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Crispy Cheese Pizza

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This keto-friendly pizza skips traditional dough and uses a crispy layer of cheese for the base. Add marinara sauce and toppings you love for a low-carb twist.

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Aisha
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:22:56 GMT
Pepperoni, olives, green peppers, and melted cheese pizza sliced into portions. Pin it
Pepperoni, olives, green peppers, and melted cheese pizza sliced into portions. | cookingflavor.com

Quick Melt-in-your-mouth Cheese Base Pizza

Wanna know about my fave low-carb pizza fix? I've got this super simple cheese-bottom pizza that hits the spot whenever pizza cravings come knocking. Instead of regular dough, you'll make a crunchy cheese base that's totally friendly if you're watching carb intake. The best part? It comes together so fast in a pan, and you can pile on whatever toppings make you happy. Once you give this a shot, you'll be hooked on this tasty swap for traditional pizza.

What Makes This No-Fuss Pizza Special

  • Works perfectly if you're doing keto or low-carb but doesn't taste like you're missing out
  • Ready in just a handful of minutes without any tricky dough prep
  • Customize it completely with toppings you love most
  • Perfect for speedy suppers or tomorrow's lunch

Basic Components for Cheese Base Pizza

  • Thinly Grated Cheddar: Creates that wonderful crispy foundation for our no-fuss pizza.
  • Personal Topping Choices: Stick with low-carb options or add whatever makes you happy.
  • Basic Flavor Enhancers: Some Italian spices and garlic powder really bring it all together.
  • Reliable Pan: Nothing beats cast iron but any stick-free skillet will work fine.

Simple How-To Guide

Create Your Cheese Foundation
Grab your preferred shredded cheese - I usually mix mozzarella with cheddar for the right blend of stretch and taste. Scatter it in an even layer on your heated pan, making sure it forms a nice thin circle. Watch it closely as it begins to melt and sizzle at the edges - that's when the fun starts.
Get That Crunchy Base Just Right
Monitor your cheese as it cooks down. You'll spot it getting bubbly and turning a nice golden color underneath - this typically needs about 3-4 minutes. Take your time here, it's key for that awesome crunchy base. When you see that beautiful gold color on the bottom, gently take the pan off the heat and let it sit briefly.
Top It Your Way
Here's where you get to play - while the cheese is still warm but starting to set, add your favorite toppings. I'm partial to fresh basil, tomato slices, and a dash of Italian herbs. Spread them out evenly across the surface. If you want more cheese on top, sprinkle it now. Don't go overboard though - we want to keep that base nice and crispy.
Finish Under the Broiler
Put your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and turn it on high. Slide your pan under there and don't walk away - this happens fast! You want your toppings to heat through and any extra cheese to get all melty and bubbly, usually in about 2-3 minutes. Leave the oven door cracked and turn the pan if needed so everything melts evenly.
Cool and Enjoy
When everything looks perfectly melty and hot, pull your pan out and let it cool for around 5 minutes. This waiting step matters - it helps the cheese firm up so you can cut nice pieces. Use a sharp knife or pizza wheel to cut it into slices, and dig in while it's still warm and crispy.

Tricks for Perfect Results

  • Don't Walk Away: Keep an eye on your pan as cheese can turn from golden to burnt in seconds.
  • Skillet Matters: Using a quality heavy pan really makes this no-fuss recipe shine.
  • Mix It Up: Switch your toppings around to discover new favorite combos.
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. | cookingflavor.com

Fun Twists and Leftover Ideas

  • Go for BBQ chicken or taco fixings for a tasty change
  • Keep any extras between cooking paper sheets in your fridge
  • Pack it with veggies for a nutritious spin

Your Go-To Carb-Smart Pizza Fix

This no-fuss cheese base pizza gives you all the pizza joy without loading up on carbs. That crunchy cheese bottom covered with stuff you love makes for one tasty quick bite. Whether you eat it hot from the pan or save some for later, it's a straightforward, yummy way to enjoy pizza exactly how you want it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why cool the cheese first?

It keeps your toppings from sinking into the melted cheese base.

→ What cheese is best to use?

A combination of mozzarella and cheddar gives the best results for taste and texture.

→ Can I add different toppings?

Sure! Use any toppings that suit your taste.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Place slices between parchment paper in a sealed bag and refrigerate.

→ What’s the point of broiling?

Broiling quickly melts the toppings while keeping the cheese crust from overcooking.

Crispy Cheese Pizza

Skip the carbs with this quick pizza using a cheese crust. Ready in minutes, it's a simple skillet creation.

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

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Evenly scatter the cheese mix across the bottom of the skillet.

Step 04

Let the cheese start bubbling and melting. Keep an eye on it—it only takes 2-3 minutes.

Step 05

Let the cheese cook a bit longer until the bottom gets crispy.

Step 06

Take it off the heat and let the crust set for around 2 minutes.

Step 07

Carefully spread the marinara sauce over the cooled cheese base.

Step 08

Evenly layer your chosen toppings over the sauce.

Step 09

Pop the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes—but watch closely.

Step 10

Let everything heat through until the toppings are hot and the cheese is gooey but not burnt.

Step 11

Take it out of the oven and give it 3-5 minutes to cool.

Step 12

Wait a little so the cheese crust hardens before cutting it up.

Notes

  1. Works for keto.
  2. Super fast to make.
  3. Only uses one pan.
  4. Toppings can be changed up.

Tools You'll Need

  • A cast iron skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Cheese (contains dairy).

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