Deep Dish Pizza

Recipe courtesy of Linda’s Low Carb Menus & Recipes.

Ingredients:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1/4 C parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp garlic powder
8 oz Italian cheese blend or mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 C pizza sauce
4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
Assorted toppings: ham, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, lean ground beef, cooked chicken, olives etc.
Dash of garlic pepper or garlic powder and some Italian seasoning for top of pizza.
Method:
In a medium bowl, whisk the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Whisk in the eggs until the mixture is well-blended and smooth. Add the parmesan and seasonings then stir in the 8 ounces of mozzarella until completely moistened. Spread the cheese mixture evenly in a well-greased glass baking dish or lightly greased baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375º for 20-25 minutes or until evenly browned, but not too dark. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
When nearly cooled, take a metal spatula and carefully pry up the edges to loosen from pan. Ease the spatula under the whole crust to loosen. Keep the crust in the pan. This makes it easier to remove the finished pizza later. Refrigerate, uncovered, until shortly before serving time. (The secret to a crispy crust is to leave the baked crust uncovered in the refrigerator for several hours. This allows it to dry out a bit so that it becomes crisp during the second baking with the toppings, and it is then able to be picked up in your hands).
Spread the chilled crust with the pizza sauce, then the cheese and toppings of your choice. Bake at 375º for about 15-20 minutes or until toppings are bubbly. Let stand a few minutes before cutting.
Makes 8 servings; count each serving of the pizza base as 2 proteins and 1 fat (plus whichever toppings you use).
Recipe courtesy of Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes, see more at: www.genaw.com/lowcarb/