If you’re craving the flavors of pizza but want to keep things low-carb, Low-Carb Pizza Bowls are the perfect solution. These pizza bowls are loaded with all the classic pizza toppings—pepperoni, mozzarella, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning—served in a savory, baked bowl made from cauliflower rice, making them a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. They’re flavorful, filling, and packed with all the pizza goodness you love, without the carbs.
What makes these pizza bowls so special is that they give you all the satisfying flavors of pizza but with a healthier twist. The cauliflower rice acts as the base for the pizza “crust,” while the rich, melty cheese and savory toppings complete the dish. It’s easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings, making it perfect for family meals or a weeknight dinner.
I first made Low-Carb Pizza Bowls when I wanted a healthier option for pizza night, and they were a huge hit! The cauliflower rice provides a great base, and the cheese and toppings make it just as satisfying as a traditional pizza. These pizza bowls are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy pizza without the carbs.
Why These Low-Carb Pizza Bowls Will Be Your New Favorite
- Low-carb and keto-friendly: These pizza bowls are a great way to enjoy the flavors of pizza without the carbs, making them perfect for a keto or low-carb diet.
- Customizable: You can easily customize these bowls with your favorite pizza toppings—whether it’s pepperoni, veggies, or sausage, you can make them your own.
- Cheesy and flavorful: The mozzarella and marinara sauce create a rich, gooey base that makes these bowls just as indulgent as a regular pizza.
- Easy to make: These bowls come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients, making them perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
- Perfect for meal prep: You can make these pizza bowls ahead of time and store them in the fridge for an easy, low-carb lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower (or 1 package of riced cauliflower)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (low-carb)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza topping)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Low-Carb Pizza Bowls
- Prepare the cauliflower rice:
If you’re using fresh cauliflower, chop it into florets and pulse it in a food processor until it resembles rice grains. If you’re using pre-riced cauliflower, just open the package and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly golden. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Assemble the bowls:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the cooked cauliflower rice into individual oven-safe bowls or ramekins, pressing it down gently to form a base for the pizza. - Add the sauce:
Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each bowl of cauliflower rice, spreading it evenly. You can adjust the amount of sauce depending on how saucy you like your pizza. - Add cheese and toppings:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, or veggies. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor. - Bake the pizza bowls:
Place the assembled pizza bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. - Garnish and serve:
Once the pizza bowls are out of the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Let them cool slightly before serving. - Enjoy:
Your Low-Carb Pizza Bowls are ready to be devoured! Enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness with a salad or as a satisfying meal on its own.
Tips
- Use a pizza stone: For a crispier bottom, you can bake the bowls on a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet.
- Customize the toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings—try adding olives, bell peppers, onions, or even some fresh spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make them vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and load up the bowls with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a meatless option.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use ground meat: If you prefer meat, you can substitute the pepperoni with ground sausage, turkey, or chicken for a protein-packed version.
- Try different cheeses: If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, you can use provolone, cheddar, or a combination of cheeses for added flavor.
- Cauliflower crust alternative: If you’re not a fan of cauliflower rice, you can use cauliflower crust (store-bought or homemade) as the base for your pizza bowls instead.
Make a Healthier Version
- Add more veggies: Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional value of these pizza bowls.
- Use low-fat cheese: Opt for reduced-fat mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese to make these bowls lighter and healthier.
Closing
And there you have it! Low-Carb Pizza Bowls are the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza while staying low-carb and keto-friendly. These bowls are easy to make, customizable, and full of delicious, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or enjoying a weeknight dinner with the family, these pizza bowls are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to let us know how your pizza bowls turn out, and be sure to check out more of our low-carb and keto-friendly recipes for even more tasty ideas!
Relevant Categories of this Recipe
Low-Carb
Keto Recipes
Pizza
Dinner Recipes
Tags
Low-Carb Pizza, Keto Pizza Bowls, Cauliflower Pizza, Healthy Pizza, Low-Carb Dinner, Keto Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these pizza bowls ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cauliflower rice and assemble the pizza bowls ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and bake them when you’re ready to serve. - Can I use store-bought cauliflower rice?
Absolutely! Store-bought cauliflower rice is a great time-saver and works perfectly for these pizza bowls. - Can I use a different crust base?
Yes! You can use zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or even a low-carb tortilla as a base if you prefer something other than cauliflower rice. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results. - Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the pepperoni and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to make it a delicious vegetarian option. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can swap the mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or a cheese of your choice for a different flavor profile. - Can I freeze these pizza bowls?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pizza bowls for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. - Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s a low-carb option if you’re following a strict keto diet. - How do I make the cauliflower rice less watery?
Be sure to sauté the cauliflower rice in a pan to cook off any moisture. This helps prevent the bowls from becoming soggy. - How can I make this spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce to give your pizza bowls an extra kick!