Cheesy Keto Pan Pizza
If you’ve been on the hunt for a low-carb pizza that doesn’t skimp on flavor, you’ve landed in the right place! This Cheesy Keto Pan Pizza is the ultimate solution for pizza lovers who are watching their carb intake. With a crispy, cheesy crust made from almond flour and topped with savory Italian sausage, fresh peppers, and a generous amount of cheese, this pizza is a real treat. Let’s dive into the details!
Top Reasons to Make Cheesy Keto Pan Pizza
- Low Carb Delight: Perfect for those following a keto diet, this pizza is low in carbs but high in flavor.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this pizza up in no time.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the toppings based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge.
- Family-Friendly: Even non-keto eaters will love this pizza, making it a great meal for everyone!
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: Satisfy your pizza cravings without derailing your diet.
The Essentials
- 2 ounces cream cheese: This adds richness and helps bind the crust together.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: A gooey, melty base for the pizza.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder for the crust.
- 1 ½ cups almond flour: The main ingredient for the keto-friendly crust.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a delicious garlicky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the crust a little rise.
- ½ cup sugar-free pizza sauce: For that classic pizza taste without the carbs.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Extra cheese for topping; because you can never have too much!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For a sharp, cheesy flavor contrast.
- 8 ounces Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled: A hearty protein topping.
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced: Adds color and crunch.
- ½ green bell pepper, sliced: For a fresh, peppery flavor.
- ½ sweet yellow onion, sliced: Sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Fresh basil for garnishing: A fragrant finish!
Tools of the Trade
- Mixing bowl: For combining the crust ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking.
- Spatula: To spread the crust evenly in the pan.
- Oven-safe pan: A cast-iron skillet or baking dish works great.
- Oven: Preheat for that perfect crust.
Cheesy Keto Pan Pizza: How It’s Done
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pizza cooks evenly and the crust gets nicely browned.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 ounces of cream cheese and 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Microwave the mixture for about 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and you can stir it together smoothly.
Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Dry Ingredients
Add the egg, 1 ½ cups of almond flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the cheese mixture. Stir until well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Spread the Dough
Grease your oven-safe pan lightly with oil. Spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan, making sure to create a little bit of a crust along the edges.
Step 5: Bake the Crust
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
Remove the crust from the oven. Spread ½ cup of sugar-free pizza sauce over the crust, followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, sliced red and green bell peppers, and sliced yellow onion.
Step 7: Bake Again
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Keto Pan Pizza!
Fit It to Your Goals
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies.
- Spicy Kick: Add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the toppings.
- Extra Cheese Lover: Feel free to increase the amount of cheese if you love it gooey.
- Different Flours: If you’re not strictly keto, you can experiment with different flours like coconut flour.
Slip-Ups to Skip
- Don’t skip preheating your oven; it’s crucial for getting the crust just right.
- Be careful not to overbake the crust initially; it should be firm but not burnt.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully melted before mixing; this helps achieve a smooth dough.
- Don’t overload the toppings; too many can make the pizza soggy.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
This Cheesy Keto Pan Pizza is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven or microwave until heated through. It also freezes well; wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Helpful Q&A
Can I use other types of cheese for this pizza?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you prefer.
Is almond flour the only option for the crust?
While almond flour is popular for keto recipes due to its low carb content, you can also use coconut flour. Just remember that coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you’ll need to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
How can I make this pizza more filling?
Adding more protein is a great way to make this pizza heartier. You can add extra sausage, pepperoni, or even some grilled chicken on top!
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the crust in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the toppings and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to satisfying your pizza cravings while sticking to a keto lifestyle, this Cheesy Keto Pan Pizza hits all the right notes. With its rich, cheesy crust, savory toppings, and customizable options, it’s a meal that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this pizza is sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice (or two) of keto heaven!
Cheesy Keto Pan Pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Microwave for 30-60 seconds until melted.
- Step 3: Add the egg, almond flour, salt, garlic powder, and baking powder to the cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Step 4: Grease your oven-safe pan and spread the dough evenly across the bottom, forming a crust along the edges.
- Step 5: Bake the crust for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 6: Remove the crust, spread pizza sauce, and top with mozzarella, cheddar, sausage, peppers, and onion.
- Step 7: Bake again for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling.
- Step 8: Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
- Pizza also freezes well; wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to a month.
