Low Carb Pizza Bowl Recipe

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For many of us, pizza night is a sacred tradition, a time when diets are set aside in the name of that heavenly combo of sauce, cheese, and toppings. But who says we can’t have the best of both worlds? As someone who adores pizza but understands the need to limit carb intake, I’ve been on a quest to find an alternative that doesn’t make me choose between taste and health. The Low Carb Pizza Bowl emerged as the champion – it’s like having your pizza and eating it too, minus the carb-loaded crust.

How to Make Low Carb Pizza Bowl

A Low Carb Pizza Bowl is a creative twist on traditional pizza that replaces the crust with a mix of low-carb ingredients. Instead of using dough, the base typically includes ingredients like cauliflower rice, zucchini, or ground meat, topped with your favorite pizza toppings—such as cheese, pepperoni, vegetables, and sauce.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that quintessential pizza stretch and taste.
• 1/4 cup Low-Carb Pizza Sauce: Opt for a sugar-free version to keep it keto-friendly.
• 1/4 cup Bell Peppers: Choose your favorite colors, diced.
• 1/4 cup Mushrooms: Sliced.
• 1/4 cup Red Onion: Thinly sliced.
• 1/4 cup Black Olives: Sliced.
• 5-6 Pepperoni Slices: Or more, depending on your preference.
• 1/4 cup Cooked Sausage: Optional for extra protein.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper to taste
• Fresh Basil Leaves for garnish: Optional.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your bowl comes out hot and the cheese perfectly melted.
2. Layer the Ingredients: In an oven-safe bowl, begin with a layer of half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Follow with the low-carb pizza sauce, spreading it out evenly. Then, add your chosen toppings – bell peppers, mushrooms, red onion, and black olives, layering them neatly. If you’re adding sausage, scatter it on top along with the pepperoni slices. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Add More Cheese: Top off your layered ingredients with the remaining mozzarella cheese. The extra cheese on top will create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
4. Bake: Place the bowl in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
5. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the bowl from the oven (it will be hot!). Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added pop of flavor and color. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before diving in.

Tips for the Perfect Low Carb Pizza Bowl

• Use a Deep Bowl: Opt for a deeper bowl to give ample room for all your toppings and cheese.
• Customize Your Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings based on what you love or need to use up in your fridge.
• Watch the Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your pizza bowl, especially the first time you make this recipe, to prevent over-browning.
• Microwave Option: You can also make this in the microwave in a pinch. Just assemble as directed and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

What to serve with

Pairing the right side dishes with your Low Carb Pizza Bowl can transform it from a simple meal to an extraordinary low-carb feast.

1. Garden Fresh Salad: A crisp, fresh salad serves as the perfect counterbalance to the cheesy goodness of your pizza bowl. Opt for a variety of greens like spinach, arugula, or romaine. Add some cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of your favorite low-carb veggies. Dress it with a keto-friendly dressing, such as olive oil and vinegar or a Caesar dressing devoid of added sugars. This adds freshness and crunch to your meal.

2. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): If you’re missing the feeling of having a side of pasta, zucchini noodles are a fantastic low-carb alternative. They are easy to prepare, either using a spiralizer or a peeler. You can serve them raw, sautéed in a bit of olive oil with garlic, or topped with a bit more of the same low-carb pizza sauce used in your pizza bowl for flavor continuity.

3. Cauliflower Rice: Cauliflower rice is a versatile side that complements the pizza bowl with its neutral taste and texture similar to grain rice. It can be seasoned to match the flavors of your pizza bowl, using ingredients like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even a bit of grated Parmesan cheese. It’s low in carbs and provides an extra serving of vegetables.

4. Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple yet nutritious, steamed or roasted vegetables make an excellent side dish. Consider low-carb options like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil and your choice of herbs before roasting to bring out their natural flavors, or steam them lightly for a tender, healthful addition to your meal.

5. Garlic Butter Mushrooms: For those who love a richer side, garlic butter mushrooms are flavorful and satisfying yet remain low in carbs. Simply sauté your mushrooms in a mix of butter and minced garlic until tender. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley for an elegant and tasty side dish.

6. Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks: If you’re up for a bit more indulgence without straying from your low-carb path, cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are a delightful choice. Made with cauliflower rice, eggs, and cheese, these breadsticks can mimic the experience of having garlic bread with your pizza without the carbs.

7. Antipasto Salad: Combine Italian meats like salami and prosciutto with olives, artichoke hearts, and low-carb cheeses for a refreshing antipasto salad. It’s delicious and keeps the Italian theme going alongside your pizza bowl.

8. Keto Garlic Knots: For those who miss the joy of pulling apart a soft garlic knot, keto versions are made with fathead dough (a blend of mozzarella, cream cheese, almond flour, and eggs). Brush them with a garlic butter mix for that irresistible taste.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a Low Carb Pizza Bowl typically involves substituting traditional pizza crust with a base of cheese and toppings, an ideal option for those following keto or other low-carb diets.

Base Substitutes:

• Traditional Crust → Cheese & Egg Base: Instead of flour-based dough, combine melted cheese (such as mozzarella) with beaten eggs to form a stable base once baked. It will firm up enough to hold the toppings while staying low in carbs.
• Flour-based sauce thickeners → Xanthan Gum or Reduced Cooking: To avoid the carbs in flour or cornstarch for thickening your sauce, use a pinch of xanthan gum or simply reduce your tomato sauce over heat until it reaches the desired consistency.

Protein Substitutes:

• Regular Pepperoni/Sausage → Turkey Pepperoni/Turkey Sausage: Switch to turkey-based pizza meats which often have fewer calories and can be lower in fat if that’s a dietary concern as well as being carb-free.
• Bacon → Turkey Bacon: If you want to lower the fat content, turkey bacon can be a suitable substitute without adding carbs.

Dairy Substitutes:

• High Carb Cheeses → Low Carb Cheeses: Some cheeses contain fewer carbs than others. Choose cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone for a low carb pizza bowl. Avoid processed cheeses that may contain added carbs.
• Full-fat Dairy → Lower Fat Options: If you’re watching calories as well as carbs, consider using part-skim mozzarella or other lower-fat cheese options.

Vegetable Substitutes:

• Bell Peppers/Onions → Spinach/Mushrooms: Some people might want to reduce the slightly higher carb count of onions and bell peppers. In this case, nutrient-dense spinach or mushrooms can be a great substitute, adding flavor and volume with fewer carbs.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Pizza Bowl recipe offers a delicious workaround for enjoying the essence of pizza without the carb count. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy night in.

More Baked Dish Recipes:

• Keto Cloud Cake Recipe
• Low-Carb Tortilla Wraps Recipe
• Keto Crustless Pumpkin Pie Recipe