Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Enjoy a delicious, guilt-free pizza night with this amazing cauliflower crust. It's crispy on the edges, sturdy enough to hold your favorite toppings, and packed with flavor. A perfect low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Cauliflower and Oven
- b.Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
- c.Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower head. Remove leaves and the tough core, then chop into large florets.
- d.Place florets in a food processor and pulse until a fine, rice-like texture is achieved. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook and Dry the Cauliflower Rice
- b.Transfer the riced cauliflower to a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes until softened. Alternatively, steam it on the stovetop for 5-7 minutes.
- c.Allow the cooked cauliflower to cool for 10-15 minutes, until it's safe to handle.
- d.Place the cooled cauliflower in the center of a clean cheesecloth, nut milk bag, or a thin, clean kitchen towel. Twist and squeeze with all your might to remove as much liquid as possible. This is the most critical step for a non-soggy crust.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Form the Pizza 'Dough'
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly squeezed cauliflower, the large egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, almond flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- c.Mix with a spatula or your hands until all ingredients are well combined and a sticky 'dough' ball forms.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Pre-Bake the Crust
- b.Transfer the dough to the center of your parchment-lined baking sheet.
- c.Press the mixture outwards with your hands or the back of a spoon to form a 10-12 inch circle, about 1/4-inch thick. Create a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
- d.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is dry to the touch, firm, and golden brown around the edges.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Add Toppings and Final Bake
- b.Carefully remove the pre-baked crust from the oven.
- c.Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border.
- d.Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
- e.Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps the crust to set, making it easier to slice.
- c.Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The secret to a sturdy crust is removing moisture. Squeeze the cooked cauliflower until you think it's dry, then squeeze it again!
- 2Baking the crust on parchment paper is non-negotiable; it will stick to foil or a bare pan.
- 3For an extra-crispy crust, carefully flip it using a second piece of parchment paper halfway through the pre-baking time.
- 4Avoid overloading the pizza with wet toppings like fresh tomatoes or pineapple, which can make the crust soggy.
- 5Let the crust cool for a few minutes after pre-baking before adding sauce. This creates a barrier and prevents sogginess.
- 6Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or a hot oven to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the egg with a 'flax egg' (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use your favorite brand of vegan mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Different ToppingsDifferent Toppings
Use other low-moisture toppings like cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, or pre-cooked sausage.
Herbaceous CrustHerbaceous Crust
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley directly into the crust mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Nut FreeNut-Free
If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the almond flour or substitute it with an equal amount of grated parmesan cheese for a similar binding and drying effect.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Supports Weight Management
This pizza is low in calories and carbohydrates while being high in fiber, which promotes a feeling of fullness and can help reduce overall calorie intake.
Rich in Vitamins and Nutrients
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, folate, and antioxidants. This pizza provides a nutrient-dense base compared to traditional flour crusts.
Excellent Gluten-Free Option
Made entirely from cauliflower, cheese, and almond flour, this crust is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Promotes Digestive Health
The high fiber content from the cauliflower aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut microbiome, contributing to overall digestive wellness.
Frequently asked questions
A serving (approximately 2 slices) of this cauliflower crust pizza contains around 300-350 calories, depending on the exact toppings used. It's significantly lower in calories and carbohydrates than traditional pizza.