Welcome to a delightful journey of crafting a low carb pizza casserole that promises to tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a gluten-free option without compromising on flavor. With a crust made from everyday ingredients like eggs, cheese, and cream, you’ll find this dish easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive into the details and explore how to make this scrumptious low carb pizza casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable pizza casserole:
- Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Large Eggs: Essential for binding the crust together.
- Heavy Cream: Provides a smooth and luxurious base.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a nutty and savory taste.
- Minced Garlic: Infuses the crust with a hint of garlic goodness.
- Dried Oregano: Brings an aromatic, earthy flavor to the crust.
- Parmesan, Asiago, or Romano Cheese: Use any combination for a flavorful crust.
- Mozzarella Cheese: A classic choice for the perfect pizza texture.
- Low Carb Pizza Sauce: Keeps the recipe low in carbs while adding traditional pizza flavor.
- Pizza Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings to suit your taste.
![Low Carb Pizza Casserole 1](https://ketorecipesyum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Keto-Pizza-Caaserole-1-1024x683.jpg)
Preparing the Crust
The foundation of this low carb pizza casserole is a unique and flavorful crust made from a blend of cheeses, eggs, and cream. Here’s how to make it:
- Mixing the Crust Ingredients: In a food processor or using an electric mixer, blend together the cream cheese and eggs until smooth. Add the heavy cream, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Continue blending until all ingredients are well combined.
- Preparing the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This is crucial as the sides of the dish will help contain the liquid mixture and support the structure of the crust.
- Layering the Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of Asiago, Parmesan, or Romano cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Adding the Egg Mixture: Pour the prepared egg and cream mixture over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
Baking the Crust
Now, it’s time to bake the crust to perfection. Follow these steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Bake the Crust: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is set and golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from the Oven: Once the crust is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before adding the toppings.
Assembling the Pizza Casserole
With the crust ready, it’s time to assemble the pizza casserole:
- Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread the low carb pizza sauce over the baked crust.
- Add Your Toppings: This is where you can get creative. Add your favorite pizza toppings over the sauce. Whether you prefer pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, or a combination of meats, the choice is yours.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
Final Baking and Serving
The last step is to bake the assembled pizza casserole until it’s bubbly and delicious:
- Broil the Casserole: Using the oven broiler on high, broil the casserole a few inches from the heat elements until the top is brown and bubbly. This usually takes just a few minutes, so keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Let it Sit: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before cutting. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your low carb pizza casserole. Enjoy the rich, cheesy, and flavorful experience with each bite.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this low carb pizza casserole is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize your dish:
- Meat Lovers: Top with a variety of low carb meats like pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, and bacon.
- Vegetarian Delight: Use toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, and olives.
- Caprese Style: Add fresh basil leaves, tomato slices, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Philly Cheesesteak: Top with shaved steak, onions, and green peppers for a Philadelphia-inspired twist.
- White Pizza: Use a white sauce, spinach, garlic, and blue cheese for a gourmet touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This low carb pizza casserole is a hit for several reasons:
- Simple Ingredients: No need for special flours or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Easy Preparation: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all cooking levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cheeses, cream, and eggs creates a rich and satisfying crust that pairs perfectly with your favorite toppings.
- Family-Friendly: Even those not following a low carb diet will enjoy this delicious casserole.