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Cheese Crust Pizza

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

This cheese-based keto pizza skips the traditional dough entirely. It’s topped with sauce and your favorite pizza goodies, giving you all the flavors without the carbs.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 20:53:24 GMT
Freshly made pizza with toppings like pepperoni, black olives, green peppers, and cheese, sliced into sections. Pin it
Freshly made pizza with toppings like pepperoni, black olives, green peppers, and cheese, sliced into sections. | chefmelt.com

Quick No-Dough Cheese Base Pizza

I've got to tell you about my favorite low-carb pizza hack that I make whenever pizza cravings strike. Instead of traditional dough, this version uses cheese to form a crispy base that's totally guilt-free. I whip it up in my pan in minutes and add whatever toppings I'm in the mood for. Once you give this a try, you'll never look at pizza the same way again—it's that good!

What Makes This No-Fuss Option Special

  • Works perfectly for keto and low-carb eating but doesn't feel like diet food
  • Comes together in just a few minutes without any fussy dough steps
  • Can be customized with whatever toppings you fancy
  • Saves well and makes a fantastic grab-and-go meal option

Basic Components for Cheese Base Pizza

  • Finely Grated Cheddar: Creates the crunchy foundation for our no-dough pizza.
  • Custom Toppings: Stick with low-carb options or go with your personal favorites.
  • Basic Flavor Boosters: A sprinkle of Italian herbs and garlic powder takes the taste to another level.
  • Reliable Pan: Cast iron gives the best results but any non-stick option will work fine.

Simple Making Method

Set Up Your Cheese Foundation
Grab your favorite shredded cheese—I personally love combining mozzarella with cheddar for awesome flavor and meltability. Scatter it in an even thin layer across your hot pan. Keep an eye on it as the edges start bubbling and melting—that's when you know it's working its magic.
Nail That Crunchy Base
Watch your cheese closely as it transforms. You'll spot it bubbling up and turning a nice golden color underneath, which usually happens in about 3-4 minutes. Don't try to speed this up—getting that crunch factor depends on this step. When you see that gorgeous golden shade on the bottom, take the pan off the heat and let it cool slightly for a minute or two.
Top It Your Way
While the cheese is still warm but firm enough to hold toppings, start adding your favorites. Fresh basil, tomato slices, and a dash of Italian herbs work wonders. Spread everything out evenly across the surface. If you want more cheese on top, sprinkle it now. Don't go overboard though—too many toppings can make your crunchy base soggy.
Quick Broil Finish
Move your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler element and turn it on high. Slide your pan under the heat and don't walk away—this happens fast! You're aiming for hot toppings and bubbly melted cheese on top, which takes roughly 2-3 minutes. Leave the oven door cracked and turn the pan if needed for even heating.
Cool Down and Dig In
After everything's perfectly melted and hot, pull your pan out and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This cooling period is super important—it helps the cheese structure firm up so you can cut nice clean slices. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut it into pieces, then enjoy while it's still warm and crispy.

Tricks for Great Results

  • Stay Alert: Don't leave your pan unattended as cheese can burn in seconds.
  • Use Quality Cookware: A solid, heavy pan makes a huge difference in how your pizza turns out.
  • Switch It Up: Experiment with different topping combos to find what you love most.
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. | chefmelt.com

Fun Twists and Leftover Ideas

  • Go for BBQ chicken or spicy taco fixings for something unexpected
  • Wrap leftover slices in parchment paper before refrigerating
  • Pack it with colorful veggies for a nutritious spin

Your Go-To Carb-Free Pizza Alternative

This cheese-based pizza gives you that amazing pizza experience without the carbs weighing you down. The crunchy cheese foundation loaded with your favorite toppings makes for a super quick dinner option. Whether you eat it straight from the pan or save some for later, it's a tasty way to enjoy pizza that fits your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why let the cheese set before adding toppings?

This stops the toppings from sinking right into the melted base.

→ What cheese combo gives the best results?

A mix of melty mozzarella and cheddar creates a great flavor and texture.

→ Can I switch up the toppings?

Absolutely, you can pile on anything you like for flavor variety!

→ What’s the best way to keep leftovers fresh?

Store them in the fridge inside a ziplock bag with parchment paper separating the layers.

→ What’s the purpose of using a broiler?

It ensures the toppings are melted fast without overdoing the cheese crust.

Cheese Crust Pizza

A carb-friendly pizza option using a golden cheese base instead of traditional dough. It’s ready to eat in no time, about 15 minutes!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 Half a cup of marinara sauce.
02 One cup of grated cheddar cheese.
03 Two tablespoons of thinly cut green pepper.
04 Four ounces of sliced black olives.
05 Half a cup of shredded mozzarella.
06 Two tablespoons of sliced onions.
07 Two ounces of pepperoni slices.
08 Two tablespoons of mushrooms, sliced thinly.

Instructions

Step 01

Adjust the oven rack to the highest position and set the broiler to its highest heat.

Step 02

Warm a cast iron skillet on medium heat until it's nice and warm but not super hot.

Step 03

Evenly spread out the shredded cheese over the whole base of the skillet.

Step 04

Keep an eye on the cheese as it starts melting and bubbling, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 05

Keep cooking until the bottom of the melted cheese turns crispy.

Step 06

Take it off the heat and allow the cheese crust to cool for roughly two minutes.

Step 07

Spread the marinara sauce over the cooled cheese crust, being careful to cover it evenly.

Step 08

Arrange your chosen toppings evenly on top of the sauce.

Step 09

Put the skillet under the broiler for about 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close watch during this step.

Step 10

Cook just until the toppings are heated and the cheese is fully melted but not browned.

Step 11

Take the skillet out of the oven and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 12

Allow the cheese crust to harden up before you cut it into slices.

Notes

  1. Perfect for a keto diet.
  2. Quick to whip up.
  3. Only one pan needed.
  4. Easily change toppings to your liking.

Tools You'll Need

  • A cast iron skillet.

Allergy Information

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