Like most people, I’m sure you’ve heard about this trend in healthy eating: pizza crust made with cauliflower instead of flour. I personally have nothing against eating grains (especially whole grains). I think everything is good in moderation (well, ok, maybe not everything. Some things are better not being eaten at all. haha), but I thought I should at least try it once. Or twice. So here we are: Cauliflower Crust Pizza!
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
The first time wasn’t a complete success, but it still tasted really good. The next time, I made sure to really squeeze the cauliflower more to get as much water out, and I baked it a bit more as well to make it more crunchy.
The process is really easy, but it does take time to prepare everything.
It’s a delicious treat that is different and definitely worth a try! I’d have this again for sure.
Enjoy!
P.S. Are you looking for something else to make with cauliflower? Check out my kick-ass Savory Cauliflower Cake! That’s right! A cake for dinner filled with vegetables! So good!
Cauliflower Crust Pizza Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 head cauliflower (approx. 1.5 lb/600 g)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dry oregano
- a pinch of sea salt and pepper
- 1 organic free-range egg
- Vegan option: 1/4 cup Daiya cheese
- Dairy option: 1/4 cup grated organic mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Toppings
- pizza sauce
- extra cheese
- fresh basil leaves , finely sliced
- a handful of baby arugula
- fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Grate the cauliflower using the large side of a cheese grater.
- In a large pan over medium-low heat (no oil), cook the grated cauliflower for about 8-10 minutes, until it's cooked and translucent. Put the cooked cauliflower in between 2 clean tea towels (or paper towels), and press the liquid out as much as possible. A lot should come out.
- Turn oven on to 425F.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the egg until frothy. Add the cooked cauliflower and mix in with the spices, sea salt and pepper. Add the cheese of your choice (I split the mixture in half, and made one crust with vegan cheese and the other one with regular cheese). Mix well, and transfer each half on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (essential so that your crust doesn't stick to the bottom).
- Using clean hands and fingers, press the 'dough' until it looks like 2 nice thin crusts. Put the crusts in the oven to roast for about 18-20 minutes, or until nicely golden on top.
- Remove the crusts from the oven, and let cool down a bit.
- Add some pizza sauce, cheese of choice, and some chopped fresh basil and thyme, return to oven to melt the cheese, 8-10 minutes.
- Serve with the rest of the chopped fresh basil and thyme, and some baby arugula. It not only looks great and taste fresh, it ads an amazing peppery taste to the dish that makes it a success. Yum yum! It also adds nutrition to this meal.
Notes
YUmm Gabrielle, you always make the best food! These look amazing!
haha thanks Heather! 🙂 I try!
That crust looks really nice and crispy on that pizza! Great post and fabulous recipe
Thanks Ginni! It was fabulous! Have you ever had cauliflower crust before?
I’ve definitely heard about this trend, and I’d like to give it a try. After all, cauliflower is so good for you and also tasty and very versatile. So I’m sure it tastes great, and your pictures are very inviting! Like you I feel that everything is good in moderation (apart from certain things that are better not on your plate), but as an Italian, I love carbs, and pizza/pasta (the real deal) will still be my first choice (unless I develop a gluten intolerance, of course 🙂 ).
Agreed, I still enjoy pizza and pasta made with grain (usually whole grains like spelt), but I thought this was a nice added variety! 🙂
BEautiful! Do you know how these would work without the egg? Like with maybe a flax egg? I should find out!
Thanks! I’m not too sure. I thought about it, but it was easier with a chicken egg (from a non-tortured local farm). I usually prefer chia seeds rather than flaxseed eggs. If you give it a shot, let us know! 🙂
Like you my first try at cauliflower pizza crust was not a huge success. It took a second try, and although I prefer my pizza crust to be the “real thing”, it was a tasty change, and good to have in the repertoire when cooking for gluten free eaters! I like the fresh herbs that you added. Looks delicious!
Definitely! My 3rd try was definitely the best! The addition of arugula and fresh basil really stepped it up to the next level. It was delicious. My mouth is watering. haha
Cauliflower Crust pizza has been on my list of things to try for a while now, but I just haven’t gotten there yet, lol. You make it look so delicious.
Just give it a try, it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you waited so long! 🙂