Crustless Pizza Pie

introduction

53g Protein Crustless Pizza Pie delivers a big, satisfying hit of protein without the crust, making it a smart, easy dish for busy weeknights and high-protein meal plans. If you like the idea of a pizza that’s more like a savory, cheesy tart — loaded with cottage cheese, mozzarella, eggs, and bright marinara — this recipe does the heavy lifting. For another crustless comfort option that’s similarly hearty and simple to make, check out this excellent crustless chicken pot pie recipe which shares the same no-fuss spirit and homey flavors.

This article walks you through why this recipe is worth making, how to prepare it step by step, helpful ingredient notes and substitutions, pro tips, flavor variations, serving ideas, storage guidelines, nutrition estimates, and a clear FAQ so you can make this pie confidently. It’s written in a friendly, practical tone and aimed at cooks of all levels.

why make this recipe

A crustless pizza pie hits a sweet spot between convenience and flavor. It’s faster and lighter than a traditional pizza because there’s no dough to knead, proof, or blind-bake. It’s also an excellent way to boost protein intake with simple ingredients: eggs, cottage cheese, and plenty of shredded mozzarella create a custardy, satisfying base that bakes up golden and sliceable.

This recipe is versatile. You can keep it vegetarian, make it low-carb, or load it with your favorite pizza toppings while still keeping preparation time short. It works for meal prep (reheat slices for lunches), for casual dinners, and even for sharing at a potluck. The combination of marinara and herbs keeps the flavor familiar while the custard-like interior makes each bite comforting and filling.

how to make 53g Protein Crustless Pizza Pie

This crustless pizza pie is essentially a baked, Italian-style egg-and-cheese custard with pizza toppings. It’s forgiving, quick to assemble, and bakes in about half an hour. Follow the steps below, and read the pro tips to improve texture and flavor.

Ingredients :

1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cottage cheese
4 large eggs
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or any preferred toppings

Ingredient notes and substitutions:

• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade marinara. If you’d like a smoother custard, blend the marinara briefly before mixing.
• Cottage cheese: This is a crucial protein source and helps keep the custard moist. For a smoother texture, use small-curd cottage cheese or briefly puree the cottage cheese in a blender.
• Mozzarella: Part-skim shredded mozzarella works well to keep fat moderate; whole-milk mozzarella yields a richer pie.
• Eggs: Provide structure and protein; large eggs are standard.
• Pepperoni: Traditional pepperoni often contains pork. If you prefer to avoid pork, substitute turkey pepperoni, smoked turkey slices, grilled chicken, mushrooms, tempeh, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian crunch. These swaps work seamlessly and are great for keeping the recipe family-friendly.
• Herbs and spices: Fresh basil is bright and essential; dried oregano and garlic powder add classic pizza notes. Adjust to taste.

Directions :

Assemble all ingredients on the countertop.
In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, and marinara sauce.
Whisk until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Gently fold in shredded mozzarella, oregano, garlic powder, and chopped basil.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a pie pan or oven-safe skillet with olive oil.
Pour the cheesy mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
Top with sliced pepperoni or your favorite toppings.
Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
Cut into wedges with a sharp knife and serve warm.
Enjoy the flavors and pair with a fresh salad or dipping sauce.

Pro Tips for Success 53g Protein Crustless Pizza Pie

• Strain or blend cottage cheese for a silkier custard: If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse cottage cheese a few times in a blender before combining with eggs. This reduces curds while maintaining protein.
• Let it rest before slicing: A 10-minute rest lets the custard finish setting so slices hold together cleanly. Cutting too soon can cause a runny center.
• Don’t overload with wet toppings: Extra-saucy toppings (like fresh tomatoes) can add moisture. Pat them dry or roast them briefly to prevent an overly wet pie.
• Use an oven-safe skillet for crisp edges: A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or a metal pie pan gives a lovely golden crust around the edges. Glass pans work fine but may bake a bit slower.
• Keep an eye on browning: If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the final 10 minutes to finish baking without burning.
• Measure cheese by weight for consistency: A packed measuring cup can vary—if you want consistent results, weigh the mozzarella (2 cups ≈ 180–200g depending on cut).

Flavor Variations 53g Protein Crustless Pizza Pie

• Veggie Supreme: Replace pepperoni with a mix of roasted bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, spinach, and caramelized onions. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
• Mediterranean Twist: Swap marinara for a sun-dried tomato pesto base, fold in chopped artichoke hearts, olives, and feta along with the mozzarella for a tangy, salty variation.
• BBQ Chicken: Use a thin layer of BBQ sauce instead of marinara, add shredded cooked chicken, red onion slices, and a little smoked gouda with the mozzarella for a smoky twist.
• Spicy Sausage (pork-free): Use sliced smoked turkey sausage or plant-based sausage, add red pepper flakes and a bit of cayenne for heat. Finish with chopped parsley.
• Four-Cheese: Add grated Parmesan and a touch of ricotta to the mozzarella-cottage cheese blend for an extra-rich, creamy profile.

Serving Suggestions 53g Protein Crustless Pizza Pie

Serve this pie warm with simple sides that complement the rich, cheesy center. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness. Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or asparagus, pair nicely. For a heartier meal, serve a slice alongside garlic-roasted new potatoes or a small grain salad. Offer a side of extra warmed marinara, chili oil, or ranch for dipping — they’re optional but fun for a casual table.

For brunch, top slices with a handful of arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. For family-style dinners, serve the pie in the skillet with a few small plates so everyone can help themselves. This pie is also excellent cold or room temperature for picnics and packed lunches.

Storage and Freezing Instructions 53g Protein Crustless Pizza Pie

Short-term refrigeration:

• Cool the pie completely at room temperature (no more than two hours) before storing.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 8–12 minutes, or microwave single slices for 60–90 seconds on medium power.

Freezing:

• Freeze whole pies or individual slices. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the pie first in a layer of plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in a low oven (325°F / 160°C) for even warming and to maintain texture.

Tips for best reheating:

• Avoid overheating in the microwave which can make the texture rubbery. A short oven reheat keeps the edges crisp and the center creamy.
• Add a few fresh basil leaves after reheating to brighten flavors.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) — (approximate)

• Calories: 540 kcal
• Protein: 53 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fat: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg

Nutrition note: These values are estimates based on the listed ingredients and assume the pie is divided into two generous servings. Exact values vary with the brands used (especially cheese and pepperoni), portion sizes, and any swaps you make (for example, using low-sodium marinara or part-skim cheeses will lower sodium and fat). If you need precise nutrition data for medical or strict dietary purposes, enter your exact ingredients and quantities into a nutrition calculator.

FAQ About 53g Protein Crustless Pizza Pie

What makes this a "53g Protein" pie?

The recipe combines protein-dense ingredients—cottage cheese, eggs, and mozzarella—so even moderate portions deliver a large amount of protein. The “53g” label reflects an estimated protein value per serving when the pie is divided into two portions; actual numbers vary by ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

This specific recipe relies on dairy and eggs for structure and texture, so a true dairy-free/vegan version will need more substantial changes. For a dairy-free version, try silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast, a vegan egg replacer, and a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative; be aware texture and flavor will differ. For vegan protein, add cooked lentils, crumbled tempeh, or seasoned chickpeas as topping and binder substitutes.

How do I prevent the pie from becoming too watery?

Watery pies are usually caused by wet toppings or high-moisture cheeses. Drain or pat wet vegetables and avoid piling too many watery toppings. For cottage cheese curds, briefly pulsing in a blender smooths but doesn’t remove moisture—if you need a drier result, press the cottage cheese in a fine sieve for 10–15 minutes. Also, bake until the center is set and let it cool to firm up.

Can I use different toppings or make this gluten-free?

Yes. The pie is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free marinara and verifying any processed toppings are gluten-free. Toppings are flexible: grilled chicken, smoked turkey, roasted vegetables, olives, or fresh herbs all work well. If you want crispier textures, add sautéed mushrooms, or precook vegetables to reduce moisture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep and freezing?

Absolutely. The pie stores and freezes well. Cool completely, then wrap tightly before freezing for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a low oven for best texture. Cut into portions before freezing for grab-and-go convenience.

Can I make this pie ahead for a party?

Yes. You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 12 hours before baking. Bring it to room temperature for 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. This makes it a great candidate for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute prep.

Final Thoughts

This 53g Protein Crustless Pizza Pie is a dependable, flexible recipe that satisfies pizza cravings while leaning on high-protein ingredients and short prep time. It’s an easy weeknight winner, a solid option for meal prep, and simply enjoyable to customize. With thoughtful substitutions and a few pro tips, you can tweak it for family preferences, dietary needs, or flavor explorations. Give it a try this week — you might find it becomes a repeat on your rotation.

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