Crustless Pizza Bake

Introduction

Crustless Pizza Bake is the perfect dish for when you’re craving the flavors of pizza without the hassle of making a crust. This baked creation layers all the best pizza toppings into one hearty, comforting casserole, making it ideal for anyone looking for a low-carb, gluten-free option or just something deliciously different from the traditional pizza. Each bite is packed with savory, cheesy goodness and a medley of flavorful ingredients like pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, and gooey mozzarella, all held together in a perfectly seasoned sauce.

I first made this dish during a busy weeknight when I was craving pizza but didn’t have the time to fuss with dough. It was an instant hit with my family! The combination of juicy sauce and melty cheese brings all the comforting flavors of pizza, without the heavy crust. It’s the kind of recipe that saves time but doesn’t sacrifice flavor, making it perfect for any occasion from casual weeknight dinners to a quick and satisfying meal for a group.

What I love most about Crustless Pizza Bake is how customizable it is. You can easily swap in your favorite pizza toppings, add extra veggies, or even make it extra cheesy. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up leftovers from your pizza toppings or those random fridge ingredients that need a purpose. This dish will quickly become a go-to for busy days and pizza cravings alike—it’s just that easy to make and delicious!

Perfect for:

A low-carb dinner
Family-friendly weeknight meals
Quick and easy lunches
Pizza night without the crust
Meal prepping for the week

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: Imagine all the mouthwatering, savory flavors of your favorite pizza, but without the dough. The combination of marinara, cheese, and various toppings makes for a satisfying and comforting meal that’s just as delicious as any traditional pizza.
Low-Carb: Perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet, this pizza bake offers all the taste you love while cutting out the carbs. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of pizza without worrying about the extra carbs.
Super Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together with minimal prep and cook time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or when you’re craving a quick meal. In less than an hour, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to enjoy.
No Pork: If you avoid pork, this pizza bake is an excellent alternative. You can easily customize it with your favorite proteins like chicken, turkey, or vegetarian toppings, making it suitable for different dietary preferences.
Customizable: The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Feel free to swap out toppings, add your favorite vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses. This recipe caters to all tastes, allowing you to create a pizza bake that fits your cravings or dietary needs.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 300–350 calories

Ingredients

For the Pizza Bake:

2 cups marinara sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
½ cup black olives, sliced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced (or turkey or another protein of choice)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Marinara Sauce: The key ingredient for the pizza flavor; use your favorite brand or homemade.
Mozzarella Cheese: Essential for that melty, gooey pizza topping texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a deliciously sharp flavor and extra cheesy goodness.
Olive Oil & Italian Seasoning: Used for flavoring the pizza bake and giving it that true Italian taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pizza Bake:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Cook Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms, and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Layer the Pizza Bake: In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by your cooked chicken (or protein), sautéed vegetables, black olives, and remaining marinara sauce. Top with additional mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Bake:

Bake the Dish: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.

Cool and Serve:

Cool Slightly: Allow the bake to cool for 5–10 minutes before cutting.
Serve: Slice and enjoy your crustless pizza bake, straight from the dish!

How to Serve

As a Main Dish: This bake is filling enough on its own, served with a simple side salad.
Pizza Night Alternative: Serve alongside a cauliflower crust or other pizza-inspired sides.
For Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container for a meal later in the week.
Top with Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley for garnish and extra flavor.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, feel free to use lean beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu.
Veggie Variations: Add in more of your favorite pizza toppings, such as spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes.
Make it Spicy: For an added kick, sprinkle a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes on top.
Ensure a Crispy Top: To get a golden and crispy crust on top, broil the bake for 1–2 minutes at the end of the baking time.
Storage: Store leftover pizza bake in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and instead load up on extra vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a fresh, flavorful, and hearty vegetarian alternative. This version is perfect for those who prefer plant-based meals.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your marinara sauce and any additional ingredients (like breadcrumbs, if used) are gluten-free. You can easily substitute the pasta with gluten-free noodles, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this dish.
Pepperoni-Free Option: For a simpler and healthier twist, leave out the pepperoni or other processed meats. This creates a lighter version of the dish that still packs a delicious flavor with the other ingredients.
Cheesy Delight: If you’re a fan of cheesy dishes, add an extra layer of mozzarella, Parmesan, or even provolone cheese for a more indulgent, gooey experience. You can also switch up the cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Keto-Friendly: To make this recipe keto-friendly, swap out the traditional marinara sauce for a low-carb tomato sauce or pesto. You can also reduce or eliminate high-carb ingredients, such as bread crumbs or pasta, and replace them with spiralized zucchini or a cauliflower-based crust for a low-carb alternative.
Spicy Sausage Version: For a more traditional pizza-inspired bake, replace the chicken with spicy sausage or Italian sausage for added flavor and a little heat. This variation brings a savory and rich addition that’s sure to be a hit with sausage lovers.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: After the pizza bake has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and makes for a convenient meal when you need leftovers for later.
Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, there’s no need to thaw—simply bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until it’s heated through. This way, you can enjoy the meal almost as if it was freshly made!

Special Equipment

Skillet: For sautéing the vegetables and chicken (if needed).
Baking Dish: A standard 8×8-inch baking dish or another similar-sized pan is ideal for this recipe.
Cutting Board and Knife: To chop the vegetables and other ingredients.
Grater or Shredder: To shred your cheese or vegetables easily.

FAQ Section

Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, you can use a combination of cheese like provolone, gouda, or even ricotta.
What if I don’t like olives?
Simply omit them or swap them for something you enjoy, such as sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes! Just look for a high-quality, low-sodium variety for the best flavor.
Can I add a crust later?
Yes, you can serve it with a gluten-free or regular crust, but it’s great as is too!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day before, then bake it just before serving.

Conclusion

Crustless Pizza Bake is a savory, satisfying dish that brings all the flavors of pizza without the hassle of a crust. With layers of cheese, pepperoni, and flavorful toppings, it’s a comforting and indulgent meal the whole family can enjoy. This bake offers a deliciously cheesy, hearty experience that’s easy to prepare and can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes.

Not only is it quick and convenient, but it’s also highly customizable, allowing you to swap in different proteins or veggies based on preference. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or when you’re craving pizza with a twist.

Bake this dish today and watch it disappear in no time! Be sure to snap a photo and share it on Instagram—tag me so I can celebrate your pizza-inspired creation. Enjoy every bite!