Pizza Bowl

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my pizza bowl recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

You can make this pizza bowl recipe with just about any toppings you’d use on a regular pizza — the options are endless! I tested 5 flavor combos to get you started.

Pizza Bowl Base:

I used roasted cauliflower as the base (great way to sneak in a veggie!), but cooked ground sausage or beef works too…kind of like my crustless pizza. For the cauliflower version, you’ll just need a few simple ingredients to roast it.

• Cauliflower – I use cauliflower to make the bottom “crust” for these pizza bowls. It roasts up golden and gives the perfect base for all the toppings. If you want to switch it up, cooked cauliflower rice works too, or you can use ground beef or Italian sausage instead.
• Olive Oil – Avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil works as well.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – I kept it simple, but you can also add Italian seasoning or dried oregano here.

Pepperoni Pizza Bowl:

If you’re a fan of classic pepperoni pizza, this version puts a fun, crave-worthy twist on the familiar favorite.

• Pizza Sauce – I usually go for homemade sugar-free pizza sauce or even marinara to keep the ingredients clean, but honestly, store-bought is totally fine. If all you’ve got is plain tomato sauce, that works too — just season it up a bit.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella is my go-to, but you can mix it up with cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or an Italian blend. I wouldn’t use Parmesan on its own, but it’s great layered in with other cheeses.
• Mini Pepperoni – I like using mini pepperoni when I can find them, but quartered regular slices get the job done, too. Turkey pepperoni works just as well if you want a lighter option.

Meat Lover’s Pizza Bowl:

Loaded with all the meats and plenty of melty cheese, this pizza bowl gives you everything you love about a meat lover’s pizza!

• Cooked Italian Sausage – I usually go with pork sausage, but ground pork, turkey sausage, or even ground beef work just fine.
• Ham – Deli ham slices or diced chunks both work here. You can mix it up with other deli meats too like salami or prosciutto.
• Bacon – Make sure it’s cooked before it goes in. I usually bake it in the oven, but microwaving or using the air fryer (even turkey bacon!) works too.
• Mini Pepperoni – Or regular cut into quarters.
• Pizza Sauce
• Mozzarella Cheese

Hawaiian Pizza Bowl:

With sweet pineapple, savory Canadian bacon, and plenty of melty cheese, this bowl brings all the classic Hawaiian pizza flavor!

• Canadian Bacon – I usually use Canadian bacon, but ham works just as well if that’s what you’ve got.
• Pineapple Tidbits – Canned is easy, but if you have fresh pineapple, dice it up and use that! If you’re keeping it keto, the small amount here is usually fine for macros, even though pineapple isn’t strictly keto.
• Pizza Sauce
• Cooked Bacon
• Mozzarella Cheese

Veggie Pizza Bowl:

Loaded with a colorful mix of garden veggies, this one’s a fresh, flavorful way to enjoy a vegetarian pizza bowl.

• Cremini Mushrooms – Also called baby bellas. You can use white mushrooms, sliced portobellos, or even shiitake if that’s what you have.
• Bell Peppers – I usually go with green, but any color works. Banana peppers are fun to toss in too, and a handful of fresh spinach is a nice extra.
• Black Olives – I like black olives here, but green ones work if that’s your thing.
• Pizza Sauce
• Mozzarella Cheese

Chicken Alfredo Pizza Bowl:

If you’re into white pizza, this bowl is for you — it’s loaded with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese for all the cozy, comforting vibes.

• Alfredo Sauce – Store-bought works in a pinch, but I always go for homemade alfredo sauce because it’s super easy and tastes way better. You could also swap in BBQ sauce for a smoky twist, or drizzle ranch on top after baking.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but I’ll use the jarred kind if I’m short on time (about 1 teaspoon does it).
• Shredded Chicken – I used leftover Instant Pot chicken breast, but cubed baked or pan seared chicken works too — even rotisserie if you’re in a rush.
• Red Onion – I like the mild bite of red onion, but white, green onions, or shallots all work if you want to switch it up.
• Cherry Tomatoes – I used cherry, but grape, diced Roma, or even sun-dried tomatoes are great here. Sometimes I toss in fresh spinach, too, for extra color and texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese

How To Make Pizza Bowls

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Season the cauliflower. Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
2. Roast the cauliflower. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast until tender and browned on the edges. I leave the oven on when they’re done.

3. Assemble the pizza bowls. Layer the cauliflower, sauce, and cheese into ramekins or oven-safe dishes. I usually add heavier toppings under the cheese and lighter ones on top, but you can build them however you like.
4. Bake. Pop the sheet pan in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and everything’s hot. Top these pizza bowls with fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

More Pizza Night Recipes

If you loved this pizza bowl recipe, here are a few more fun ideas to keep pizza night going:

Pizza Casserole

High Protein Pizza

Eggplant Pizza

Zucchini Pizza Boats