Savory Crustless Pizza Bake

This crustless pizza is the perfect solution when you want all the flavors of a classic pizza without dealing with dough. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that showcases savory Italian sausage, melted mozzarella, and tangy marinara all baked together in one skillet. Whether you are low-carb or just short on time, this recipe comes together quickly and still delivers that pizza craving fix.

I first made this for a quick dinner when I realized I was out of pizza crusts and it instantly became a favorite. Now it’s often requested when I want to keep things simple but tasty.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Adds a light richness while helping brown the sausage evenly Pick a good quality extra virgin variety for best flavor
• Ground mild Italian sausage: The sausage adds not just protein but that signature Italian spice and juiciness that forms the pizza base Choose fresh sausage with a good fat content
• Minced garlic: Builds aromatic depth Use fresh garlic for the most fragrance and flavor
• Italian seasoning blend: Provides herbaceous notes like oregano and basil Choose a well-balanced mix or make your own from dried herbs
• Jarred marinara sauce: The tangy tomato foundation Rao’s brand used here is smooth and no sugar added which keeps it fresh and natural
• Block-style whole milk mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creaminess Use whole milk mozzarella for richness and shred yourself for best melting texture
• Pepperoni slices: Classic pizza topping that crisps slightly on top Choose your favorite brand and quantity to your liking
• Optional toppings like sliced mushrooms, diced red onion, diced green bell pepper, and sliced black olives: These add texture and extra layers of flavor when desired

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit so it can reach an ideal temperature for baking the pizza until the cheese bubbles and browns lightly.

Cook the Sausage Mixture:

Place a large 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the ground mild Italian sausage, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning blend. Cook while breaking up the sausage into small crumbles for 6 to 8 minutes or until browned all the way through with no pink remaining. Remove the skillet from heat and carefully drain off any excess grease to avoid a soggy final dish.

Layer the Sausage in the Skillet:

Press the cooked sausage into an even layer covering the bottom surface of the skillet. This creates a sturdy and flavorful crust base without any dough.

Spread Marinara Sauce Over Sausage:

Evenly spoon the jarred marinara sauce over the layer of cooked sausage, making sure to cover as much as possible for maximum saucy flavor.

Top with Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:

Sprinkle the block-style whole milk mozzarella cheese in an even layer over the marinara and sausage. This melts to a creamy topping that binds everything together.

Add Pepperoni and Optional Toppings:

Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, spacing them so they bake evenly. If you want to include optional toppings like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers or olives, add them here making sure not to overcrowd the surface so everything cooks properly.

Bake Until Cheese is Bubbling and Golden:

Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

Let Cool Before Serving:

Remove the crustless pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for 3 to 5 minutes so the layers can set up and hold together when scooped and served.

This recipe shines because of the sausage which offers a perfect blend of spices and fat that infuse every bite. One favorite family memory is how this dish became a quick weeknight rescue meal that evolved into a crowd-pleaser during watching games or movie nights.

Storage Tips

Store leftover crustless pizza covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place in a 350-degree oven until warmed through and the cheese melts again or microwave for a quick option but expect softer texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap mild Italian sausage for spicy if you prefer a little heat. For a vegetarian version, try plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and other veggies instead of meat. Mozzarella can be swapped with provolone or mozzarella mixed with a bit of parmesan for an extra savory kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve directly from the skillet or slice into wedges like a traditional pizza. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A simple garlic bread or steamed greens make great sides to round out the meal.

This crustless pizza is convenient and flavorful, perfect for anyone seeking a low-carb option without sacrificing classic pizza tastes.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of sausage is best for this dish?

Mild Italian sausage is ideal for its balanced flavor that complements the marinara and cheese without overpowering.

→ Can I add vegetables to this crustless pizza?

Yes, sliced mushrooms, diced red onion, green bell pepper, and black olives work well as optional toppings.

→ How do I prevent excess grease from the sausage?

After cooking, drain the skillet to remove extra grease before layering the sauce and cheese.

→ What kind of cheese is used?

Whole milk mozzarella cheese shredded from a block provides the best melt and flavor.

→ What oven temperature is recommended?

Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 425°F until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on the edges.

→ How long should the pizza cool before serving?

Let the crustless pizza cool for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the filling to set for easier serving.