How many calories does one slice of breakfast pizza have?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

An average slice of commercial breakfast pizza, such as a large bacon or sausage variety, can contain anywhere from 270 to over 400 calories. Understanding how many calories does one slice of breakfast pizza have is important for informed dietary choices, as the final calorie count is heavily influenced by the specific ingredients used, from the crust to the toppings.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a single slice of breakfast pizza varies widely based on its ingredients, like the crust, meat toppings, and cheese. Commercial options and homemade versions can differ significantly in caloric content. Factors such as portion size and preparation method play a key role in the final nutritional value.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in a slice of breakfast pizza is highly variable, ranging from under 300 to over 400 depending on the ingredients and size.
Crust and Toppings are Key: The type of crust (e.g., thick vs. thin) and choice of toppings (e.g., fatty meats vs. vegetables) are the most significant factors influencing the total calorie count.
Commercial vs. Homemade: Commercially prepared breakfast pizzas often contain more calories and sodium than homemade versions, where you can control the ingredients.
Healthier Alternatives: Using a whole-wheat or cauliflower crust, lean protein, and reduced-fat cheese can drastically reduce the calorie content of your breakfast pizza.
Consider the Bigger Picture: A slice of breakfast pizza might be a more balanced option than high-sugar cereals due to its protein and fat content, but moderation is still key for a healthy diet.
Ingredient Swaps Make a Difference: Simple changes, like substituting turkey sausage for pork sausage or loading up on vegetables, can create a lower-calorie, more nutritious meal.

The Wide Range of Breakfast Pizza Calories

Determining the exact calorie count for a single slice of breakfast pizza is more complex than it might seem, as the figure is not one-size-fits-all. A commercially prepared sausage breakfast pizza from a place like Casey's might run about 270 calories per large slice, while a different variety from another provider could be significantly higher, approaching or exceeding 400 calories. For homemade breakfast pizza, the calorie content is entirely dependent on the specific recipe and portion size. This variability is why it's crucial to look beyond a single number and consider the components that contribute to the total.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several key elements determine the final calorie count of a breakfast pizza slice. By adjusting these, you can have a significant impact on its nutritional profile.

Crust: The base of the pizza is a major caloric contributor. A thick, doughy, or cheese-stuffed crust will naturally have more calories than a thin-crust, whole-wheat, or cauliflower-based alternative. Some recipes use yogurt and flour for a lower-calorie, high-protein crust.
Meat Toppings: Processed meats like sausage and bacon are typically high in fat and sodium, and they significantly increase the calorie count. Choosing leaner protein sources, like turkey sausage, or skipping meat entirely for more vegetables can make a big difference.
Cheese: The type and amount of cheese used are major factors. Full-fat cheddar or a mix of cheeses will add more calories than a reduced-fat or fat-free cheese. Using cheese sparingly or opting for flavorful feta can also be a way to reduce calories.
Sauce: While often a smaller component, the sauce can still impact the calorie count. A rich, creamy sausage gravy will have more calories than a light layer of pesto or even a thin spread of cottage cheese.
Added Fats: How the ingredients are cooked also matters. Using olive oil to saute vegetables or grease a pan will add calories compared to using a non-stick spray.

Comparing Different Breakfast Pizza Styles

To illustrate the calorie variations, here is a comparison of different hypothetical breakfast pizza slices. These are estimates based on common recipes and nutritional data. All slices are assumed to be a standard 1/8th of a 12-inch pizza.


Feature	Classic Sausage & Bacon Pizza	Veggie & Egg White Pizza	High-Protein Lean Pizza
Crust	Thick, white dough	Thin, whole-wheat base	Yogurt & flour dough
Toppings	Pork sausage, bacon, full-fat cheddar	Scrambled egg whites, bell peppers, onions, spinach	Turkey sausage, egg, reduced-fat mozzarella
Cheese	Full-fat cheddar	Reduced-fat mozzarella	Reduced-fat mozzarella
Approximate Calories (per slice)	~350-450 kcal	~200-280 kcal	~280-350 kcal
Nutritional Profile	Higher fat, high sodium	Lower fat, higher fiber	Balanced macros, higher protein

Making Healthier Choices

For those watching their calorie intake, enjoying breakfast pizza doesn't have to be off the menu entirely. Making a few strategic swaps can create a much lighter and more nutritious meal.

Swap your crust: Try a thinner crust or a non-traditional base like a whole-wheat pita, cauliflower crust, or even a low-carb tortilla.
Go lean with protein: Replace high-fat sausage and bacon with leaner options like turkey sausage, chicken, or add protein by using more egg whites.
Increase vegetables: Load up on nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions are excellent choices that add flavor, fiber, and volume without packing on calories.
Control the cheese: Use a smaller amount of a full-flavored cheese like feta or opt for a reduced-fat shredded blend.

How to Create Your Own Healthy Breakfast Pizza

Making your own breakfast pizza is the best way to control the ingredients and therefore the calorie count. Here is a simple recipe idea:

Start with a whole-wheat pizza crust or a large tortilla.
Spread a thin layer of sauce. This could be a light tomato sauce, a spoonful of pesto, or a cottage cheese sauce.
Top with scrambled egg whites, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
Sprinkle with a modest amount of reduced-fat mozzarella or feta cheese.
Add some lean protein like cooked turkey sausage or turkey bacon bits.
Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh herbs like chives for extra flavor.

The Takeaway

While a store-bought sausage and egg breakfast pizza might be a convenient grab-and-go option, its calorie content can be substantial. For a more balanced and calorie-controlled breakfast, the DIY approach is always best. By selecting healthier alternatives for your crust, toppings, and cheese, you can create a satisfying meal that aligns better with your dietary goals. The next time you're craving breakfast pizza, consider customizing it to fit your needs, as mentioned in this helpful guide on creating lighter versions. Tips for a Healthier Homemade Breakfast Pizza

Frequently Asked Questions

Breakfast pizza can be a healthier choice than some sugary cereals due to its higher protein content, but it is not a universally healthy option. Its nutritional value depends heavily on the specific ingredients, such as a whole-wheat crust and lots of vegetables versus a thick white crust and fatty meats.

A large slice of a commercial breakfast pizza, such as those from Casey's, can range from 270 to over 400 calories, depending on toppings like bacon or sausage. Portion sizes can also vary greatly between providers.

Yes, absolutely. By using a thin, whole-wheat or cauliflower crust, lean protein like turkey sausage, plenty of vegetables, and reduced-fat cheese, you can create a much lighter and healthier version of breakfast pizza.

The type and amount of cheese significantly impact the calories. Full-fat cheeses add more calories and saturated fat than reduced-fat or fat-free varieties. Using a small amount of a flavorful cheese like feta can also help reduce calories.

For healthier toppings, consider scrambled egg whites, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, lean turkey sausage, or turkey bacon. These add nutrients and flavor without excessive calories.

Some nutritionists suggest that a slice of pizza is a more balanced breakfast than many sugary cereals, as it typically provides more protein and fat, which can help you feel full longer. However, this comparison depends on the nutritional value of both the cereal and the pizza.

The best ways to reduce calories are to choose a healthier crust, such as a thin whole-wheat base, and focus on lean protein and vegetable toppings. Using non-stick spray instead of oil and opting for reduced-fat cheese also makes a difference.