Cauliflower Pizza

Cauliflower Pizza Recipe - Italian Style

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cauliflower pizza is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza crust. Made with cauliflower rice, eggs, and cheese, this low-carb option is perfect for those looking to cut back on carbohydrates without sacrificing flavor.

History

Cauliflower pizza crust gained popularity in recent years as a gluten-free and low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crust. It offers a lighter and healthier option for those looking to enjoy their favorite pizza toppings without the guilt.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 (16 oz (454 g)) bag cauliflower rice (about 5 cups)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 (8 oz (227 g)) bag low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups), divided
1 tsp salt-free italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
0.33 cup pizza sauce
Fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

How to prepare

Prepare the baking sheet. Divide the oven into thirds and preheat it to 450°F (232°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and grease the parchment with olive oil.
Combine the cauliflower, eggs, and cheese. In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix together the cauliflower rice, eggs, and half of the mozzarella (1 cup).
Microwave until cheese is melted and mixture clumps together. Microwave on HIGH, stirring at 1-minute intervals, until the cheese is melted and the mixture clumps together when stirred, for a total of 3.5 to 4 minutes.
Add the seasonings. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
Spread into a circle. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a large, thin circle using your hands (the thinner it is, the crispier it will become).
Bake the crust for 20 minutes. Bake on the lower oven rack until the bottom of the crust is golden and crispy, approximately 20 minutes.
Flip the crust. Place a second rimmed baking sheet directly on top of the crust. While holding both baking sheets together (be careful, it's hot!), flip them both. Remove the hot baking sheet and parchment paper, leaving the crust upside down on the back of the cool baking sheet.
Return to the oven and bake the second side. Place the crust back on the lower rack and bake until the entire crust is golden and crispy, for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
Top with some cheese. Remove the crust from the oven and preheat the broiler to HIGH. Sprinkle half of the remaining cheese over the crust.
Add the sauce. Carefully spread the pizza sauce over the layer of cheese.
Top with the remaining cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the pizza.
Broil and garnish. Return the pizza to the oven on the upper rack and broil until the cheese is browned and bubbly, for 2 to 3 minutes. Top with torn fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.

Equipment

2 rimmed baking sheets
Large microwave-safe bowl
Parchment paper

Variations

Add cooked chicken, pepperoni, or sausage for a meat lover's pizza.
Top with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Experiment with different cheeses such as feta, goat cheese, or gouda for unique flavor combinations.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cauliflower rice before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help the crust hold together better.

- For a crispier crust, bake the cauliflower mixture until it is golden and crispy before adding toppings.

- Use a second baking sheet to flip the crust for even cooking on both sides.

- Customize your pizza with your favorite toppings, such as vegetables, meats, or additional cheeses.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cauliflower pizza with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food processor to quickly and easily make cauliflower rice.

- Microwave the cauliflower mixture to melt the cheese and bind the ingredients together.

- Broil the pizza to melt and brown the cheese for a delicious finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond flour or coconut flour as a gluten-free alternative to traditional flour.

- Substitute vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.

- Use flax eggs or chia eggs in place of regular eggs for a vegan version.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the cauliflower pizza crust ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before adding toppings and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Top the cauliflower pizza with fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair cauliflower pizza with a light and refreshing white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover cauliflower pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cauliflower pizza crust contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cauliflower pizza crust contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cauliflower pizza crust contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of cauliflower pizza crust contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cauliflower is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It also contains minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and eggs) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Cauliflower pizza crust is a low-carb, gluten-free option that is rich in protein and vitamins. It is a healthier alternative to traditional pizza crusts.

Summary

Cauliflower pizza crust is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza crust. With a crispy texture and endless topping options, this low-carb option is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Cauliflower Pizza. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my mother tend to the garden in our backyard. As we were gathering the fresh vegetables, my mother noticed a large cauliflower ready for harvest. She suggested we make something special with it for dinner, and that's when she introduced me to the idea of Cauliflower Pizza.

My mother explained that instead of using traditional pizza dough, we would be using cauliflower as the base. I was intrigued by the concept and excited to try something new in the kitchen. My mother had learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to Italy and experienced this unique twist on a classic dish.

We started by breaking the cauliflower into florets and steaming them until they were soft. Then, we used a food processor to pulse the cauliflower into a fine, rice-like consistency. Next, we mixed in some eggs, cheese, and seasonings to create a dough-like mixture. We spread this mixture onto a baking sheet and baked it until it was golden and crispy.

Once the cauliflower crust was ready, we topped it with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and all of our favorite pizza toppings. We popped it back into the oven until the cheese was melted and bubbly. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely mouthwatering.

When we finally sat down to enjoy our Cauliflower Pizza, I was amazed by how delicious it was. The cauliflower crust was light and crispy, and the flavors of the toppings melded together perfectly. It was a healthier alternative to traditional pizza that didn't sacrifice on taste.

From that day on, Cauliflower Pizza became a staple in our household. I would often experiment with different toppings and seasonings, always trying to perfect the recipe. I shared it with my friends and family, who were equally impressed by this unique and delicious dish.

Over the years, I continued to refine and tweak the recipe, adding new ingredients and techniques to make it even better. I learned from cooking shows, recipe books, and even other home cooks who shared their tips and tricks. Each time I made Cauliflower Pizza, it brought back memories of that special day in the garden with my mother.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I take great joy in passing down this recipe to the next generation. I teach my grandchildren how to make Cauliflower Pizza, just as my mother taught me. It's a way to connect with them, to share a piece of my culinary knowledge and love for cooking.

I often think back to that warm summer day and the simple joy of discovering something new in the kitchen. It's amazing how a recipe can hold so much meaning and bring people together. I am grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking, and I hope that Cauliflower Pizza will continue to be a cherished tradition in our family for years to come.