Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

Introduction

This cauliflower pizza crust is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional pizza dough. It’s packed with vegetables and cheese, creating a crispy and flavorful base that’s perfect for your favorite toppings. Ideal for those looking to reduce carbs without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

• 2½ cups cauliflower florets
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup tomato sauce
• ¾ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 pepperoni slices
• ¼ cup chopped cremini mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon chopped leeks

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a rimmed pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 425ºF.
2. Step 2: Place the cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, cover, and microwave for 3 minutes or until tender. Let it cool.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cooled cauliflower to a blender or food processor and pulse until finely chopped, resembling grated cauliflower.
4. Step 4: Remove excess moisture by squeezing the cauliflower in paper towels or a cheesecloth. This helps create a firm crust.
5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower, beaten egg, 1¼ cups mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and basil. Mix well.
6. Step 6: Spread the mixture onto the prepared pan, shaping it into your desired crust size and thickness. Pat down to flatten the surface.
7. Step 7: Press a paper towel onto the crust to absorb more moisture, then discard the towel.
8. Step 8: Lightly spray the crust with cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through at 10 minutes, until golden and firm.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and spread tomato sauce over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, leeks, mushrooms, and pepperoni slices on top.
10. Step 10: Bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and toppings are heated. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cauliflower to prevent a soggy crust.
• Swap pepperoni for your favorite vegetables or cooked chicken for different flavors.
• Use a food processor for finely chopped cauliflower to ensure even texture in the crust.
• Add Italian seasoning to the crust mixture for extra flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cauliflower crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crust mixture and bake it in advance. Store the baked crust in the refrigerator and add toppings just before baking to finish the pizza.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this cauliflower crust is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 208 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (4 servings) 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious and healthy cauliflower pizza crust recipe that is low-carb and gluten-free. This recipe uses cauliflower, cheese, and seasonings to create a crispy, flavorful crust baked to golden perfection and topped with classic pizza toppings such as tomato sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, pepperoni, mushrooms, and leeks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower Crust

• 2½ cups cauliflower florets
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 1¼ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves

Toppings

• ¼ cup tomato sauce
• ¼ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (remaining)
• ¾ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 pepperoni slices
• ¼ cup chopped cremini mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon chopped leeks

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Line a rimmed pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 425ºF.
2. Cook cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, cover, and microwave for 3 minutes or until tender. Allow to cool.
3. Process cauliflower: Place the cooled cauliflower in a high-powered blender or food processor and pulse until it is finely chopped and grated-like in texture.
4. Remove excess moisture: Using paper towels or cheesecloth, squeeze out as much water as possible from the processed cauliflower to ensure a firm crust.
5. Mix crust ingredients: Combine the drained cauliflower with the beaten egg, 1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped basil. Stir until well incorporated.
6. Form crust: Pour the cauliflower mixture onto the prepared pan and shape into a pizza crust, patting down to create a flat, even surface.
7. Pat crust: Press a paper towel onto the crust to absorb additional moisture and then discard the towel.
8. Bake crust: Lightly spray the crust with cooking spray and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden and firm, flipping the crust halfway through after 10 minutes baking.
9. Add toppings: Spread tomato sauce evenly over the baked crust, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, sharp cheddar cheese, chopped leeks, mushrooms, and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
10. Bake with toppings: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Removing excess moisture from the cauliflower is key to achieving a crispy crust.
• You can customize the toppings as you like—feel free to substitute vegetables or meats.
• Using fresh basil adds aromatic flavor, but it can be omitted or replaced with dried herbs.
• Flipping the crust during baking ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.
• The crust may be a bit more delicate than traditional pizza crust, so handle carefully when removing and slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: cauliflower pizza crust, low carb pizza, gluten free pizza, healthy pizza crust, vegetable crust, cauliflower recipe, keto pizza, homemade pizza