If you bake a layer of Parmesan cheese in the oven it will crackle and pop after a while, turning into a crispy, cheese cracker. I topped this baked cheese crisp with pizza spices and toppings before sliding it into the oven. The results: crustless pizza!
This crustless pizza is made with only the Parmesan cheese, pepperoni and spices for a fast & easy, low-carb, high protein way to enjoy pizza night anytime. Use a cookie sheet covered with a silicone baking mat or parchment so that the cheese slid right off.
Watch it carefully in the last two minutes. Once the cheese starts to pop and bubble it can burn quickly.
Servings: 4
Cost: $6.00
This crustless pizza is made with only Parmesan cheese, pepperoni and spices for a fast & easy, low-carb, high protein way to enjoy pizza night anytime. Use a cookie sheet covered with a silicone baking mat or parchment so that the cheese slid right off.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4-6 oz sliced pepperoni. I used vegetarian.
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon of pizza or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper - optional
- Sprinkling of Kernel Season's Pizza Popcorn Seasoning - optional
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 475 degrees.
- Line a 12x18" jelly roll pan or high-sided baking sheet with a Silpat, aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Cover with a layer of shredded Parmesan cheese. You should just barely see the bottom of the pan through the cheese. (See my photograph below.)- Sprinkle cheese with pizza flavored popcorn seasoning if you are using it.
- Top with a layer of pepperoni. Feel free to experiment by adding/substituting your favorite pizza toppings.
- Sprinkle on the fennel, pizza spice and crushed red pepper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. Monitor the progress carefully during the last few minutes. After the cheese starts to pop, it can burn quickly. You want the surface to have a nice lattice pattern and a golden brown color.
- Remove from the oven and let cool to the touch before peeling from the foil or Silpat.
- Cut into pieces and enjoy!
- Serves 4.
Notes
Do I need a silicone mat or parchment? Yes. This is not optional. The cheese will stick to an unlined pan and tear when you try to remove it. A Silpat silicone baking mat gives the cleanest release. Parchment paper also works well. Aluminum foil is a reasonable backup.
Is this recipe keto or low-carb? Yes. The only ingredients are Parmesan cheese, pepperoni, and spices which are all naturally low in carbohydrates. This crustless pizza fits comfortably into keto, low-carb, and grain-free diets.
Can I use other toppings? Yes! Any pizza topping that doesn't release too much moisture works well. Good options include cooked Italian sausage, olives, roasted red peppers, fresh basil added after baking, or a drizzle of hot honey. Avoid fresh tomatoes or other high-moisture toppings as they will make the frico soggy.
Why does my cheese burn before it crisps? The oven may be running hot, or the cheese layer may be too thin. Make sure you can just barely see the bottom of the pan through the cheese. Also make sure your oven is fully preheated to 475 before the pan goes in. Start checking at 8 minutes and watch closely after that.
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