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Cheese Crust Pizza

Featured in Homemade Pizza Creations.

Swap traditional pizza dough for a crunchy cheese alternative in this keto dish. Smothered with marinara and tasty toppings, it’s low-carb heaven.

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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:54:33 GMT
A cheesy pizza topped with veggies, olives, and pepperoni, sliced and ready to eat. Pin it
A cheesy pizza topped with veggies, olives, and pepperoni, sliced and ready to eat. | cuisinegenial.com

Quick No-Dough Skillet Pizza

I've got to tell you about my favorite low-carb pizza hack that saves the day whenever I'm craving some cheesy goodness. This no-dough version swaps traditional crust for a crunchy cheese base, making it great for anyone cutting back on carbs. It's so fast to whip up in a pan and you can pile on whatever toppings make you happy. Give this a shot once and you'll find yourself making this tasty twist on regular pizza again and again.

What Makes This Speedy Recipe Special

  • Works great for keto and low-carb eating plans while still tasting indulgent
  • Comes together in just a few minutes with no fussy dough work
  • Let your imagination run wild with personal topping choices
  • Perfect for busy weeknights or reheating the next day

Basic Items for Crispy Cheese Pizza

  • Shredded Cheddar (Fine Cut): Creates that wonderful crispy foundation for our quick pizza.
  • Toppings You Enjoy: Stick with low-carb options or add whatever makes you smile.
  • Basic Flavor Boosters: Some Italian herb mix and garlic powder really bump up the taste.
  • Reliable Pan: Cast iron does the best job but any stick-resistant skillet works too.

Quick How-To Guide

Get Your Cheese Layer Ready
Grab your preferred shredded cheese blend - I usually mix mozzarella with cheddar for the right combo of stretch and flavor. Scatter it across your hot skillet in an even, thin circle. Watch it as it begins to bubble at the edges and melt down - that's when you know it's working right.
Nail That Crunchy Base
Monitor your melting cheese closely. You'll spot it starting to get bubbly and turning golden-brown underneath - usually this takes around 3-4 minutes. Don't skip ahead here, as this stage makes or breaks your crust. When you see that nice golden color on the bottom, take the skillet off the heat and let it sit briefly for a minute.
Layer On What You Love
Here's the fun bit - while the cheese is still warm but firming up slightly, start adding all your goodies. I really dig fresh basil leaves, tomato slices, and a dash of Italian herbs. Spread everything out evenly across the surface. If you want extra cheese on top, sprinkle it now. Don't go overboard though - we need to keep that base nice and crispy.
Flash Under the Broiler
Move your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and turn it on high. Slip your skillet under there and don't walk away - this happens fast! You're aiming for hot toppings and any extra cheese to get melty and bubbly, typically in 2-3 minutes. Leave the oven door cracked and turn the pan if needed so everything cooks evenly.
Cool Down and Dig In
After everything's perfectly melty and hot, pull out your skillet and let it cool down for about 5 minutes. This cooling time matters - it helps the cheese set up so you can cut nice slices. Use something sharp to cut portions, then serve while it's still warm and crunchy.

Tricks for Perfect Results

  • Stay Alert: Don't leave your cheese unattended as it can go from just right to ruined in seconds.
  • Use a Good Pan: Having a solid, weighty skillet really makes this quick meal turn out better.
  • Mix It Up: Switch your toppings around each time you make it to find what you like best.
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. | cuisinegenial.com

Fun Twists and Keeping Leftovers

  • Go with BBQ chicken or spicy taco fixings for something unexpected
  • Put any extras between sheets of parchment paper in your fridge
  • Pack it with veggies for a more nutritious version

Your Go-To Carb-Smart Pizza Fix

This speedy cheese-based pizza gives you all the satisfaction without the carb overload. The crunchy cheese foundation topped with your personal faves creates just what you need for a quick bite. Whether you eat it straight from the pan or save some for tomorrow, it's a hassle-free way to enjoy pizza exactly how you want it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why chill cheese before adding toppings?

This step keeps toppings from sinking into soft, melted cheese.

→ Which cheese is ideal?

Combining cheddar and mozzarella gives the tastiest result with the right texture.

→ Can I pick other toppings?

Absolutely, use whatever toppings you like best.

→ How should I save extras?

Place paper sheets between slices, seal in a bag, and refrigerate.

→ What’s the broiler’s role?

It melts toppings fast without overbaking the cheese base.

Cheese Crust Pizza

Skip bread and enjoy crispy cheese crust pizza that’s low-carb and ready in 15 minutes using your skillet.

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

Category: Pizza

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to broil on high and move the rack to the top spot.

Step 02

Warm up a cast iron skillet on medium heat, but don’t let it get too hot.

Step 03

Scatter the shredded cheese mix over the whole bottom of the skillet evenly.

Step 04

Keep an eye on the cheese as it melts and starts to bubble. This takes 2-3 mins.

Step 05

Let the bottom of the cheese cook a bit longer until it crisps up.

Step 06

Take the skillet off the heat. Let the cheese crust sit for about 2 minutes to cool.

Step 07

Gently spread the marinara sauce all over the cooled crust.

Step 08

Evenly layer all the toppings you want on top of the sauce.

Step 09

Place your skillet under the broiler for 2-3 mins, keeping a close watch.

Step 10

Heat until the toppings are cooked and the cheese looks melted, but not burnt.

Step 11

Take the skillet out of the oven and let it sit for 3-5 mins.

Step 12

Wait for the cheese crust to firm up a little before slicing it.

Notes

  1. Works for keto diets.
  2. Fast to make.
  3. Uses just one pan.
  4. Toppings can be customized.

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 (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