Keto Cauliflower Pizza
A delicious, low-carb pizza with a sturdy cauliflower crust that holds up to toppings. Topped with zesty marinara, melted mozzarella, and classic pepperoni, it's the perfect way to satisfy pizza cravings on a keto diet.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the cauliflower rice.
1.Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.2.Place the cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until they have a rice-like consistency. You may need to do this in batches.3.Transfer the riced cauliflower to a microwave-safe bowl.TIPIf you don't have a food processor, you can use the large holes of a box grater to rice the cauliflower. - steam
Cook and dry the cauliflower.
Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until softened. Let it cool for a few minutes until it's safe to handle. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to the center of a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Wrap it up and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for a non-soggy crust.
TIPYou'll be surprised how much water comes out. Keep squeezing until it's very dry to the touch. - mix
Mix the pizza crust ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine the dried cauliflower rice, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, almond flour, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until a 'dough' forms.
- bake
Form and par-bake the crust.
1.Transfer the cauliflower dough to the prepared baking sheet.2.Using your hands, press the dough out into a 10-12 inch circle, about 1/4-inch thick.3.Brush the top lightly with olive oil.4.Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is firm and golden brown around the edges. - assemble
Add the toppings.
Remove the crust from the oven. Spread the low-sugar marinara sauce evenly over the top, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with the remaining 1.5 cups of mozzarella cheese and arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
- bake
Bake the finished pizza.
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni is slightly crisped. For extra crispiness, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
TIPThe internal temperature of the pizza should be at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure the egg in the crust is fully cooked. - rest
Rest, slice, and serve.
Let the pizza cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps the crust set, making it easier to slice. Garnish with red pepper flakes if desired, then slice and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The most important step for a sturdy crust is to squeeze all the moisture out of the cooked cauliflower. Don't skip this!
- 2Par-baking the crust before adding toppings prevents it from becoming soggy.
- 3Feel free to use a pizza stone for an even crispier bottom crust. Just be sure to preheat it with the oven.
- 4Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set and prevents the toppings from sliding off.
- 5Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the pepperoni with your favorite low-carb vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, or onions.
dairy freeDairy free
Use dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan cheese alternatives. Ensure your pepperoni is also dairy-free.
high proteinHigh protein
Add other cooked meats like ground sausage, bacon crumbles, or shredded chicken along with the pepperoni for an extra protein boost.
quickQuick
To save time, use pre-riced cauliflower from the grocery store. You'll still need to cook and dry it.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Carbohydrates
By replacing traditional flour dough with cauliflower, this pizza is extremely low in net carbs, making it ideal for a ketogenic lifestyle.
Rich in Vitamin C
Cauliflower is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health.
Gluten-Free
This pizza crust is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
High in Protein
With cheese, egg, and pepperoni, this pizza provides a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and satiety.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this pizza is a healthy choice for those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet. It's packed with vegetables, protein, and healthy fats while being very low in carbohydrates and gluten-free.
