Try making these Easy Pizza Bowls for a crustless pizza in a bowl made with all of your favorite toppings. It bakes up in less than five minutes and is the perfect recipe for the whole family to enjoy!
If you're craving more pizza-inspired recipes, then be sure to try making some Pepperoni Pizza Dip or a batch of Cheesy Supreme Pizza Rolls or Supreme Stuffed Pizza Shells.
This recipe was in need of a serious update. It was originally shared in 2017 and has been popular with so many of you. So popular in fact that I was afraid to make any changes to it.
This is why there is a cat story included that has nothing to do with the recipe. Remember the old blogging days when we used to do that? Anyway, I decided to leave the story, but if you're just here for the recipe, then feel free to use the 'jump to recipe' link to skip it 🙂
Now, about the recipe, it is simple to make and has everything that you love about pizza minus the crust.
Let's get started!
Jump to:
Quick Cat Story
Friday I shared with you that my week had been eventful.
So…
The phone rang, and I walked away from the stove cooking food, to learn that my dad was rushed to the hospital. At some point during the commotion of my family rushing in from outside to find out what was the matter. The back door was accidentally left open.
While my dog Shakespeare was on my heels trying to figure out what was going on. My cat Gabby saw this as the perfect opportunity for her to sneak out the back door, across the yard, and into the woods behind my house.
Once I realized she was gone, I paused for a moment to consider looking for her. Then reality hit that I had no time and so I left. She'd escaped before and managed to make her way back in time for dinner. Knowing this I figured she would be waiting for me by the door that evening to let her in and feed her.
Then, Sunday evening I returned home to no sign of Gabby. Monday morning before heading to the hospital, I spent time looking for her and nothing. Monday night, still no cat. There was no sign of her Tuesday or Wednesday.
On Wednesday night I completed my nightly search which turned up nothing. At this point, I was somewhere between worry and fear that she may not ever return. Thursday morning I left my back door cracked just in case she decided to wander in, but still no sign of Gabby. At this point, I was sure that my cat was not returning home and I would have to be okay with that.
Then Thursday night came and I was heading home from the hospital when I received a text that she was back home waiting at the front door. I didn’t bother responding because I figured it was a joke. My son had played that cruel joke on me before and I was determined that he was not going to fool me a second time.
However, I arrived home to Gabby in her favorite spot underneath the dining room table.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Italian Sausage - You may use original, mild or hot ground Italian sausage. The packaged ground Italian sausage will work as well as removing the casing from the links. Try not to use the sweet flavor if possible.
- Mushrooms - Use any fresh sliced mushrooms that you prefer or you may use canned mushroom stems and pieces in water instead. If using canned mushrooms, then there is no need to cook them ahead of time.
- Mozzarella Cheese - Try grabbing a block of mozzarella cheese and shredding it yourself using a box grater, as it melts so much better than the shredded cheese that comes in the package which usually contains added ingredients.
- Marinara Sauce - An marinara or pizza sauce that you prefer will work in this pizza bowl recipe. I love to use Mutti Napoli Pizza Sauce or a thicker sauce to prevent there from being too much liquid in the pizza bowl.
- Pepperoni - You may use regular pepperoni, mini, or turkey pepperoni. Any brand of pepperoni that you prefer is perfectly fine.
- Parmesan Cheese - Grates Parmesan cheese adds another cheese and gives the pizza bowls that classic pizza flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper - Add a bit of spice to the bowls. You may omit it if you prefer.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.
How to Make a Pizza Bowl
Begin the recipe by grabbing a large skillet and placing it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add in the ground Italian sausage and cook, stirring often until no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes. Carefully remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and place it into a small bowl. Set aside.
Using the leftover grease/oil in the skillet from cooking the sausage, add the fresh mushroom (if using), and cook until they begin to soften. About 2 to 3 minutes.
Place four ramekins on a baking sheet and add half of the marinara sauce to the bottom of each ramekin. Smooth it out into an even layer. Top with an even layer of half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Divide the Italian sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms evenly among the four ramekins and place them over the layer of mozzarella cheese.
Top with another layer of marinara sauce, followed by the remaining half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper.
Place the baking sheet with the pizza bowls under the broiler on medium-high, until the cheese has lightly browned and the sauce is hot and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Try to use a marinara sauce or pizza sauce that is thick in texture to prevent excess liquid from gathering in the pizza bowls.
- Try not to tightly pack the toppings into the ramekin.
- Chop the pepperoni and mushrooms into smaller pieces if needed.
- Use standard-size ramekins that are about 6 ounces and 3.5 inches in diameter. You can use the shorter ramekins or the taller ones. If you prefer, you can use larger-size ramekins and make two pizza bowls instead of four.
- Adjust the toppings and omit or swap out any ingredients that you prefer. This recipe is very forgiving and if you're not a fan of mushrooms, then use green bell peppers and thinly sliced onion instead.
- This is a great low-carb alternative to having crust pizza. However, if you're not watching your carbs, then feel free to pair it with some crusty bread.
Storage
If you have any leftover pizza bowls, then cover the ramekin with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve again, reheat in the microwave until warm or underneath the broiler on medium-low until heated thoroughly.
I would not recommend freezing these pizza bowls, but you may make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
More Recipes You'll Love
- Homemade Supreme Pizza
- Pepperoni Pizza Dip
- Supreme Pizza Stuffed Shells
- Meatball Casserole
- Pepperoni Bread Recipe
- Homemade Pizza Crust
Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy this Crustless Pizza Bowl Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!
Recipe
Easy Pizza Bowls
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Sheet pan
- 4 ramekins
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground Italian sausage, mild, original, or hot
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 ounces pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Begin the recipe by grabbing a large skillet and placing it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add in the ½ pound ground Italian sausage and cook, stirring often until no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Carefully remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and place it into a small bowl. Set aside.
- Using the leftover grease/oil in the skillet from cooking the sausage, add the 1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms (if using), and cook until they begin to soften. About 2 to 3 minutes. *If using canned mushrooms, skip this step.
- Place four ramekins on a baking sheet and add half (1 cup) of the marinara sauce to the bottom of each ramekin. Smooth it out into an even layer. Top with an even layer of half (1 cup) of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Divide the cooked ½ pound Italian sausage, 4 ounces pepperoni, and 1 cup cooked mushrooms evenly among the four ramekins and place them over the layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Top with another layer of 1 cup marinara sauce, followed by the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper.
- Place the baking sheet with the pizza bowls under the broiler on medium-high, until the cheese has lightly browned and the sauce is hot and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Try to use a marinara sauce or pizza sauce that is thick in texture to prevent excess liquid from gathering in the pizza bowls.
- Try not to tightly pack the toppings into the ramekin.
- Chop the pepperoni and mushrooms into smaller pieces if needed.
- Use standard-size ramekins that are about 6 ounces and 3.5 inches in diameter. You can use the shorter ramekins or the taller ones. If you prefer, you can use larger-size ramekins and make two pizza bowls instead of four.
- Adjust the toppings and omit or swap out any ingredients that you prefer. This recipe is very forgiving and if you're not a fan of mushrooms, then use green bell peppers and thinly sliced onion instead.
- This is a great low-carb alternative to having crust pizza. However, if you're not watching your carbs, then feel free to pair it with some crusty bread.
Nutrition
*All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.
Original post date 11/13/2017. Updated 03/06/2023.
Akaleistar
Glad your cat came back! The pizza bowls look delicious 🙂
LaKita
Thank you...so am I 🙂
Tamara
Aww.. I'm glad she's back! Our cat got out once and it was scary! And much love to your dad.
The recipe looks AMAZING.
LaKita
Thank you so much! It was very scary, but I am glad she made her way back home.
Lynn Valenza
What size ramikins
LaKita
I used a 6-ounce ramekin, but any size will work.
Sonya
First, I'm hoping that your dad is doing better. Second, I'm glad that your cat made it back home safely. Third, these pizza bowls look delicious. 🙂
LaKita
Thank you Sonya! I'm glad my cat is back and my dad is still recovering. Let me know how the pizza bowls turn out for you 🙂
Suzanne
Hope your Dad is better and cat is home. Pizza bowls. What a great idea. Sounds very Keto friendly. Am trying it this weekend!
LaKita
Thank you so much! Please let me know how it turns out for you 🙂
Sharetha Monique
So glad I found this recipe! My family and I usually have pizza on Friday nights, but I’m cutting back on carbs and was looking for an alternative that would give me the same satisfaction. This hit the spot!
LaKita
Yay!! I'm so happy that you found it and enjoyed it! No more missing out on pizza night 🙂
T
What size of ramekin bowls do you use? Also I think sausage crumbles would be a little bit more easier than the sausage what do you guys think
LaKita
The size ramekin used is a short 3.5" diameter. Feel free to use sausage crumbles if that is what you prefer.
Kevin
Thanks so much for this recipe! I'm on an extremely low carb post-surgical diet so pizza with crust is not an option. This really, really hit the spot. This is definitely going into regular rotation.
LaKita
Hi Kevin! So glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe, this is a favorite in my home!
Ricki
In my home my kitty's are 21 years old,and also sit under table.my kitty mollymae was poisend by my my spotted Ivy,5times to hospital and she loves to eat the doctor did not think she was gonna make it! Oh my molly Mae is a fighter she has been given 5of her 9lives molly still hanging in there , and I'm cooking pizza bowls for dinner. I can't wait to try this dish if my boyfriend could eat pizza every night he would thanks for recipe.
LaKita
Hope you enjoy the recipe and Molly Mae is definitely a fighter!
June
Can you freeze the pizza bowl ? Best way ?
LaKita
I would not advise freezing the pizza bowl.
Stephanie
Been wanting to try some pizza bowls! And *when* your kitty gets out again, weather permitting put her litter box, favorite bed, and even favorite toys outside. Indoor cats rarely wander more than a block from home; the scents will help her find her way back!
LaKita
Thank you Stephanie! That sounds like a great idea, she hasn't run away in a while, but I will certainly keep that in mind!
Michele
Oh I’m making this pizza bowl!
Is your dad ok? Glad the cat cam home!
LaKita
Thank you so much Michele! He is doing well and my cat is great also 🙂
carolyn vanderburg
I AM NOT SO WILD ABOUT PEPPERONI AS THE OTHERS IN MY FAMILY SO I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD USE A SMOKED SAUSAGE LIKE HILLSHIRE FRAMS.
LaKita
You certainly can use smoked sausage instead of pepperoni!
Gwyneth
It came out really well, but it's kind of watery, any suggestions?
LaKita
Hi Gwyneth! Thank you and I'm not sure why it is watery. It could be the sauce you used, you can try using less next time. Hope this helps.
Lynn
Just printed the recipe, very nice that the number of servings can be selected. Looks wonderful, I looked at a lot of recipes. I hope to substitute green pepper and onion for the mushrooms. Thank you for easy to follow directions. Have a blessed day.
LaKita
Thank you Lynn! Green pepper, onion and mushroom sounds delicious and should work with no problem!
Vicki Payne
This is exactly what I've been looking for! Thanks for sharing. I plan to make a larger batch tho - in a casserole pan. I'll let you know how it comes out....
LaKita
Thank you! Using a casserole pan sounds like a great idea!
Bernice
Pizza Bowls....SAY WHAT?!! These are pure genius and I can't wait to serve them for dinner. We'll enjoy them with fresh dinner buns for dipping!
LaKita
Thank you Bernice, paired with dinner buns sounds delicious!
Sangeetha
I made these Pizza Bowls for dinner last night and they were a hit! The recipe is so simple yet so flavorful. Thank you for sharing this delicious and easy recipe!
LaKita
Thank you so much, happy to hear you enjoyed the pizza bowls!
Sean
I have some friends that are GF and this was the best pizza night we have all had in a while without having to do like 4 different crusts for everyone. These bowls were perfect.
LaKita
Thank you Sean! Happy to hear this was a great gluten-free alternative for you and your friends!!
Kathryn
I LOVE this idea! These pizza bowls had so much pizza flavors without the crust. This made the perfect lunch!
LaKita
Thank you so much Kathryn! I agree they do make a great lunch option 🙂
Tammy
Oh my goodness these look fabulous!! What a fabulous meal for the family. I love this idea for pizza night...definitely going to try it 😀
LaKita
Thank you so much Tammy!
Claire
These pizza bowls sound wonderful! We love pizza in our household but our local grocery store doesn't always have dough and I'm not always up for making my own so I love that this skips that entirely. Can't wait to give this a try!
LaKita
Thank you Clarie, hope you get the chance to try it soon!
Veronika
These pizza bowls were delicious! The top crisped up and the flavors were amazing! We served them simple with bread and really enjoyed them.
LaKita
Thank you Veronika, I enjoy pairing it with bread as well!
Dennis
I made a large batch of this delicious meat filled dish for my friends and there was not one bite left!
Great Recipe!
LaKita
Thank you Dennis, happy to hear it was a success!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
Anything pizza and I am in! These are so easy to make and I love that I can make them my own! Pizza is life to me and these are a must-make!
LaKita
Thank you Lori! I agree, pizza is life to me as well 🙂
Enri Lemoine
I never had this before, but your photos did the job. You tempted me so badly that I tried this and served it with toasted pita bread. De-li-ci-ous!
LaKita
Thank you Enri! Serving it with pita bread sounds amazing!
Jenny
Ok, pizza bowls are a genius idea, and I am making six tonight for dinner (maybe more, we will see!). I had never thought of such a great recipe, it has all the ingredients I love in a bowl! (I eat everything in a bowl). Thank you for this fab recipe, I can see why it is so popular!
LaKita
Thank you so much Jenny! I completely understand, I eat everything in a bowl as well 🙂