Hey there, pizza lovers! Learn How to Make Crustless Pizza. Do you have a yearning for that heavenly blend of cheese, tomatoes, and your favorite toppings, but are trying to cut down on carbs? Or perhaps you’re just interested in mixing up your traditional pizza routine? Whatever your reasons, you’re in the right place because today, we’re going to dive into the irresistible world of crustless pizza. Yes, you heard it right, crustless pizza – all the taste, none of the guilt!
Why Go Crustless?
While we all love the traditional, dough-based delight that is pizza, sometimes our diets or lifestyle choices demand something a little different. The crustless pizza, a high-protein, low-carb alternative, has come to the rescue for many. Perfect for those following a keto diet or anyone looking to reduce their carb intake without giving up their cherished pizza nights, crustless pizza is a game-changer. Plus, it’s easy and quick to prepare. Intrigued? Let’s dive in.
The Base: How to Make Crustless Pizza
Contrary to what the name might suggest, a crustless pizza isn’t a pile of toppings thrown haphazardly on a plate. There is indeed a “base” of sorts; it’s just not your typical doughy foundation. Instead, the crustless pizza starts with a beautiful blend of cheese and eggs that bake together to create a thin, delicious base you can load your toppings onto.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
To prepare the base:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, eggs, oregano, and garlic powder until combined.
- Pour this mixture onto your prepared baking sheet or pizza stone, spreading it out into a thin layer in a circular or rectangular shape depending on your preference.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Also Read: Canned Chicken Crust Pizza: A Delicious Twist on the Classic
Piling on the Flavor: Toppings
Once your crust is golden and ready, it’s time to play. Crustless pizza lends itself to creativity just as much as its dough-based counterpart. The only rule is to keep it keto-friendly if you’re following a low-carb diet. Here are some ideas:
- Classic: A layer of sugar-free marinara sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and slices of pepperoni.
- Veggie Delight: A smear of pesto, topped with bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and onions.
- Meat Lovers: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, sausage, and bacon.
After topping your pizza, pop it back into the oven for another 5-10 minutes until your cheese is perfectly melted.
Serving It Up
Once your pizza is done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it up. This cooling time allows the base to firm up a bit, making it easier to handle. Then, grab a plate, a slice, and enjoy the fruits (or should I say cheeses) of your labor.
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). |
| Step 2 | Grease a 9-inch pie dish or an equivalent oven-safe dish. |
| Step 3 | Prepare the base: Mix together 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 beaten eggs, and optional spices (like dried oregano, garlic powder, etc.). Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared dish. |
| Step 4 | Bake the base in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden. |
| Step 5 | Once the base is ready, spread pizza sauce on top. You can use homemade or store-bought sauce. |
| Step 6 | Add your favorite toppings. This can be anything from pepperoni, cooked sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions, etc. |
| Step 7 | Top the pizza with another layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. |
| Step 8 | Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. |
| Step 9 | Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before cutting into slices. |
| Step 10 | Serve and enjoy your crustless pizza! |
Variations to Try
Crustless pizza is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:
- Mexican pizza: top your pizza with salsa, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese for a spicy twist.
- Breakfast pizza: add crumbled bacon, diced ham, and shredded cheddar cheese to your pizza for a delicious breakfast treat.
- Margherita pizza: top your pizza with fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese for a classic Margherita flavor.
How to Make Crustless Pizza in the Oven
To make crustless pizza in the oven, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, choose your desired toppings and spread them evenly in a greased 9-inch pie dish. Next, whisk together 3 eggs and 1/2 cup of milk in a separate bowl, and pour the mixture over the toppings. Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the eggs are fully cooked. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious crustless pizza!
The Versatility of Crustless Pizza
One of the beauties of crustless pizza is its adaptability. You can switch out mozzarella in the base for other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack. You can play around with your toppings, making it as simple or as gourmet as you like. The sky’s the limit with this innovative take on a classic favorite.
So, there you have it – your guide to making a delicious, satisfying crustless pizza right at home. This mouthwatering, guilt-free alternative to traditional pizza will have you looking forward to pizza night in a whole new way. So what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen, start prepping, and enjoy your pizza adventure, crustless style!
FAQs
Can you make crustless pizza in a microwave?
It’s possible to make a version of crustless pizza in a microwave by melting cheese in a microwave-safe dish and then adding toppings and microwaving again until heated through. However, the texture won’t be the same as when it’s baked in an oven.
What kind of cheese is best for crustless pizza?
Mozzarella is commonly used for the base because it melts well and has a mild flavor. Other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack can also be used. For added flavor, Parmesan or Romano can be mixed in.
Can you make a crustless pizza with a meat base?
Yes, you can make a ‘meatza’, where the crust is made from ground meat mixed with seasonings and possibly a binder like egg. This is then pre-cooked before pizza toppings are added and it’s baked again.
Is crustless pizza healthy?
Crustless pizza is generally lower in carbs and higher in protein than regular pizza due to the absence of a bread-based crust. However, it can be high in fat and calories due to the use of cheese for the base. Whether it’s ‘healthy’ depends on your specific dietary needs and goals.
Keto Crustless Pizza by Low Carb Recipes with Jennifer (Not a Paid Promotion)
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