Cheesy Low Carb Deep Dish Delight
Indulge in a deliciously cheesy, low-carb twist on a classic favorite with this Cheesy Low Carb Deep Dish Delight. Perfectly crafted using cream cheese, eggs, and a blend of Italian cheeses, this dish promises a crispy crust that serves as the ideal base for your favorite toppings. It's a great option for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. Enjoy the satisfaction of deep dish pizza without the guilt!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
4 ounces (softened)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Oregano or Italian Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (for mixing and sprinkling on top)
Italian Cheese Blend or Mozzarella Cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Pizza Sauce
1/4 cup (for spreading)
Mozzarella Cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
Assorted Pizza Toppings
to taste (options include pepperoni, ham, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, bacon, ground beef, etc.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
3
Add the beaten eggs to the cream cheese and whisk until completely combined.
4
Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, oregano (or Italian seasoning), and garlic powder, stirring well.
5
Fold in the 8 ounces of shredded Italian cheese blend or mozzarella until evenly moistened.
6
Lightly grease a 9x13 glass baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
7
Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown without burning. Allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack.
9
Once cooled, gently use a metal spatula to loosen the edges from the pan, then carefully lift the crust to free it from the bottom.
10
Refrigerate the crust uncovered for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up for optimum crispiness.
11
Just before serving, spread the chilled crust with pizza sauce. Layer with shredded mozzarella cheese and your desired pizza toppings.
12
Sprinkle a little extra garlic powder on top for added flavor.
13
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the toppings are bubbly and heated through.
14
Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before slicing to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Low Carb Deep Dish Delight?
It is a deliciously cheesy, low-carb twist on deep dish pizza featuring a crispy crust made from cream cheese, eggs, and Italian cheeses.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly as it replaces traditional flour-based dough with a cheese and egg-based crust.
Is the Cheesy Low Carb Deep Dish Delight gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed, including the cheese and egg base, make this a gluten-free pizza alternative.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 9x13 glass baking dish for this recipe.
How much cream cheese is needed for the crust?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How many eggs are used in the crust?
You will need 2 beaten eggs to help bind the crust ingredients together.
What kind of cheese goes into the crust mixture?
The crust uses 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 8 ounces of shredded Italian cheese blend or mozzarella.
What seasonings are added to the crust?
The crust is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of oregano or Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly grease the 9x13 glass baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the crust.
How long should I bake the crust initially?
Bake the cheese mixture for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown.
Why do I need to refrigerate the crust?
Refrigerating the crust uncovered for at least 30 minutes allows it to firm up for optimum crispiness.
How long should the crust cool before refrigeration?
Allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack before moving it to the refrigerator.
What should I do after the crust has refrigerated?
Spread the chilled crust with pizza sauce, layer with mozzarella cheese, and add your favorite toppings.
How much pizza sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of pizza sauce to be spread over the crust.
How much extra mozzarella is needed for the toppings?
You will need an additional 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese for the topping layer.
What are some suggested pizza toppings?
Suggested toppings include pepperoni, ham, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, bacon, and ground beef.
Should I add more seasoning on top?
Yes, you can sprinkle a little extra garlic powder on top of the cheese for added flavor before the final bake.
What is the final baking time once toppings are added?
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the toppings are bubbly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Can I use mozzarella instead of an Italian cheese blend?
Yes, you can use 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese as a direct substitute for the Italian blend in the crust.
Do I need to whisk the cream cheese?
Yes, you should whisk the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy before adding other ingredients.
How do I loosen the crust from the pan?
Once the crust has cooled, gently use a metal spatula to loosen the edges and lift the crust to free it from the bottom.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, its deep dish style and cheesy flavor make it a great option for parties and family gatherings.
Should I let the pizza stand after baking?
Yes, remove it from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before slicing to serve.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is designed to be crispy and firm enough to serve as a base for heavy toppings.
Can I use dried oregano?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano or Italian seasoning is recommended for the crust.
Is the crust baked uncovered?
Yes, the crust is baked uncovered to ensure it browns properly and becomes golden.
How much total cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses approximately 12 ounces of shredded cheese plus 1/4 cup of Parmesan and 4 ounces of cream cheese.
Can I add extra toppings like vegetables?
Absolutely, mushrooms and green peppers are specifically mentioned as excellent topping options.