Easy Quinoa Pizza Bowls are a fun, wholesome twist on classic pizza flavors — all layered in a bowl with fluffy quinoa as the base. Packed with your favorite pizza toppings, melty cheese, and a flavorful marinara sauce, these bowls are satisfying, nutritious, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these Easy Quinoa Pizza Bowls because they deliver all the cheesy, saucy pizza flavor you crave in a lighter, protein-packed dish. They’re quick to throw together, customizable with your favorite toppings, and naturally gluten-free. It’s a great way to enjoy pizza night without the extra fuss!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked quinoa
- Marinara or pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Mini pepperoni slices or cooked Italian sausage (optional)
- Bell peppers, diced
- Red onion, diced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Black olives, sliced
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, season the cooked quinoa with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Divide the quinoa among oven-safe bowls or ramekins.
- Spoon marinara sauce over the quinoa layer.
- Top with your favorite pizza toppings — bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and cooked meat if using.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Place bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
- Serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 people and takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake.
Variations
- Make it vegetarian with extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Use ground turkey or grilled chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Try different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or feta for a flavor twist.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover quinoa pizza bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until the cheese is melted and the bowls are warmed through.
FAQs
Are quinoa pizza bowls healthy?
Yes! They’re loaded with protein, fiber, and veggies, making them a more balanced alternative to traditional pizza.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely — assemble the bowls, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to eat.
What kind of quinoa should I use?
Any cooked quinoa works — white, red, or tri-color.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and skip the meat toppings.
Do I need special bowls?
Oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes work best.
How do I keep the cheese from burning?
Bake until just bubbly and golden; cover loosely with foil if needed.
Can I use leftover cooked quinoa?
Definitely! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover quinoa.
What sauce works best?
Marinara or pizza sauce both work well. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
Can kids help make this?
Yes! It’s fun for kids to layer their favorite toppings.
What should I serve with quinoa pizza bowls?
They’re great on their own but pair well with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
Conclusion
Easy Quinoa Pizza Bowls are a fun, flavorful way to enjoy pizza night with a healthy twist. With melty cheese, your favorite toppings, and a protein-rich quinoa base, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Customize, bake, and dig in — you’ll love every bite!
Print
Easy Quinoa Pizza Bowls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fun and healthy twist on pizza, these easy quinoa pizza bowls are packed with quinoa, marinara, veggies, and melted cheese — perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or cooked sausage crumbles (optional)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Divide the quinoa mixture evenly into oven-safe bowls or ramekins.
- Top with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, pepperoni or sausage (if using), and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle with grated parmesan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the pepperoni or sausage.
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like spinach or jalapeños.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days — just reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 40mg