasted or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal
Additional Tips
- If you like extra crispy pepperoni, add it on top in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Swap out the sausage for ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for variety.
- Spice things up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a little heat.
- Use a mix of cheeses like provolone and cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
FAQ’s
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. - Can I freeze this?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for a quicker option. - Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the sausage and use more veggies or a meat substitute. - Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Definitely! Choose a good-quality one for the best flavor. - What’s a good low-carb alternative to traditional pizza toppings?
Stick with lots of cheese, meats, and low-carb veggies like mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers. - Can I add eggs to this?
If you want a more casserole-like texture, whisk in a couple of eggs before baking. - Is this keto-friendly?
Yes! As long as you use a low-carb pizza sauce and avoid high-carb toppings. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and check that your pizza sauce is dairy-free. - Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Use an air fryer-safe dish and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
This Crustless Pizza Bake is everything you love about pizza but without the crust. It’s easy, customizable, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just want a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe is a winner every time. Try it out, and let me know what toppings you love to add!
PrintCrustless Pizza Bake
A delicious, low-carb twist on traditional pizza that skips the crust. This casserole-style bake features a rich tomato sauce, melty cheeses, and a medley of vegetables (with an optional savory sausage addition), making it a hearty and healthy meal option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Baking
- Method: Italian-American
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
• 2 cups tomato sauce (pizza sauce)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• Optional: 1 lb ground Italian sausage, cooked and drained
• Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms until they are tender (about 5-7 minutes). If using sausage, add it during the last 2 minutes of cooking; season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until well combined.
4. Spread half of the tomato sauce evenly in the baking dish.
5. Layer with half of the mozzarella cheese, then add the sautéed vegetables (and spinach if using). If sausage is included, mix it in with the vegetables.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the layers, then top with the remaining tomato sauce.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bake is set and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
– For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage.
– Serve warm and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
– Adjust seasoning to taste and experiment with additional vegetables based on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
- Calories: ~250 calories per serving
- Sugar: ~6g per serving
- Sodium: ~450mg per serving
- Fat: ~15g per serving
- Saturated Fat: ~7g per serving
- Unsaturated Fat: ~8g per serving
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~18g
- Cholesterol: ~80mg
