Pizza without dough

Crustless Pizza – a delicious and quick recipe

Who doesn’t love a delicious pizza with rich toppings that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones? This time, I propose an innovative version: crustless pizza. This recipe is perfect for moments when you don’t have time or don’t want to prepare a complicated dough. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover bread, meat, and vegetables you have in the fridge.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

The history of pizza is fascinating. Over time, pizza has evolved from a simple bread with toppings to a sophisticated dish loved by millions. This crustless version combines tradition with innovation, offering a healthy and quick option for pizza lovers.

Necessary ingredients:

- 8 slices of bread (choose a quality bread, preferably whole grain or rye)
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300-400 g)
- 100 g salami (or cold cuts of your choice)
- 100 g chicken breast ham (or other types of ham)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper (red or green, depending on your preference)
- 150 g grated cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 cup of zacusca (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons of oil (for sautéing)
- 3 eggs
- 100 ml milk
- Olives (optional, for garnish)
- Pickled gogoșar (optional, for a delicious contrast)
- Hot ketchup (for serving)

Preparing the pizza filling:

1. Start preparing the filling. Take a large pan and heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent. The onion will add sweetness and flavor to the dish, so don’t neglect it.

2. Cut the chicken breast into small cubes and add it to the pan. Cook until golden and well cooked, about 5-7 minutes. It’s important to brown the chicken well to enhance its flavor.

3. Add the diced cold cuts and bell pepper. Continue to sauté everything for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This combination of ingredients will give the filling a wealth of flavors.

4. If you choose to use zacusca, add it now. This will enrich the filling with a savory taste. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano, mixing well. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes to combine the flavors, then remove the pan from heat.

Preparing the base:

5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven is heating up, prepare the baking tray. Choose a medium-sized tray, grease it with a little oil, and dust it with flour to prevent the bread slices from sticking.

6. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until smooth. This will be the base of the pizza filling.

7. Take the slices of bread and dip them in the egg and milk mixture, allowing them to absorb the liquid well. Place the bread slices in the tray with the soaked side up, forming an even base for the filling.

Assembling the pizza:

8. Now add the filling of chicken, cold cuts, and vegetables, leveling it nicely over the slices of bread. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed so that each serving is just as tasty.

9. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the filling. If you like, you can also add olives or pickled gogoșar for a contrast of textures and flavors.

10. Pour the remaining egg and milk mixture over everything, ensuring that the filling is well covered. This step will help bind the ingredients and provide a delicious crust.

11. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pizza is golden and well cooked. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges of the bread slices become crispy, and the cheese is melted and beautifully browned.

Serving:

Once the crustless pizza is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it into squares or triangles, as you prefer. Serve it warm, alongside hot ketchup, which will add a touch of spice, perfect for complementing the rich flavors of the filling.

Practical tips:

- Bread: Choose a bread with a denser texture that absorbs the liquid well but remains crispy on the outside.
- Filling: You can experiment with different fillings, adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or olives, or even goat cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Serving: This pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a glass of dry white wine, which will balance the rich flavors.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can the crustless pizza be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the pizza before baking it. Make sure it is well covered to prevent freezer burn. When you want to prepare it, let it thaw completely and then bake it according to the instructions.

2. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! This recipe is very versatile, so you can use pork, turkey, or even fish, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I make the pizza healthier?
For a healthier option, you can replace white bread with whole grain bread or whole grain tortillas. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use lower-fat varieties.

Now that you know how to prepare this delicious crustless pizza, all that’s left is to put your culinary skills into practice! Experiment with the ingredients and create a unique recipe that reflects your tastes. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Slices of bread (I needed 8 slices - it depends on the size of the bread and the tray you decided to prepare the pizza in), 1 chicken breast, salami, chicken breast ham, 1 onion, bell pepper, grated cheese, zacusca, salt, pepper, oregano, a little oil, olives, pickled pepper, 3 eggs, hot ketchup, milk.