Craving pizza but watching your carb intake? Prepare to have your mind blown by these mouthwatering Low Carb Grilled Sausage Portobello Pizzas that transform ordinary mushrooms into a culinary masterpiece! Imagine all the rich, cheesy goodness of a traditional pizza, but with a healthy, low-carb twist that will make your taste buds dance and your diet plan cheer. These incredible portobello "pizzas" are not just a meal – they're a game-changing solution for anyone wanting to enjoy classic Italian flavors without the guilt.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large portobello mushrooms
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by cleaning the portobello mushrooms thoroughly. Remove the stems and gently scrape out the gills using a spoon to create a clean, flat surface for topping.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F). If using an oven, preheat to 425°F with a baking sheet inside.
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat. Break the sausage into small crumbles and cook until fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Brush both sides of the portobello mushrooms with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Place the mushrooms gill-side down on the preheated grill or baking sheet. Grill for 3-4 minutes to partially cook and create grill marks.
- Flip the mushrooms and begin assembling your pizzas. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each mushroom, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Distribute the cooked sausage evenly across the mushrooms, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Dust the topped mushrooms with Italian seasoning for added flavor complexity.
- Continue grilling or bake in the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set and mushrooms to cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Mushroom Preparation is Key: Always clean portobello mushrooms gently and remove the gills completely to create the perfect "pizza base" with maximum surface area.
- Moisture Management: After cleaning, pat the mushrooms completely dry to prevent sogginess and ensure a crisp texture.
- Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the most robust flavor. For an extra kick, opt for spicy sausage varieties.
- Cheese Melting Technique: For the perfect cheese melt, ensure your grill or oven is at the right temperature and watch closely during the final cooking stage.
- Fresh Herb Finishing: Always add fresh basil just before serving to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities and add a pop of color.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sausage and clean mushrooms in advance, making this a quick weeknight dinner option.
- Customization Tip: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends or add additional low-carb toppings like sliced olives or pepperoni.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
