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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Line a rimmed pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 425ºF.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove excess moisture: Using paper towels or cheesecloth, squeeze out as much water as possible from the processed cauliflower to ensure a firm crust.
- 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.
- Form crust: Pour the cauliflower mixture onto the prepared pan and shape into a pizza crust, patting down to create a flat, even surface.
- Pat crust: Press a paper towel onto the crust to absorb additional moisture and then discard the towel.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
