🍕 Homemade Crustless Pizza Bake

⭐ What It Is

A layered, oven-baked “pizza casserole” made with sauce, veggies, and toppings—no crust needed. Think: cheesy, saucy, bubbly pizza in a bowl.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Base Layer

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1–1.5 cups spinach (optional)

Main Mix

• 1.5 cups pizza sauce or marinara

• 1 cup vegan mozzarella (or regular, if not vegan)

• ½ cup vegan cheddar (optional)

• 1–2 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper to taste

Toppings (choose your favorites)

• Sliced olives

• Green onions

• Cherry tomatoes

• Jalapeños

• Vegan pepperoni or sausage

• Fresh basil

• Red pepper flakes

🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven

Heat to 400°F (205°C).

2. Sauté the veggies

In a skillet:

• Heat olive oil

• Add onions and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes

• Add mushrooms and peppers; cook until softened

• Add spinach last and wilt it down

Season lightly with salt & pepper.

3. Build the bake

In a greased 8×8 or similar baking dish:

1. Spread half the pizza sauce

2. Add all the sautéed veggies

3. Add the rest of the sauce

4. Sprinkle Italian seasoning

5. Add vegan mozzarella & cheddar

6. Add your favorite toppings

4. Bake

Bake 20–25 minutes, until:

• cheese is melted

• edges are bubbling

• top is lightly golden

Broil 1–2 minutes for extra browning.

5. Serve

Let cool 5 minutes, then scoop into bowls.
Top with fresh basil or chili flakes.

💡 Variations

• High-Protein: Add crumbled tofu, lentils, or plant-based sausage.

• Spicy: Add chili oil, sriracha, or sliced jalapeños.

• Loaded Veggie: Add zucchini, eggplant, or broccoli florets.

• Kid-Friendly: Stick to cheese + mild veggies, skip spicy toppings.

❓ Q&A Section

Q1: What pan size works best?

An 8×8 or 9×9 square dish works well. A small casserole dish works too.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—use vegan mozzarella and optional vegan parmesan. It melts great in casseroles.

Q3: Can I add protein?

Absolutely. Try:

• Crumbled tempeh

• Plant-based sausage

• Cooked lentils

• Chickpeas (for a Mediterranean vibe)

Q4: Can I prep this ahead?

Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Bake when ready—add 5 extra minutes if cold.

Q5: Does it freeze well?

Yes. Freeze after baking (cool first). Reheat at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Q6: Can I make it lower sodium?

Use low-sodium marinara and go lighter on vegan cheese. Add fresh herbs to boost flavor.

Q7: How do I make it thicker or firmer?

Add 1 beaten egg (if not vegan) or 2 tbsp chickpea flour to firm it up like a crustless quiche.