Description
Cauliflower crust pizza presents a myriad of benefits that extend beyond its delectable flavor and creative presentation. This inventive dish provides a health-conscious twist on a beloved classic, offering a lighter alternative replete with essential nutrients and dietary fiber. By substituting traditional flour with cauliflower, this pizza becomes a source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, promoting digestive wellness and overall vitality. Its nutritious composition, coupled with the indulgence of savory toppings and aromatic cheeses, delivers a delightful dining experience that harmonizes flavor with health, catering to both culinary enjoyment and nutritional well-being.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Crust:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups grated)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of cheeses like Parmesan and mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1–1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.)
- Fresh basil or herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1:Prepare the Cauliflower
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower. Break it into florets and place them in a food processor. Pulse until the cauliflower is finely grated and resembles rice. You should have about 4 cups of grated cauliflower.
- Transfer the grated cauliflower to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, or until the cauliflower is soft. Alternatively, you can steam the cauliflower on the stovetop until tender.
- Once cooked, let the cauliflower cool slightly. Then, transfer it to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much water as possible; this step is crucial for a crisp crust. The more moisture you remove, the better the crust will hold together.
Step 2:Make the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed cauliflower, egg, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
- Place the cauliflower mixture on the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, press and shape it into a thin, even circle or rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Make sure the edges are slightly thicker to hold the toppings better.
Step 3:Bake the Crust
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on the edges to ensure they don’t burn.
Step 4:Add Toppings
- Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add your desired toppings.
Step 5:Serve
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the toppings are cooked to your liking.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or herbs if desired.
- Slice and serve hot.
Equipment
[220 Sheets] Full Sheet Pan 16 x 24 Inch Parchment Paper Baking Sheets by Baker’s Signature
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Buy Now →Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can flip the crust halfway through the initial baking period before adding toppings.
- Experiment with different cheeses and toppings to suit your taste. Just be mindful of adding too many toppings, as the crust is thinner and more delicate than traditional pizza dough.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a box grater to grate the cauliflower.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 45minutes
- Category: RECIPE,HEALTH,Cooking Tips,Dinner,Gluten-Free,Vegetarian