This cauliflower pizza crust recipe offers a healthier alternative in vegetarian cuisine. With no traditional flour, it becomes a gluten-free pizza, making it an excellent choice for those on a low-carb diet. While pizza is commonly associated with fast food, this recipe transforms the concept. In my perspective, fast food is often seen as irresistibly tasty but potentially harmful.
I have a friend dedicated to frequent gym sessions and perpetual adherence to various diets. Once a week, she indulges in a cheat meal for herself and her children. However, this doesn’t involve cooking up traditional unhealthy fast food like French fries or towering hamburgers. Under the guise of beloved fast food, she ingeniously manages to maintain a healthy twist. It was she who introduced me to the cauliflower pizza crust recipe. Now, I prepare this wholesome fast food at least once a week. By altering the toppings, each time yields a fresh and satisfying result.
HOW TO PREPARE CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST:
Start by rinsing and chopping the cauliflower. Place everything in a blender and pulse briefly until it reaches a cereal-like consistency. Cook the cauliflower in the microwave for a few minutes. Afterward, dry it using paper towels or by placing it in a cheesecloth and squeezing out excess moisture.
Combine the cauliflower with cheese, egg, salt, and spices. Use your hands to knead the dough thoroughly. Spread the mixture onto parchment paper and roll it out with a rolling pin. Bake it in the oven, and once done, top it with tomato sauce, cheese, or any preferred filling.
HOW TO UTILIZE FROZEN CAULIFLOWER:
Opting for frozen cauliflower allows you to bypass the cooking phase. Take it out of the freezer the day before to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a crispy pizza crust.
HOW TO FREEZE A CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST:
If you intend to freeze the crust, double the quantity of ingredients. Bake either 2 large or 4 small crusts. Fold them into a sealed container with a lid and store for 5-6 months. When ready to use a frozen crust, place it on parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes until it warms up.
TOPPINGS FOR CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST:
Get creative with various ingredients to explore new flavors. Popular toppings include mushrooms, ham, turkey, pineapple, pepperoni, olives, and an assortment of cheeses.
HOW TO PREPARE TOMATO SAUCE FOR CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST:
Creating a flavorful tomato sauce for your cauliflower pizza crust is simple. Begin by sautéing finely chopped garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, then stir in fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic touch. Adjust seasoning to taste, and your homemade tomato sauce is ready to elevate your cauliflower pizza experience!
HOMEMADE TOMATO SAUCE FOR CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST:
Begin by briefly boiling three large tomatoes for 30 seconds. Remove, peel, and blend them until smooth.
Peel 1 onion and 1 clove of garlic, then finely chop. Sauté in olive oil in a pan.
Add the blended tomatoes, along with salt, pepper, and basil. Simmer uncovered over low heat until excess liquid evaporates, and the sauce thickens.
For a richer red color, incorporate a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste.
DOES CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST TASTE GOOD?
The flavor of this pizza differs from traditional bread pizza but is remarkably delicious. It offers a taste akin to a thin crust pizza. The key lies in pairing it with the right tomato sauce and your favorite cheese to create a delightful culinary experience.
IS CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST BETTER FOR YOU?
When I first served this pizza, I kept its composition a secret. I silently placed it on the table, anticipating various reactions, especially from my picky husband. To my surprise, the cauliflower pizza was devoured instantly, and requests for seconds followed! Thus, making cauliflower pizza has earned its spot at the top of my favorites.
TIPS FOR MAKING CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST:
- Experiment by substituting goat cheese for a more delicate texture.
- Opt to make the crust edges thicker to simulate a traditional pizza.
IS CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST HEALTHIER THAN REGULAR CRUST?
Yes, indeed. If you monitor your carbohydrate intake, cauliflower pizza is an excellent choice. It’s healthier as it doesn’t contain flour, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
CAN YOU BUY A CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST?
Absolutely! Nowadays, you can find cauliflower pizza crusts in nearly any store—both in specialized markets and regular supermarkets. Whether frozen or with various toppings, the convenience of buying a cauliflower pizza crust has become readily available.
SIMPLY THE BEST CAULIFLOWER PIZZA CRUST
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
1 small to the medium-sized head of cauliflower – should make 2 cups once processed
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic salt OR 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/3 cup mozzarella cheese
1 egg
pizza sauce & toppings of your choice
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. and sprinkle baking parchment with a culinary spray.
- Grind raw cauliflower in a blender with short pulses until the grain is fine. Put in a bowl and cook for 4 minutes in the microwave. Fold everything in a gauze cut and squeeze out all the liquid. The more fluid you remove, the crisp the crust.
- In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, egg, grated cheese, salt, and spices. Knead the dough with your hands and roll it into a ball. Put the ball on a baking sheet covered with parchment and roll out with a rolling pin. The thickness of the dough is approximately 0.2 inches. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. In the middle of the path, you can turn the crust over, but I didn’t.
- Cover the prepared crust with tomato sauce and grated cheese. Bake until the cheese melts.
- Notes
- If your dough is too thin due to excess moisture, do not rush to throw it away. Add a couple of spoons of ricemeal or cornmeal. This will correct the situation.
- If you have a stone for baking pizza – use it
Leave a Reply