High Protein Crustless Pizza Pie

High-Protein Crustless Pizza Pie is the game-changing recipe that lets you enjoy all the flavors of classic pizza while packing in serious protein and cutting out the carbs. This innovative dish combines eggs, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings into a satisfying pie that delivers a whopping 53 grams of protein per serving.

Perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but need something hearty and nutritious, this crustless pizza comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for meal prep, low-carb diets, or anyone looking to add more protein to their meals without sacrificing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly high in protein – perfect for fitness goals and staying full longer
• Low-carb and keto-friendly for those watching carb intake
• Ready in 30 minutes from prep to table
• Customizable with any pizza toppings you love
• Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish or oven-safe skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Oven mitts

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni or preferred toppings
• Optional: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes

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Ingredient Notes

Cottage cheese is the secret weapon in this recipe, adding tons of protein and creating a creamy, custardy texture that binds everything together. Full-fat cottage cheese gives the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but low-fat or fat-free versions work perfectly fine if you’re watching calories.

For the best results, use good-quality marinara sauce without added sugar. The sauce provides all the classic pizza flavor without needing a crust. Feel free to swap pepperoni for any toppings you enjoy – cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even leftover rotisserie chicken all work wonderfully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or oven-safe skillet with olive oil or cooking spray. Make sure to coat the sides well to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.

Step 2: Assemble Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients on the counter so everything is within reach. Having everything prepped and measured before you start mixing makes the process smooth and quick, especially when you’re working with a recipe that comes together this fast.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In your large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and marinara sauce. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy, making sure the eggs are fully incorporated with no streaks remaining. The mixture should look like a thick, pinkish custard with small curds of cottage cheese throughout.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Gently fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and chopped fresh basil using a rubber spatula. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The basil adds wonderful fresh flavor, but if you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil instead.

Step 5: Pour and Top

Pour this cheese mixture into your prepared pie dish and spread it evenly with your spatula, making sure it reaches all the way to the edges. Arrange your pepperoni slices or other toppings on top in an attractive pattern – they’ll crisp up beautifully as the pie bakes.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the center is set when you gently shake the pan. The edges should pull away slightly from the sides of the dish. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to firm up and make cleaner cuts.

Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks

• Blend cottage cheese smooth in a blender for ultra-creamy texture if you prefer
• Layer fresh basil on top just before serving for maximum aroma
• Use a cast-iron skillet for beautiful presentation and easy serving
• Pre-cook vegetables like mushrooms or peppers to avoid watery pie
• Let leftovers cool completely before refrigerating for best texture

Tips & Variations

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. This pizza pie actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Try a Greek-inspired version with feta cheese, olives, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes instead of traditional pizza toppings. Or go veggie-loaded with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and fresh tomatoes. You can also make individual portions in muffin tins for perfect meal-prep servings – just reduce baking time to 18-20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This crustless pizza pie pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette and some garlic bread on the side if you’re not watching carbs. For a complete low-carb meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon makes it feel like a special occasion dinner.

Common Mistakes

• Adding too many wet toppings – causes a watery, soggy center
• Not letting it rest before slicing – leads to messy, runny pieces
• Overbaking – makes the eggs rubbery instead of creamy
• Forgetting to grease the pan – results in stuck-on mess
• Using low-quality sauce – affects the overall flavor significantly

What to Serve With High-Protein Crustless Pizza Pie

This protein-packed pie goes wonderfully with a Caesar salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or steamed green beans. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and some parmesan-roasted cauliflower. It’s also fantastic paired with a simple caprese salad of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the pie up to 24 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

The texture changes slightly when frozen, but it’s still good. Freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?

You can, but the texture will be less rich. Use 8 egg whites in place of 4 whole eggs for a lighter version.

What if I don’t like cottage cheese texture?

Blend it completely smooth in a blender or food processor before mixing. You won’t taste or notice the texture at all in the final dish.

How do I know when it’s done?

The center should be set and not jiggly when you gently shake the pan. A knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean.

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