Satisfy your next pizza craving with these easy and delicious Pizza Bowls with Quinoa! Ready in about 30 minutes, they are easier and more wholesome than regular pizza but have all of the flavours!
And the options are endless for customization! Whether you are craving BBQ chicken, Hawaiian or Vegetarian, these pizza bowls can accommodate.
They would also be fun for a "pizza" night with friends or family. Everyone could make theirs exactly how they want it!
And if you aren't a fan of quinoa, try these out using farro, barley, brown rice, cauliflower rice or omit the grains entirely.
The Ingredients
- Quinoa- You can also use a different grain such as farro, barley or brown rice. You need 3 cups cooked which is about 1 cup uncooked.
- Pizza Sauce- I highly recommend whipping up a batch of this recipe but you can also use 1 cup of another favorite pizza sauce.
- Toppings! I used the following but feel free to use your favorite chopped pizza toppings in place of the ones that I have listed. You will need about 4 cups in total.
- Spicy Italian Sausage- The meat needs to be fully cooked prior to using in this recipe.
- Green Pepper
- Red Onion
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Mozzarella Cheese
The Method
1. Prepare Ingredients.
- Quinoa- Cook according to package directions and then mix with ¼ cup of pizza sauce.
- Cheese- Shred.
- Vegetables- Cut into small pieces.
- Meat- Cook completely and cut into bite sized pieces.
2. Assemble. In each of the four 12 oz ramekins (or similar oven safe dish), layer the following:
- 1 tablespoon pizza sauce
- ⅓ cup quinoa
- 1 tablespoon pizza sauce
- ½ cup of toppings
- I did 1 tablespoon each of green peppers, onions and tomatoes and about ¼ cup of sausage
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- ⅓ cup quinoa
- 1 tablespoon pizza sauce
- ½ cup toppings
- ¼ cheese
TIP: Be sure to press each layer in tightly before adding the next.
3. Bake. Place the ramekins on a large cookie sheet (to catch any cheese that might bubble over) and place in the oven. Bake at 425F for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Enjoy! Be careful- the edges of the ramekin will be hot! Place the ramekins on a potholder and be sure not to touch the edges while eating.
Leftovers
Make Ahead: Assemble "pizzas" in ramekins, cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator if frozen and bake as per directions.
To Store: Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: To heat unbaked "pizzas", bake as per recipe directions. Previously baked bowls can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes.
Make it Your Own
This recipe is totally customizable to suit whatever pizza flavour you'd like! Substitute the suggested toppings with 4 cups of your favourite toppings- just make sure that any meat you use is already cooked. Here are some ideas:
- Barbecue Chicken Quinoa Pizza Bowls- Use Barbecue Sauce in place of pizza sauce, and mix ¼ cup with 2 cups of shredded or diced chicken (about 2 chicken breasts). Use about ½ cup chopped red onion and ½ cup diced tomatoes. You could use mozzarella or try a sharp cheddar or gouda instead. Top with green onions.
- Hawaiian Pizza Quinoa Bowls- Use 2 cups of diced ham and 2 cups of diced pineapple. A bit of crispy bacon would also be a tasty add!
- Quinoa Veggie Pizza Bowls- Use 4 cups of your favourite vegetables on pizza. Mushrooms, onions, peppers, tomatoes, spinach, olives, artichokes and zucchini would all be delicious.
No individual ramekins?
You can assemble this as a quinoa pizza casserole instead! You will need to use a 1.5 to 2 quart size dish. Bake time will increase to about 20-30 minutes.
Serving Ideas
These Quinoa Pizza Bowls are a pretty filling meal all on their own! But if you would like to add some more vegetables alongside, this Mediterranean Salad would be a tasty option.
Dietary Notes
If you have dietary restrictions, check the packaging of specific ingredients that you use to ensure they are compliant. This recipe is:
- Gluten Free
- Nut Free
- Vegetarian - If you omit the sausage.
And if you liked this recipe...
...you might also like:
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup Pizza Sauce
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage cooked and sliced into thin rounds, about 2 and ½ cups
- ½ green pepper sliced thinly, about ½ cup
- ¼ red onion sliced thinly, about ½ cup
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes cut into quarters
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients. Mix ¼ cup of pizza sauce with prepared quinoa, cut any vegetables and cook any meat.
- Preheat the oven to 425 F. Place 4 (12-ounce) ramekins on a baking sheet.
- Assemble. In each ramekin, layer 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce, then ⅓ cup quinoa on top and press down with the back of a spoon. Spread another 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce and then about 1 tablespoon each of onions, pepper, tomatoes and ¼ cup sausage. Top with ¼ cup of cheese. Repeat so that there are two layers of everything.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Careful, the ramekins will be hot to touch!
Notes
Nutrition
More Tasty Dinners!
Anita
This was a really fun way to enjoy quinoa. I feel less guilty eating this than real pizza, and so much easier and faster to cook this too.
Janessa
I'm glad you liked this recipe! Thank you for your kind review, Anita!
Kris
Super easy and delicious! Can't wait to make again. Thank you. 🙂
Kathleen
This is such a fun and fabulous way to enjoy quinoa. I like that you can change up the flavors based on your likes. My family is going to love making their own quinoa pizza bowl.
Liz
This was such a delicious and healthy way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the guilt! We have been trying to eat much healthier at home and even my picky toddlers asked for more!
Janessa
Yay! I'm glad you liked this recipe.
Lisa
What an amazing idea! This was easy and delicious, and the whole family loved it. Thank you.