Crispy Cauliflower Pizza Recipe

Crispy Homemade Cauliflower Pizza Recipe for Veggie Lovers

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crispy cauliflower pizza delivers with unexpected flavor and texture.

Cauliflower creates a surprisingly delightful base that challenges traditional pizza expectations.

Packed with nutrients and crunch, this recipe turns a simple vegetable into a mouthwatering meal.

The crust comes together quickly with just a few ingredients you likely have on hand.

Cheese and herbs bring robust Mediterranean-inspired notes to every slice.

Toppings can be customized to match your mood or pantry contents.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of crispy edges and tender center that will make you forget about ordinary pizza forever.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Cauliflower Pizza Recipe

For Cauliflower Base:
  • Cauliflower: Fresh, tender vegetable that creates a low-carb pizza foundation with incredible texture and nutrition.
  • Food Processor: Essential tool for breaking cauliflower into perfect rice-like consistency.
For Binding and Flavor:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, creamy cheese that helps bind ingredients and provides classic pizza taste.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds depth and richness to the crust.
  • Egg: Natural binder that helps hold the cauliflower crust together with protein-packed goodness.
  • Garlic Powder: Aromatic seasoning that infuses the crust with savory, robust flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that introduces authentic Mediterranean pizza undertones.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall taste profile.
For Topping and Finishing:
  • Pizza Sauce: Tangy, rich base that brings traditional pizza experience to the cauliflower crust.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Additional layer of melty cheese for classic pizza indulgence.
  • Fresh Basil: Vibrant herb that adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the pizza.

Tools To Use For Cauliflower Pizza Recipe

  • Food Processor: Essential for turning cauliflower into rice-like texture quickly and evenly.
  • Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing cauliflower, cheese, and seasonings thoroughly.
  • Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper, creates crispy pizza crust base.
  • Kitchen Towel or Cheesecloth: Crucial for squeezing out excess moisture from cauliflower.
  • Microwave or Stovetop: Needed to cook and soften cauliflower rice.
  • Cutting Board: Used for preparing cauliflower florets before processing.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for cutting cauliflower into manageable pieces.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help accurately portion ingredients for consistent results.

Easy Steps For Cauliflower Pizza Recipe

  • Pulse Cauliflower into Tiny Bits

Break cauliflower into small rice-like pieces using a food processor. Ensure the texture looks like fluffy snow.

  • Squeeze Out Moisture

Microwave or steam the cauliflower pieces until soft. Wrap in a kitchen towel and press firmly to remove all excess liquid. This step creates a crispy foundation.

  • Craft the Pizza Base

Mix cauliflower with cheese, egg, and seasonings in a large bowl. Press the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming a perfect circular shape about as thick as a coin.

  • Bake the Crust

Place the crust in a hot oven at 400F. Bake until edges turn golden and center becomes firm, around 20-25 minutes.

  • Layer with Deliciousness

Spread pizza sauce across the crust. Sprinkle generous amounts of cheese and add preferred toppings. Return to oven and bake until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

  • Transform and Serve

Pull pizza from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs, slice into wedges, and enjoy your low-carb masterpiece.

Tasty Swaps For Cauliflower Pizza Recipe

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Store leftover cauliflower pizza wrapped tightly in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350F to maintain the crispy crust texture.
  • Moisture-Removal Mastery: Removing excess water is crucial for a crispy crust. Use a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly, pressing out as much liquid as possible to prevent a soggy base.
  • Gluten-Free Glory: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with wheat sensitivities or celiac disease. Ensure all additional toppings and sauces are also gluten-free for a safe meal.
  • Topping Transformation: Experiment with diverse toppings like roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, prosciutto, or plant-based alternatives. For a vegetarian version, try mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Low-Carb Champion: This cauliflower crust slashes carbohydrate content compared to traditional pizza, making it ideal for keto and low-carb diet followers. Add high-protein toppings like grilled chicken or turkey to boost nutritional value.

Ways To Serve Cauliflower Pizza Recipe Right

  • Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped basil, oregano, or parsley over the pizza for a burst of vibrant flavor and a pop of green color that adds freshness to each slice.
  • Dipping Sauce Delight: Serve alongside marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing for extra flavor and a fun interactive dining experience that lets everyone customize their bite.
  • Salad Sidekick: Pair the cauliflower pizza with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese and create a complete, nutritious meal that feels satisfying and light.
  • Wine or Beverage Pairing: Match with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti, or opt for a refreshing sparkling water with lemon to complement the pizza's flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.

Storing Cauliflower Pizza Recipe The Easy Way

  • Refrigeration Rescue: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap individual pieces in aluminum foil to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freezing Magic: Prepare pizza crust ahead of time by freezing the uncooked base. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator before adding toppings and baking.
  • Reheating Perfection: Revive cold slices by using a skillet with a lid for crispy bottom and melted top. Alternatively, pop in the oven at 375F for 10 minutes to restore original crispiness and warmth.
  • Prep-Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and grate cheese in advance, storing separately in sealed containers. Keep cauliflower rice mixture ready in the refrigerator for quick assembly within 24 hours, ensuring maximum freshness and convenience.
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Crispy Cauliflower Pizza Recipe

Crispy Cauliflower Pizza Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade cauliflower pizza delivers a low-carb twist on classic Italian cuisine. Crisp cauliflower crust provides a delightful base for fresh toppings that satisfy pizza cravings without guilt.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower (or 4 cups riced cauliflower)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) pizza sauce (marinara or pesto)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Pepperoni slices
  • Mushrooms
  • Bell peppers
  • Olives
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation Groundwork: Elevate the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
  2. Cauliflower Transformation: Pulse fresh cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles fine, granular rice, then gently steam or microwave until tender. Carefully extract excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel, creating a compact, dry base.
  3. Mixture Fusion: Integrate the dehydrated cauliflower rice with mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and selected seasonings in a mixing bowl. Knead and blend until the ingredients form a unified, cohesive composition.
  4. Crust Crafting: Spread the cauliflower mixture across the prepared baking sheet, sculpting a thin, even pizza foundation approximately 1/4-inch thick. Meticulously smooth the edges for a polished, professional appearance.
  5. Initial Baking Phase: Roast the crust until it achieves a rich golden-brown hue and develops a robust structure, typically 20-25 minutes. Ensure the edges appear crisp and slightly caramelized.
  6. Topping Artistry: Withdraw the crust from the oven and lavishly apply pizza sauce, then strategically distribute mozzarella cheese and chosen toppings with precision and creativity.
  7. Final Baking Stage: Return the pizza to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and toppings to become slightly charred and intensified in flavor.
  8. Presentation and Serving: Retrieve the pizza from the oven and permit brief resting. Embellish with fresh basil leaves, slice with finesse, and serve immediately to capture peak gustatory experience.

Notes

  • Squeeze Moisture Thoroughly: Remove as much liquid as possible from cauliflower to prevent a soggy, weak crust that falls apart during baking.
  • Balance Cheese Ratio Carefully: Use equal parts mozzarella and Parmesan to create binding strength and enhance the pizza base’s structural integrity and flavor profile.
  • Flatten Crust Evenly: Spread the mixture consistently to ensure uniform cooking, preventing thin, burnt edges and undercooked center sections.
  • Select Low-Moisture Toppings: Choose toppings that won’t release excess water during cooking, which could compromise the crispy cauliflower crust’s texture and stability.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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