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Cheese Crust Meal

Featured in: Homemade Spreads for Any Occasion

This keto take on pizza swaps the usual dough for a crispy cheese base. Covered with your favorite marinara and toppings, it’s loaded with flavor but skips the carbs.

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Updated on Fri, 09 May 2025 14:58:27 GMT
Hot pizza loaded with pepperoni, green peppers, olives, and bubbly cheese, cut into slices. Pin it
Hot pizza loaded with pepperoni, green peppers, olives, and bubbly cheese, cut into slices. | cookingkitchn.com

Quick Homemade Cheese Base Pizza

I wanna tell you about my favorite low-carb pizza hack that keeps me going when pizza hunger strikes. This speedy version uses cheese as the base instead of traditional dough, making it awesome for folks counting carbs. I really dig how fast it comes together in a pan and you can pile it with whatever toppings make you happy. After your first bite of this tasty alternative, you'll forget all about regular pizza crust.

What Makes This Simple Method So Good

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

Basic Items For Cheese Base Pizza

  • Good Skillet: Any non-stick pan works fine but cast iron gives best results.
  • Simple Seasonings: Garlic powder and Italian herbs really boost the flavor.
  • Your Favorite Toppings: Add whatever you enjoy, just keep them low-carb if needed.
  • Finely Shredded Cheddar: This creates that wonderful crispy foundation we're after.

Simple Method From Start To Finish

Rest and Serve
After everything looks bubbly and melted perfectly, take your pan out and let it sit for around 5 minutes. This waiting time matters a lot - it helps the cheese firm up so you can cut nice clean slices. Grab a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice it up, and enjoy while it's still warm and crispy.
Broil to Perfection
Put your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and turn it on high. Slip your pan under the broiler and don't walk away - this happens fast! You want the toppings to heat up and any extra cheese to get all melty and bubbly, usually in about 2-3 minutes. Keep the oven door cracked a bit and turn the pan if needed for even heating.
Add Your Favorite Toppings
Here comes the fun part - while your cheese is still warm but starting to set, add your toppings. I really like fresh basil, tomato slices, and a dash of Italian seasoning. Spread them out evenly across the surface. If you want more cheese on top, now's the time. Don't go overboard though - we need to keep that crispy bottom intact.
Perfect That Crispy Texture
Watch your cheese closely as it melts. You'll see it start to bubble and turn golden brown underneath - this usually takes around 3-4 minutes. Don't try to rush this part, it's super important for getting that perfect crispy base. Once you see that nice golden color on the bottom, carefully take the pan off the heat and let it cool for a minute or two.
Prepare Your Cheese Base
Start by picking your favorite shredded cheese - I usually mix mozzarella and cheddar for the best combo of taste and meltiness. Spread it evenly in your heated pan, making sure it forms a nice thin layer. Watch as it begins to melt and bubble around the edges - that's when the magic starts happening.

Tricks For Getting It Right

  • Get Creative: Switch up your toppings each time you make it.
  • Pan Choice: A heavy skillet really makes this simple dish turn out better.
  • Keep Watch: Don't leave your pan unattended as cheese can burn in seconds.
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. | cookingkitchn.com

Easy Changes and Keeping Leftovers

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

A Clever Carb-Free Pizza Option

This quick cheese base pizza gives you all the pizza flavors you crave without loading up on carbs. The crunchy cheese foundation topped with your personal favorites creates an ideal fast meal. Whether you eat it hot from the pan or save some for later, it's a clever, yummy way to enjoy pizza exactly how you want it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why let the cheese cool first?

Stops the toppings from sinking into the melted cheese layer.

→ What’s the ideal cheese combo?

A blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives you the best texture and taste.

→ Can I pick different toppings?

Absolutely, switch it up with anything you like on pizza.

→ How should I store any extras?

Place layers between parchment sheets in a zip-top bag, then refrigerate.

→ Why use the broiler for this?

It helps finish off the toppings quickly without overcooking the cheese base.

Cheese Crust Meal

A crunchy cheese-based no-crust pizza that’s low-carb. Perfect for quick meals, done in 15 minutes.

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

Category: Simple Spreads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Set the broiler to high and move the oven rack to the top position.

Step 02

Warm up your cast iron pan over medium heat, but don’t let it get too hot.

Step 03

Evenly distribute the shredded cheeses over the whole skillet base.

Step 04

Keep an eye on the cheese as it melts and starts bubbling—this takes about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 05

Let the bottom of the cheese cook until it turns crispy.

Step 06

Take the skillet off the heat and give the cheese crust a couple minutes to firm up a bit.

Step 07

Carefully smooth the marinara across the cooled cheese crust.

Step 08

Spread your preferred toppings evenly over the sauce layer.

Step 09

Slide the whole skillet under the broiler and heat for 2-3 minutes while keeping an eye on it.

Step 10

Heat everything until the toppings are warm and cheese is gooey, but not browned too much.

Step 11

Take the skillet out of the oven and leave it for 3-5 minutes to cool a little.

Step 12

Let the cheese crust harden up before cutting into it.

Notes

  1. Works for low-carb diets.
  2. Fast and easy to make.
  3. Done in just one pan.
  4. Pick and choose your own toppings.

Tools You'll Need

  • A cast iron pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains 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