Cheese crust breakfast pizza is the delicious hybrid of two favorites: pizza and a savory morning meal. Perfect for a low-carb, keto-friendly, or gluten-free lifestyle, this recipe swaps out traditional dough for a crispy, golden cheese-based crust that’s rich in flavor and packed with protein. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, this quick and customizable breakfast will keep you coming back for more.
Unlike traditional pizza that relies on flour-based crusts, this recipe uses a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese as the base. This creates a sturdy, crispy layer that mimics the crunch of crust while remaining entirely gluten-free and low in carbs. It’s ideal for anyone avoiding grains or looking to add more healthy fats to their morning. If you’re curious about other doughless pizza alternatives, the keto cheese crust pizza ideas on Pinterest offer great inspiration.
The beauty of this breakfast pizza lies in its simplicity and flexibility. With only a few basic ingredients—like shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, eggs, cooked turkey sausage, and onions—you can build a complete meal in minutes. The base recipe is similar to those found in the history of pizza, but with a breakfast twist, including oven-baked eggs and sausage. Check out more low-carb breakfast recipes if you’re planning an entire week of healthy eating.
🌞 Why you’ll love this recipe 💛
This cheese crust breakfast pizza offers more than just flavor—it solves a range of common breakfast dilemmas. Here’s why this dish stands out:
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Quick prep & cook: Ready in under 25 minutes.
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Perfect for meal prep: Store and reheat for the week ahead.
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Keto and gluten-free: Great for dietary needs.
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High protein: Keeps you full and energized.
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Customizable toppings: Make it your own with endless variations.
Whether you’re new to cheese-based crusts or a seasoned keto pro, this dish is a satisfying and convenient morning option.
🧾 Ingredients breakdown 🥓
Each component in this breakfast pizza has a purpose, from flavor and texture to nutrition. Below is a full breakdown of what you’ll need and why.
For the cheese crust:
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
A low-moisture cheese that melts well and creates a crispy crust. -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Adds bold flavor and color to the crust.
Toppings:
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4 large eggs
Protein-packed and essential for the breakfast feel. -
½ lb (225g) turkey sausage, cooked & crumbled
A leaner alternative to pork sausage. Make sure it’s fully cooked before baking. -
1 cup shredded mozzarella
For a gooey top layer. -
½ cup shredded cheddar
Enhances flavor and melts beautifully. -
¼ cup red onion, diced (optional)
Adds crunch and a bit of sharpness. -
1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
For garnish and a pop of color. -
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds a spicy kick if desired. -
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For more about the varieties of cheese you can use in this dish, check the types of cheese listed on Wikipedia.
These ingredients not only offer exceptional flavor but also balance macronutrients—making this meal perfect for high-protein, low-carb, or gluten-free diets.
🔪 Step-by-step instructions 🧑🍳
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof cheese crust breakfast pizza that delivers on both flavor and texture.
1. Preheat the oven
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Line a pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup.
2. Make the cheese crust
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On the lined baking sheet, spread 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of shredded cheddar into a 10–12-inch circle.
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Make sure the layer is even but not too thin—this ensures a stable, crispy base.
3. Bake the crust
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Place in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes.
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The cheese should melt, bubble, and turn lightly golden.
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Remove from oven and let sit for 2 minutes to firm up.
4. Add toppings
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Carefully crack 4 large eggs evenly over the crust.
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Sprinkle cooked, crumbled turkey sausage and diced red onion over the top.
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Add the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup cheddar.
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Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
For egg baking tips, explore cooking eggs in the oven on Wikipedia to find the texture you prefer.
5. Final bake
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Return to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, depending on how runny or set you want your eggs.
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The cheese on top should be melted, and the egg whites fully cooked.
6. Garnish and serve
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Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives.
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Slice into 6–8 portions and serve hot.
This method ensures that the crust remains crisp while the toppings stay perfectly cooked.
💡 Cooking tips & troubleshooting 🔧
To make sure your cheese crust breakfast pizza turns out perfectly every time, consider the following expert tips:
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Prevent sticking: Always use parchment paper. Cheese sticks to pans easily.
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Control egg doneness: Bake less for runny yolks, longer for fully set.
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Avoid burning crust: Watch during the first bake. Cheese browns quickly.
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Use low-moisture cheese: Especially for the crust. High-moisture cheese can lead to sogginess.
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Pre-cook meats: Sausage must be fully cooked before adding.
For more ways to meal prep this dish, visit the meal prep breakfast ideas board on Pinterest for visual inspiration.
🧂 Variations & customization ideas 🧑🎨
This recipe is highly adaptable. Try these variations based on your preferences or dietary needs:
Different cheeses
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Pepper jack – Adds heat and flavor.
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Gouda – Smooth melt and slightly sweet.
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Feta – Crumbled on top for a salty finish.
Protein swaps
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Turkey bacon – A lean, crispy option that complements eggs.
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Ham or turkey breast – Great for deli-style flavor.
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Vegetarian – Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers instead.
Spice lovers
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Add jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce after baking.
Sauce base ideas
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Try a thin layer of pesto, sriracha mayo, or garlic cream cheese beneath the eggs for an extra flavor boost.
For more delicious pizza variations, explore easy breakfast pizza recipes to discover more topping combinations.
🥑 Is cheese crust breakfast pizza keto-friendly? 🥩
Absolutely! This pizza is a dream come true for anyone on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Here’s why:
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No flour-based crust: Only cheese, which is naturally low in carbs.
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High fat content: Keeps you in ketosis.
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Protein-rich: From eggs and turkey sausage.
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Customizable vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or avocado for fiber.
To learn more about keto meals, check out low-carb breakfast recipes.
🧊 Storage, reheating & meal prep ❄️
How to store:
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Let the pizza cool completely.
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Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating tips:
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Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
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Microwave: Heat on medium for 45–60 seconds, but note that the crust may become soft.
Freezing instructions:
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Freeze individual slices with parchment paper between them.
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Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for 12–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
For best results and other reheating methods, check out meal prep breakfast ideas.
🥗 Serving suggestions 🥤
Pair your cheese crust breakfast pizza with light and refreshing sides to balance the richness:
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Fresh fruit: Grapefruit, berries, or melon.
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Sliced avocado: Adds healthy fats and creaminess.
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Iced coffee or smoothies: A refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy main.
Hosting brunch? Add a bowl of yogurt parfait, fresh herbs, and brunch ideas with eggs and cheese for the ultimate spread.
🥬 Cheese crust breakfast pizza for special diets 🧘♀️
This recipe is easy to adapt for multiple dietary needs:
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Gluten-free: No flour, naturally gluten-free.
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Keto: High-fat, low-carb macro profile.
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Vegetarian: Replace turkey sausage with roasted veggies.
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Dairy-free: Use vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
To understand more about the benefits of herbs like parsley used in the recipe, visit the parsley herb benefits page.
❓FAQs 🙋♂️
Can you make a cheese crust pizza without a baking sheet?
Yes, but it’s risky. A baking sheet with parchment ensures easy removal. Without it, the cheese may stick and break apart.
Is cheese crust healthier than traditional dough?
It depends on your goals. It’s higher in fat and protein, lower in carbs. Great for keto or low-carb diets.
What cheese works best for a crust?
Low-moisture mozzarella is best for crispiness. Cheddar adds flavor but can become oily if overused.
Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
Yes, especially if you want a lower fat option. Just note the flavor will be milder.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes. Bake the crust and store it separately. Add toppings and bake the next morning for freshness.
If you’re new to cooking with sausage, read more about breakfast sausage and how it varies by type and prep.
PrintCheese Crust Breakfast Pizza
This Cheese Crust Breakfast Pizza is a delicious, low-carb, gluten-free breakfast that swaps traditional dough for a crispy, golden cheese crust. Topped with oven-baked eggs, turkey sausage, and melty cheese, this dish is perfect for keto-friendly meal prep, brunches, or weekend breakfasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese Crust:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim recommended)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings:
4 large eggs
½ lb (225 g) turkey sausage, fully cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup red onion, diced (optional)
1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Crust
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Spread 2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1 cup shredded cheddar into a 10–12 inch circle on the lined baking sheet.
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Ensure the cheese layer is even for consistent cooking.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
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Bake in preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
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Remove from oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes to allow crust to firm up.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
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Carefully crack 4 large eggs evenly over the cheese crust.
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Sprinkle the cooked turkey sausage and diced red onion over the eggs.
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Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup cheddar cheese.
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Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 5: Final Bake
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Return to oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until egg whites are set and yolks reach your desired doneness.
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Keep an eye on the cheese to avoid over-browning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
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Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives.
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Slice into 6–8 portions and serve immediately.
Notes
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Cheese Choice: Use low-moisture mozzarella for a crispier crust. Avoid fresh mozzarella as it contains too much water.
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Sausage: Ensure turkey sausage is fully cooked before adding. You can also substitute with turkey bacon or vegetarian sausage.
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Egg Texture: For runnier yolks, reduce final bake time to 8–9 minutes. For fully cooked yolks, bake the full 12 minutes.
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Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers instead.
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Make Ahead: You can bake the crust ahead of time and store it. Add toppings and reheat for a quick breakfast.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.