Mouthwatering Keto Crustless Pizza Bake - Quick Low Carb Recipe for Cast Iron Skillet (2024)

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Keto Crustless Pizza offers a delicious and creative twist on the beloved classic without compromising flavor. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a low-carb, gluten-free option that satisfies cravings guilt-free. Indulge in the mouthwatering combination of saucy marinara/pizza sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, savory browned sausage/ground beef, and flavorful toppings like chopped green peppers, pepperonis, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Mouthwatering Keto Crustless Pizza Bake - Quick Low Carb Recipe for Cast Iron Skillet (1)

What is Crustless Pizza?

It is like a regular pizza but without the crust. Instead of the doughy base, the yummy toppings are placed directly on a layer of cheese, veggies, or meat. It’s a great option if you’re watching your carbs or looking for an option.

Is Crustless Pizza Low-Carb?

If you are following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, it is a fantastic alternative to satisfy your pizza cravings. By removing the traditional dough crust, you significantly reduce the carbohydrate content, making it an excellent choice for a low-carb or keto diet. This delicious Cast iron skillet crustless pizza is easy to make and a fantastic substitute without all the carbs.

Ingredients:

  • Marinara or pizza sauce: Adds a tangy tomato flavor for the pizza base.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts and adds a gooey, cheesy texture.
  • Browned sausage or ground beef: Adds a savory and meaty flavor.
  • Green bell pepper: Gives crunchy, slightly sweet pieces for some freshness.
  • Pepperonis: Adds a salty and savory taste.
  • Italian seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a blend of herbs and spices.

What keto-friendly pizza sauce should I use?

For a keto-friendly pizza sauce, I recommend using a low-carb marinara sauce. If you’re unsure which sauce to choose at the grocery store, I’ve listed some of our favorite options below, along with their net carb counts. Be sure to select a sugar-free sauce, meaning no added sugar in the ingredients.

Low Carb Marinara Sauce Options that are sugar-free:

  • Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce – 4g net carbs per ½ cup
  • Rao’s Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce – 3g net carbs per ½ cup
  • Lucini Italia Organic Tuscan Marinara Sauce – 3g net carbs per ½ cup
  • Lucini Italia Organic Rustic Tomato Basil – 3g net carbs per ½ cup
  • Mezzetta Napa Valley Homemade Sauce Marinara – 6g net carbs per ½ cup

Mouthwatering Keto Crustless Pizza Bake - Quick Low Carb Recipe for Cast Iron Skillet (2)

How to Make Crustless Pizza Bake in the Oven

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread a thin, even layer of low-carb tomato sauce. If using a skillet, warm the sauce on the stove. For baking dishes, heat the sauce in the microwave or the oven.

Step 2: Layer mozzarella cheese on top of the pizza sauce.

Tip: I used a 10.25 cast iron skillet, but it isn’t necessary. Feel free to use any skillet or baking dish that is oven-safe.

**If you would rather skip preheating the sauce, add all the ingredients to the baking dish and bake for approx 20 minutes on the middle rack of the oven.

Mouthwatering Keto Crustless Pizza Bake - Quick Low Carb Recipe for Cast Iron Skillet (3)

Step 3: It’s time for your favorite toppings! I used pepperoni slices, green peppers, onions, and ground beef.

Step 4: Spread the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on the toppings, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Mouthwatering Keto Crustless Pizza Bake - Quick Low Carb Recipe for Cast Iron Skillet (4)

Step 5: Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 5-10 minutes, or until the toppings are perfectly cooked and the mozzarella cheese gets that irresistible golden brown color and starts bubbling.

Tips for The Best No-Crust Pizza

  • Use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan to add richness to your pizza.
  • Don’t overload the toppings to prevent the pizza from becoming too heavy and soggy.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.

Variations

  • Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like onions, mushrooms, black olives, bacon, ham, bell peppers, Italian sausage, pepperoni, jalapenos, fresh basil, and more.
  • Elevate the flavor by adding garlic powder and red pepper flakes.
  • Not a fan of pizza sauce? No problem; substitute it with a deliciously creamy cheese sauce.

More Crustless Pizza Ideas

  1. Meat Lover’s – Load it up with cooked bacon, sausage, pepperoni, and any other meats of your choice for a protein-packed meal.
  2. Vegetable – Add your favorite fresh vegetables like sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
  3. BBQ Chicken Lover’s – Pile it high with my homemade sugar-free BBQ sauce, chicken, and mozzarella cheese for a tangy twist.

Mouthwatering Keto Crustless Pizza Bake - Quick Low Carb Recipe for Cast Iron Skillet (5)

Can I make individual-sized crustless pizzas?

Yes, absolutely! You can use small baking dishes, ramekins, disposable baking pans, or muffin tins to create individual portions. Divide the toppings and cheese among the individual containers, and bake them until the cheese is melted and the toppings are cooked to your liking.

What do I serve with this recipe?

Keep it simple, serve it as is, or pair it with a refreshing leafy green garden salad. For more options, try serving it alongside steamed broccoli or indulge in some keto cheesy garlic bread chaffles.

How Many Carbs in Low Carb Pizza without Crust

There are 2g of net carbs per serving, based on dividing the recipe into three equal serving sizes. Please note that the nutritional information in the recipe card is specific to this pizza. Modifying the toppings or using a different pizza sauce may vary the net carb content.

How to Store and Reheat

Let it cool, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating your crustless pizza, you have a couple of options. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can use the microwave for a single serving, starting with 45 seconds and checking for doneness. If it needs more heating, continue in 30-second increments until warmed to your liking. Please note that microwave times may vary depending on the portion size.

Where to Buy Crustless Pizza?

  • Papa Murphy
  • Papa Johns
  • Lou Malnati’s
  • Marco’s Pizza Bowls
  • Mazzios
  • CiCi’s Pizza may not be an official menu item, but you can ask the cooks to make a bowl with your favorite toppings.

More Delicious Keto Pizza Recipes:

Mouthwatering Keto Crustless Pizza Bake - Quick Low Carb Recipe for Cast Iron Skillet (6)

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4.64 from 66 votes

Quick & Easy Keto Crustless Pizza

Packed with flavorful toppings and gooey melted cheese, this Low-Carb Crustless Pizza is a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite that satisfies your cravings without the need for a traditional crust.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time12 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, lunch, Snack

Cuisine: American, casual, Italian

Servings: 3

Calories: 339kcal

Author: Kasey Trenum

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. In a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet on the stove, heat the 1⁄2 cup pizza sauce over medium heat until bubbling, about 2-3 minutes.

  • Grab a cast-iron or regular skillet. Pour 1/2 cup of marinara or pizza sauce into the skillet and heat it on the stove until the sauce bubbles.

  • Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the bubbling sauce, reserving about 1/4 cup for later.

  • It's time to add your favorite toppings. Whether you prefer browned sausage, ground beef, veggies, or a combination, layer them on the cheese.

  • Once your toppings are in place, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. This will help hold everything together and create a delicious, cheesy finish.

  • To add flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning evenly across the pizza.

  • Place your skillet or baking dish on the top rack of the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, keeping an eye on it as it cooks. The mozzarella cheese should begin to bubble and turn golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven.

  • Once the top is golden and bubbly, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts or potholders. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Nutritional Info Note: The nutritional information is based on using a low-carb marinara sauce with 3 net carbs per 1/2 cup serving. The toppings included in the nutritional information are listed in the ingredients above. I used ground beef instead of sausage.

Low-Carb Marinara Sauce Options

  • Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce – 4g net carbs per ½ cup
  • Rao’s Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce – 3g net carbs per ½ cup
  • Lucini Italia Organic Tuscan Marinara Sauce – 3g net carbs per ½ cup
  • Lucini Italia Organic Rustic Tomato Basil – 3g net carbs per ½ cup
  • Mezzetta Napa Valley Homemade Sauce Marinara – 6g net carbs per ½ cup

Tips for The Best No-Crust Pizza

  • Use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan to add richness to your pizza.
  • Don't overload the toppings to prevent the pizza from becoming too heavy.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.

Variations for Crustless Pizza Bake Recipe

  1. Use your favorite pizza toppings like onions, mushrooms, black olives, bacon, ham, bell peppers, Italian sausage, pepperoni, jalapenos, fresh basil, and more.
  2. Elevate the flavor by adding garlic powder and red pepper flakes.
  3. Not a fan of pizza sauce? No problem, substitute it with a delicious creamy cheese sauce.

More Crustless Pizza Ideas

  1. Meat Lover's - Load it up with cooked bacon, sausage, pepperoni, and any other meats of your choice for a protein-packed meal.
  2. Vegetable- Add your favorite fresh vegetables like sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
  3. BBQ Chicken Lover's - Pile it high with my homemade sugar-free bbq sauce, chicken, and mozzarella cheese for a tangy twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 27g | Fiber: 1g

Tried this recipe?Mention @kaseytrenumblogger or tag #kaseytrenumblogger!

Mouthwatering Keto Crustless Pizza Bake - Quick Low Carb Recipe for Cast Iron Skillet (7)

Mouthwatering Keto Crustless Pizza Bake - Quick Low Carb Recipe for Cast Iron Skillet (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat pizza on keto if I don't eat the crust? ›

Regular pizza bases are usually a no-no for those following a ketogenic or moderate low-carb diet. By swapping out a regular, carb-laden base for a Lo-Dough base, you can cut the carbs by more than 90%, reduce calories and simultaneously supplement your diet with the fibre it needs! A win-win!

How many carbs are in crustless pizza? ›

Keto Crustless Pizza (1 slices) contains 6.4g total carbs, 5.4g net carbs, 40.9g fat, 29.9g protein, and 511 calories.

How many carbs in a keto pizza crust? ›

Learn how to make the best keto pizza using a simple dough that yields a chewy and golden crust! No yeast or cauliflower needed, it has just 2 grams net carbs per serving.

Will one slice of pizza ruin keto? ›

Regular Crust

If you're limiting your carbs to 20-50 grams per day, one slice of this type of crust will likely kick you out of ketosis.

What kind of pizza is good for a low-carb diet? ›

Veggie crusts: Some crusts are built around low-carb veggies, such as eggplant, zucchini, or cauliflower. All great ways to sneak some veggies into your kids' meal! Almond flour crusts: Other popular low-carb or keto pizza ingredients include alternative flours such as almond flour, coconut flour, or psyllium.

Do any pizza chains have low carb pizza? ›

Who Sells Low-Carb Pizzas? Several major chains provide low-carb options by using alternative crust options—commonly, cauliflower crust. Pizza Hut, Domino's, California Pizza Kitchen, Blaze, and Papa Murphy's are among the popular chains with cauliflower-crust pizzas on their menu.

Can diabetics eat crustless pizza? ›

The Diabetes Effect

Obviously, cauliflower pizza is more “diabetes friendly” than traditional types of pizza with flour crust. It's not rocket science — fewer carbs means less spiking of glucose levels, so there's no need to “chase it” with large amounts of insulin.

Is crustless pizza good for you? ›

This crustless pizza is quick and easy to make. It is low in carbs. For more ideas, check out these easy Ground Beef Recipes! A crust-free pizza has significantly fewer carbs than a traditional pizza, making it a great option for those who are following a low-carb diet.

What is the best meat for keto diet? ›

Some of the best meats for keto include beef, pork, chicken, salmon, and bison. Still, all plain, unprocessed meats are keto-friendly and low in carbs — so there are plenty of options to choose from. However, you may want to choose your meats based on other factors in addition to carb count.

How many carbs a day on keto? ›

On the keto diet, you are allowed to have no more than 50 grams of net carbs per day – and the fewer, the better! But by focusing on “net” rather than “total” carbs, you won't be denying your body the essential fiber it needs for proper function.

Does Domino's do crustless pizza? ›

In its latest product, Specialty Chicken, there's no pizza crust in sight. Instead, the U.S. chain has replaced it with breaded, white boneless chicken pieces that are then topped with sauce, cheese and other assorted pizza toppings.

How many carbs are in Papa Murphy's crustless pizza? ›

Low-Carb. With the addition of its crustless pizzas, Papa Murphy's has made it easy for low-carb diners to eat at its restaurants. Each of these pizzas have anywhere from 3 to 4g carbohydrates per serving. For a nutritious option, choose the gourmet vegetarian (3g carbs) or chicken bacon artichoke pizza (4g carbs).

How to eat pizza on keto? ›

There are now many options for a keto-friendly pizza crust. You only need to determine exactly what you want in your pizza in order to have the perfect base. For example, if you prefer a crispy crust, you would probably enjoy a cauliflower pizza crust or one made from almond flour.

Is it OK to not eat pizza crust? ›

Some people like to eat their entire pizza crust, and others don't, eating the toppings and the cheese while leaving that outer layer of pizza dough sitting on their plates. Many restaurant owners have come to accept this and chock it up to the fact that some people just don't like eating wholesale pizza dough.

How many carbs in a slice of pizza if you don t eat the crust? ›

“I'd say that not eating the crust off pizza might save you about 50 to 75 calories per slice and perhaps 5 to 10 grams of carbohydrate,” explains Dana Hunnes, a clinical dietician at UCLA.

Is pizza healthy without crust? ›

Ever wondered why a crustless pizza is popular on a keto diet? It has barely any carbs! If you use certain vegetables or smoked meats, it can increase the carb count, but made as written, it's virtually carb-free.

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