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Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

4.7 from 84 reviews

This Cauliflower Pizza Crust recipe offers a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pizza dough. Made primarily from cauliflower, cheese, and herbs, this crust is baked to golden perfection and topped with rich tomato sauce, melty cheeses, and fresh vegetables for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both gluten-free and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients

  • 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

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. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Line a rimmed pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper, then preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC) to get it ready for baking the crust.
  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 the cauliflower is tender. Allow it to cool slightly to handle safely.
  3. Process Cauliflower: Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a high-powered blender or food processor. Pulse until it becomes finely chopped and resembles grated texture, preparing it for the crust base.
  4. Drain Excess Moisture: Remove as much water as possible from the processed cauliflower by squeezing it tightly inside a cheesecloth, thin linen, or using paper towels. This critical step ensures the crust will be firm rather than soggy.
  5. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the drained cauliflower with the lightly beaten egg, 1¼ cups of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, ground black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. Stir everything until evenly incorporated.
  6. Shape the Crust: Pour the cauliflower mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined pan and shape it into your desired pizza crust form. Pat down firmly to create a flat, even surface for baking.
  7. Absorb Remaining Moisture: Press a clean paper towel lightly on top of the crust to absorb any additional moisture, then discard the paper towel to avoid sogginess.
  8. Bake the Crust: Lightly spray the top of the crust with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the crust turns golden and feels firm to the touch. Flip the crust halfway through baking (after about 10 minutes) to ensure even cooking.
  9. Add Toppings: Remove the crust from the oven. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over it, then sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella, sharp cheddar cheese, leeks, chopped mushrooms, and arrange the pepperoni slices on top. Feel free to customize toppings as desired.
  10. Final Bake: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the toppings are heated through.
  11. Serve: Remove from oven, allow the pizza to cool slightly, then slice and enjoy your homemade cauliflower crust pizza!

Notes

  • Removing excess moisture from the cauliflower is vital to achieve a firm, crispy crust.
  • You can substitute the pepperoni and vegetables with any of your favorite pizza toppings.
  • Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Flipping the crust during baking promotes even browning and texture.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free and lower-carb than traditional pizza.

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