Cheese Crust Pizza

This innovative keto pizza replaces traditional dough with a crispy cheese crust. Topped with marinara and classic pizza toppings, it delivers pizza flavor without the carbs.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:30:36 GMT
A fresh pizza topped with pepperoni, green peppers, black olives, and cheese, sliced into eight portions. Pin it
A fresh pizza topped with pepperoni, green peppers, black olives, and cheese, sliced into eight portions. | zestplate.com

Easy Homemade Cheese Crust Pizza

Let me share this simple low-carb pizza that's become my go-to when those pizza cravings hit. This easy homemade version uses a crispy cheese crust instead of dough making it perfect for anyone watching their carbs. I love how quick it comes together in my skillet and you can top it with anything you like. Once you try this easy recipe you'll be hooked on this delicious alternative to regular pizza.

Why You'll Love This Easy Recipe

  • It's perfect for low-carb and keto diets but tastes like a treat
  • Takes just minutes to make no complicated dough needed
  • You can make it your own with your favorite toppings
  • Works great for quick dinners or easy leftovers

Easy Ingredients for Cheese Crust Pizza

  • Finely Shredded Cheddar: Makes the perfect crispy base for our easy pizza.
  • Your Favorite Toppings: Keep them low-carb or add whatever you love.
  • Simple Seasonings: Italian herbs and garlic powder make it taste amazing.
  • Good Skillet: Cast iron works best but any non-stick pan will do.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Cheese Base
Start by selecting your favorite shredded cheese - I like using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for the perfect balance of flavor and melt. Spread it evenly across your preheated skillet, making sure it's in a nice thin layer. Watch carefully as it starts to melt and bubble around the edges - this is where the magic begins.
Perfect That Crispy Texture
Keep a close eye on your cheese as it melts. You'll notice it starting to bubble and turn golden brown on the bottom - this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Don't rush this step, it's crucial for that perfect crispy crust. Once you see that beautiful golden color underneath, carefully lift the pan off the heat and let it cool for just a minute or two.
Add Your Favorite Toppings
Now comes the creative part - while your cheese is still warm but slightly set, start adding your toppings. I love using fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Layer them carefully so they're evenly distributed. If you're adding more cheese on top, now's the time to do it. Remember not to overload - we want to keep that crispy base intact.
Broil to Perfection
Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat it on high. Slide your skillet under the broiler and watch it like a hawk - this step goes quickly! You're looking for the toppings to get hot and any additional cheese to melt and bubble, usually about 2-3 minutes. Keep the oven door slightly open and rotate the pan if needed for even melting.
Rest and Serve
Once everything's perfectly melted and bubbly, pull your skillet out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time is crucial - it lets the cheese set slightly so you can get clean cuts. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into portions, and serve while still warm and crispy.

Tips for Easy Success

  • Keep Watch: Stay close to your skillet the cheese can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
  • Pan Choice: A good heavy skillet makes all the difference in this easy recipe.
  • Get Creative: Try different toppings each time to find your favorites.
A close-up of a hot, cheesy pizza topped with pepperoni, olives, green peppers, and onions in a skillet. Pin it
A close-up of a hot, cheesy pizza topped with pepperoni, olives, green peppers, and onions in a skillet. | zestplate.com

Simple Variations and Storage

  • Try BBQ chicken or taco toppings for something different
  • Store leftovers between parchment paper in the fridge
  • Load it up with veggies for a healthy twist

An Easy Low-Carb Pizza Solution

This easy homemade cheese crust pizza gives you all that pizza satisfaction without the carbs. The crispy cheese base topped with your favorites makes the perfect quick meal. Whether you serve it fresh from the skillet or enjoy leftovers later it's a simple delicious way to enjoy pizza on your terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why let cheese cool before toppings?

Prevents toppings from sinking into melted cheese base.

→ What cheese works best?

Mix of cheddar and mozzarella provides best texture and flavor.

→ Can I use different toppings?

Yes, customize with any favorite pizza toppings.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Layer between parchment paper in ziplock bag and refrigerate.

→ Why use broiler?

Melts toppings quickly without overcooking cheese crust.

Keto Pizza Recipe

A low-carb pizza made with a crispy cheese crust instead of bread. Quick skillet meal ready in 15 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
02 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella.
03 1/2 cup marinara sauce.
04 4 oz sliced black olives.
05 2 tbsp sliced onion.
06 2 tbsp sliced green pepper.
07 2 oz pepperoni.
08 2 tbsp mushrooms.

Instructions

Step 01

Position oven rack at top level and preheat broiler to high setting.

Step 02

Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat until warm but not hot.

Step 03

Spread shredded cheese mixture evenly across entire bottom of skillet.

Step 04

Watch carefully as cheese melts and begins bubbling, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 05

Continue cooking until underside of cheese becomes crispy.

Step 06

Remove from heat and let cheese crust cool slightly, about 2 minutes.

Step 07

Spread marinara sauce carefully over cooled cheese crust.

Step 08

Layer all desired toppings evenly over sauce.

Step 09

Place skillet under broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.

Step 10

Cook until toppings are hot and cheese is melted but not burnt.

Step 11

Remove from oven and let rest 3-5 minutes.

Step 12

Allow cheese crust to firm up before slicing.

Notes

  1. Keto friendly.
  2. Quick preparation.
  3. One pan meal.
  4. Customizable toppings.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cast iron skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 139
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g