Cauliflower Pizza Crust
In recent years, cauliflower has become one of the most popular vegetables, especially for those seeking healthy alternatives to traditional carb-heavy foods. No longer limited to soggy steamed florets, cauliflower has transformed into a versatile ingredient in dishes like cauliflower rice, cauliflower tortillas, and of course, cauliflower pizza crust.
Cauliflower pizza crust has quickly gained popularity as a healthier, gluten-free, and low-carb alternative to traditional pizza dough. While it may not replicate the texture or flavor of conventional pizza crust, it offers a deliciously satisfying option for pizza lovers. It’s crunchy on the edges, has a subtle roasted cauliflower flavor, and provides that beloved pizza experience, all while being healthier.
CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST INGREDIENTS
Making cauliflower pizza crust is simple, and it comes in two parts: the crust itself and the toppings you choose to add. Below are the ingredients you will need for the crust, followed by some topping ideas:
Cauliflower Pizza Crust Ingredients
- Riced cauliflower
- Garlic
- Part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- Egg
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
Topping Ideas for Your Cauliflower Pizza Crust
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil
- Crushed red pepper flakes
NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS FOR CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST
When making cauliflower pizza crust, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it turns out perfect every time. Here are some tips and substitutions that can help you customize your cauliflower pizza:
- Riced Cauliflower: The key ingredient in the crust is riced cauliflower. If you haven’t made riced cauliflower before, don’t worry—it’s simple. Just chop cauliflower florets into small pieces and pulse them in a food processor or blender until they resemble rice. If you don’t have a food processor, a cheese grater or even pre-riced cauliflower can be used. However, it’s important to avoid frozen cauliflower rice, as the excess moisture could affect the texture of the crust.
- Dairy-Free Options: If you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can substitute the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Some people prefer to skip the cheese entirely, and the crust still holds up well without it.
- Vegan Option: To make the crust vegan, replace the egg with a vegan egg replacer or flaxseed egg. Though this hasn’t been personally tested, these options are commonly used in vegan baking and should work well.
- Toppings: The beauty of cauliflower pizza crust is its versatility. You can top it with whatever you like, but be sure to keep the toppings light. Since the cauliflower crust is slightly more delicate than traditional dough, heavy toppings could cause the crust to break. Also, be mindful that the cauliflower crust is broiled for just a few minutes, so make sure your toppings are already cooked.
HOW TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST
Now that you have the ingredients, it’s time to get started! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to make cauliflower pizza crust at home:
1. Make the Cauliflower Rice
Begin by removing the leaves and stems from the cauliflower, then chop it into small florets. Add the florets to a food processor or blender and pulse until the cauliflower breaks down into rice-sized pieces. If you don’t have a food processor, a cheese grater will work just as well, or you can buy pre-riced cauliflower from the store.
2. Sauté the Cauliflower Rice
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the riced cauliflower for about 6-8 minutes, until it becomes translucent. This step is crucial as it helps to remove excess moisture from the cauliflower, which will make the crust crispy rather than soggy.
3. Combine the Crust Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower with garlic, shredded mozzarella cheese, egg, dried basil, and oregano. Mix everything together until it’s well-combined. The cheese may melt a bit, but that’s fine and adds to the texture.
4. Form the Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil. Spread the cauliflower dough evenly onto the paper, forming it into a round shape. The crust should be about 1/4 inch thick to ensure it cooks through evenly.
5. Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the crust for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy, and the center is fully cooked. The texture should be firm enough to hold up once you add the toppings.
6. Add Your Toppings
Remove the crust from the oven and switch the oven setting to broil. Add your favorite pizza toppings, including pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like mushrooms, peppers, or olives.
7. Broil the Pizza
Broil the pizza for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the crust. Once it’s done, allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
CAN CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST BE A HEALTHY OPTION?
Absolutely! One of the best things about cauliflower pizza crust is that it’s a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza dough. Each slice of the crust (without toppings) contains only 75 calories, 5 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of protein, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy pizza without the guilt.
With cauliflower pizza crust, you can indulge in pizza several times a week without worrying about high-calorie counts. It’s the perfect way to satisfy pizza cravings while maintaining a healthier diet.
WHY CHOOSE CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST?
There are many reasons to consider swapping your traditional pizza dough for cauliflower pizza crust. Not only is it healthier, but it also offers several benefits:
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: Ideal for anyone following a low-carb or gluten-free lifestyle.
- Packed with Nutrients: Cauliflower is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Customizable: The crust works with a variety of toppings, from classic margherita to veggie-loaded options.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier pizza alternative or want to try something new, cauliflower pizza crust is the perfect solution. It’s simple to make, delicious, and adaptable to many dietary preferences.
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups riced cauliflower approximately half a head
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Olive oil spray or 1 teaspoon olive oil for greasing
Toppings
- ⅓ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Set the Oven: Set the oven to 400° F.
- Prepare the Baking Surface: Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil spray or a thin layer of regular olive oil.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: If using a whole cauliflower, remove the stems and leaves, then chop the florets into chunks. Pulse them in a food processor or blender until they resemble rice. If you don’t have a food processor, you can grate the cauliflower by hand or purchase pre-riced cauliflower for convenience.
- Cook the Cauliflower Rice: Sauté the riced cauliflower in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes until it becomes translucent. Alternatively, microwave it in an uncovered bowl for around 8 minutes.
- Mix the Dough: In a bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower with garlic, mozzarella cheese, egg, basil, and oregano. The cheese may melt slightly, which is fine.
- Form the Crust: Transfer the cauliflower mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly into a circle. Aim for a thickness of 1/4 to 1/3 inch, with the pizza being about 9-10 inches in diameter.
- Bake the Crust: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy around the edges, and fully cooked through.
- Switch to Broil: Once the crust is ready, remove it from the oven and set the oven to broil.
- Add Toppings: Spread pizza sauce over the crust and sprinkle with cheese. You can also add extra toppings, but it’s best to avoid too many heavy ones to keep the crust from becoming soggy.
- Broil: Broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and crushed red pepper for extra flavor.
Notes
- Please note that the nutritional values are provided by an online calculator and should be considered as an estimate.
Nutrition
If you’ve tried this Cauliflower Pizza Crust or any other recipe on my website, I’d love to hear about your experience! Please leave a 🌟 star rating and share your thoughts in the 📝 comments below. Thank you so much for visiting!
