Description
Cheesy low carb pizza bowls deliver irresistible Italian flavors without excess carbohydrates. Melted mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and rich marinara create a satisfying meal in minutes, letting pizza lovers enjoy their favorite comfort dish effortlessly.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
Protein and Vegetables:
- ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 ounces) sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage (or a mix)
- ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 ounces) diced bell peppers
- ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 ounces) sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup (40 g / 1.4 ounces) sliced black olives (optional)
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) marinara or pizza sauce (low-sugar or keto-friendly)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to a precise 400F (200C), ensuring an optimal temperature for melting cheese and warming toppings.
- Select oven-safe bowls or ramekins as your culinary canvas, spreading a vibrant layer of marinara sauce across the bottom to create a rich flavor foundation.
- Craft intricate layers by strategically arranging diverse protein and vegetable toppings – incorporate crispy pepperoni, savory sausage, vibrant bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and briny olives to build complexity.
- Generously blanket the layered ingredients with a harmonious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, allowing the dairy to create a creamy, indulgent surface.
- Elevate the flavor profile by delicately sprinkling dried oregano and aromatic garlic powder across the cheese landscape, introducing depth and zest.
- Position the prepared bowls onto a sturdy baking sheet, transferring them into the preheated oven for a transformative 12-15 minute culinary journey.
- Monitor the pizza bowls, watching for the telltale signs of perfection: molten cheese with golden, slightly crisp edges and bubbling surfaces.
- Carefully extract the bowls from the oven, allowing a brief moment of cooling to prevent potential burns.
- Finish the dish with an elegant garnish of fresh basil leaves, adding a vibrant, herbaceous note that cuts through the rich, melted cheese.
- Serve immediately, presenting these compact, flavor-packed pizza bowls while they remain tantalizingly warm.
Notes
- Customize toppings freely by mixing different meats, vegetables, and cheeses to match personal preferences or dietary needs.
- Swap traditional marinara for low-carb alternatives like homemade tomato sauce or alfredo to reduce carbohydrate content.
- Use ramekins of various sizes to create individual portions perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests with different appetites.
- Replace high-carb pepperoni with leaner protein options like grilled chicken or turkey sausage to make the dish healthier and more nutritionally balanced.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg