Who knew that cauliflower could make an awesome pizza crust? I certainly didn't. No, it's not as the Italians probably intended for pizza to be. However, in this day of looking for wheat-free/gluten-free options that are healthier for us, I'm glad someone decided to take a closer look at the modest vegetable and invented Cauliflower Crust Pizza.
Like making homemade regular wheat pizza dough, cauliflower crust takes a bit of time and effort, but it is so worth it. Most recipes will tell you to use a handy-dandy food processor to chop up the cauliflower. If I had one, I would use it for sure! But I have limited resources in my small kitchen in Hong Kong, so I used a fine grater and it worked just fine. It just goes to show that you don't always need the fancy appliances.
I made a simple tasty cheese pizza with salami, but it would be tasty with all the usual toppings. Think pepperoni, prosciutto, ham, olives, pineapple, onions, spinach, feta, artichoke hearts, peppers...! Just thinking about the options makes me want to make it again soon!
So how did it turn out? The cauliflower crust pizza baked up beautifully and tasted fabulous! The crust was more moist than a regular wheat crust. However, it was tender and and held its own against the toppings. And although you would think a vegetable base wouldn't have much substance, it was hearty and filling and made for the perfect meal.
One question I had was would this be a fork-and-knife sort of pizza? Or would I be able to pick up a slice without it falling apart before it reached my mouth? I'm happy say I was pleasantly surprised! It is not as stiff as a wheat-based pizza crust, but it did not rip apart and I was able to take a bite! No fork and knife needed!
So what are you waiting for? Go turn that head of cauliflower into pizza crust!
~ Lisa.
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 1 egg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2.5 cups grated mozzarella
- ⅓ cup your favorite pizza sauce
- Your favorite pizza toppings
Instructions
- Preheat oven 425 deg F (220 deg C).
- Cut cauliflower into large chunks and grate using a fine grater. For any pieces that are too small to grate, but are too big for the crust, give them a quick chop at the end. (If you've got a food processor, cut the cauliflower into smaller chunks and toss it in the bowl and process until fine.)
- Put all the cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 4-6 minutes until soft and tender.
- Pour cauliflower into a tea towel cloth and let cool until you can handle it. Wrap the towel around the cauliflower and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This is an important step as the drier it is, the better it will hold together as a crust once mixed with the other ingredients.
- In mixing bowl, combine cauliflower, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan, and 1 cup of the mozzarella. Mix well to combine.
- Pour mixture onto parchment lined baking sheet and pat down into a crust about ¼" thick.
- Bake for 15 minutes until edges are browned.
- Top with your favorite toppings, then cover with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes. To make the cheese a bit more brown and bubbly, turn the broiler on for 2-3 minutes. Just be sure not to walk away!
Notes
- Top this pizza with any of your favorite toppings! Go with the usuals: pepperoni, sausage, spinach, feta, ham, pineapple, artichoke hearts, olives, fresh basil, prosciutto, peppers...the sky is the limit!
- Like spice in your pizza? Use a spicy pizza sauce or top with dried chili flakes!
Nutrition
Diotay
We had your yummy Cauliflower Crust Pizza for dinner tonight. This pizza is delicious!! The whole family loved it!!
Thanks for the comment, Diotay! That is fabulous to hear! I'm so glad it was a success!