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Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

4.7 from 80 reviews

This delicious cauliflower pizza crust recipe offers a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crusts. Made with fresh cauliflower, cheese, and a blend of spices, this crust is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for topping with your favorite pizza ingredients like tomato sauce, mushrooms, leeks, pepperoni, and more. Whether you’re looking to reduce carbs or just try something new, this cauliflower crust pizza makes a tasty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower Crust

  • 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

Pizza Toppings

  • 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. Prepare Oven and Pan: Line a rimmed pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 425ºF (220ºC).
  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 the cauliflower to cool completely.
  3. Process Cauliflower: Transfer the cooled cauliflower to a high-powered blender or food processor. Pulse until the cauliflower is chopped into tiny, grated-like pieces.
  4. Remove Moisture: Place the processed cauliflower into a cheesecloth or thin linen cloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. Alternatively, wrap in paper towels and press firmly. Removing moisture is key to achieving a firm crust.
  5. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, lightly beaten egg, 1¼ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped fresh basil. Stir well until thoroughly combined.
  6. Shape the Crust: Pour the cauliflower mixture onto the prepared pan. Form it into a pizza crust shape by flattening and patting down to create an even, flat surface.
  7. Dry the Crust: Press a paper towel gently onto the top of the crust to absorb additional moisture, then discard the paper towel.
  8. Bake the Crust: Lightly spray the crust with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the crust over after 10 minutes. Bake until the crust is golden brown and firm to the touch.
  9. Add Toppings: Remove the crust from the oven and spread the tomato sauce evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella cheese and sharp cheddar cheese on top. Add chopped leeks, cremini mushrooms, and pepperoni slices or any toppings you prefer.
  10. Final Bake: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheeses melt and toppings are heated through.
  11. Serve: Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, healthy cauliflower crust pizza!

Notes

  • Removing as much moisture as possible from the cooked cauliflower is critical to achieve a crisp, firm crust.
  • You can customize the toppings to your preference – try vegetables, different cheeses, or meats.
  • If you do not have a microwave, steam the cauliflower until tender.
  • Flipping the crust during baking helps ensure even cooking and firmness on both sides.
  • This recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free.

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