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
- Preparation Groundwork: Elevate the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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