This delicious and guilt-free pepperoni pizza features a melt-in-your-mouth baked cream cheese “crust,” plus all the incredible flavor you’ve come to expect from this perennial favorite.
What’s more, the versatile cream cheese crust recipe can be tweaked to include your favorite herbs and spices for a truly distinctive flavor. But don’t stop there! Experiment with your favorite pizza toppings for a quick and satisfying meal you can enjoy any night of the week.
Prep time: 10 minutes + 5-10 minutes inactive
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
2 large eggs
1/3 c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1½ t. dried basil, divided
1½ t. dried oregano, divided
1 t. garlic powder, divided
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1½ T. tomato paste
3 T. sugar-free tomato sauce
4 oz. pepperoni, thinly sliced
1 c. Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Optional garnish: Fresh basil leaves, cut into thin slices
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375° F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Combine cream cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon basil and oregano, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder in a medium-sized bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and whisk until the mixture is completely blended and smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet into the desired shape and thickness. (For thicker crusts, reduce oven temperature to 350° F and increase baking times for best results).
Place the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly puffed and golden brown. Check halfway through cooking time to ensure the crust bakes evenly and does not become too brown.
In the meantime, whisk the tomato paste, tomato sauce, the remaining dried herbs, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Lightly season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Set aside.
Remove the pizza base from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before topping it with tomato sauce, sliced pepperoni, and shredded Mozzarella cheese.
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Carbs/Serving:*
Total carbs: 5.3 g
Fiber: 0.9 g
Net carbs: 4.4 g
