In pursuit of the best cauliflower pizza crust that is nutritious and low-carb? You’re in the right place! This is your guide to creating a scrumptious cauliflower crust pizza and it is one my absolute favorite healthy recipes of all times!
Why I love this recipe
Cauliflower pizza crust is a healthier alternative to traditional crust, being gluten-free, low-carb, and packed full of nutritions.
Using fresh cauliflower as a key ingredient enhances the flavor and texture of the cauliflower crust recipe further.
It’s also gluten-free so is perfect for those with gluten restrictions.
Personally, I find that my cauliflower pizza crust is much more flavoursome than your average pizza sauce base and I always wish pizza restaurants served this!
Cauliflower Pizza Crust Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower (approximately 750g/1lb 10oz)
- 100g/1 cup ground almonds
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs (oregano or mixed)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
I like to make my own tomato sauce which uses basic ingredients to produce a delicious tomato sauce. You can use it for other meals or freeze for another occasion.
Follow this link if you prefer a fresh tomato sauce or alternatively use tomato paste.
- tomato sauce/paste
- ball mozzarella cheese
- mozzarella cheese
- your chosen toppings
This recipe uses cauliflower pizza dough as the base, providing a healthier alternative to traditional pizza crust.
Method
- Firstly, make cauliflower pizza crust by creating cauliflower rice using a food processor and pulse until the pieces take on a granular, rice-like texture.
- Tip all the cauliflower in a bowl, cover with cling film and microwave on high for 6 minutes until softened. Before proceeding to the next step, make sure that it has sufficiently cooled down. This ensures no unintended cooking takes place during preparation. This step sets up a solid base for your dough.
- Once cooked, expel all excess moisture by pressing the cooked cauliflower mix through a towel/cheesecloth.
- Transfer cooked cauliflower mix to a clean bowl and add in the ground almonds, eggs, herbs, garlic powder, nutritional yeast and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Line a baking tray with baking parchment or non-stick alternative and grease with the olive oil.
- Place the cauliflower mix into the centre of the tray, then use a spoon and your hands to spread out into a 30cm round. Failing to pre-bake adequately might lead to a base that’s too soft to support any toppings properly. Be sure to flatten out the crust evenly so that you avoid parts being undercooked or overdone.
- Bake at 392°F/356°F fan (200°C/180°C fan) for 18 minutes until golden brown and starting to crisp a little at the edges.
- Once the cauliflower base is cooked, set aside to cool a little.
- Turn the oven up to 464°F/428°F fan (240°C/220°C fan).
- Drain the mozzarella and pat dry. Spread the tomato sauce over the base and top with mozzarella and your chosen toppings. Share your favorite pizza toppings in the comments!
- Return to the oven for 12 minutes.
Using frozen cauliflower florets can be incredibly convenient for this recipe as they are easy to thaw and process, making meal preparation quicker and simpler.
BUT I will make a point that frozen cauliflower will contain more water so can make your pizza base more soggy if you do not drain it adequately.
I’d love to hear about your favorite pizza toppings that complement a cauliflower pizza crust! Share your personal preferences and suggestions in the comments below.
Top Tips
Having the appropriate tools is crucial when creating a perfect cauliflower pizza crust. Use a food processor to achieve a fine and even consistency with your cauliflower, which streamlines the process.
For the best texture and flavor, always opt for fresh cauliflower over frozen options. Fresh cauliflower can produce a superior crust that is both crispier and more flavorful.
To efficiently steam your cauliflower, employ a bowl that’s safe for microwave use.
For a crispier pizza crust crust, consider using a pizza stone instead of a traditional baking sheet.
To preserve the freshness and prevent your cauliflower pizza crust from becoming stale place in an airtight container. When refrigerated, it can be kept for a maximum of four days.
If you need to keep your cauliflower pizza crust for an extended period, freezing is the best option. Make sure the pizza crust has cooled completely before wrapping it up. This step is crucial to avoid formation of ice crystals. For optimal preservation, encase each individual slice with aluminum foil and then place it inside a bag designed specifically for freezer use. To freeze cauliflower pizza crust, store baked crusts in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, and consider portioning the frozen crusts for easier storage.
When stored in these conditions, frozen cauliflower pizza crust remains good quality for about 2 months. To enjoy again later on, defrost it by leaving it in the refrigerator through the night and reheat at 375°F (190°C) once thawed so as to revive its original crunchiness.
Health Benefits of Cauliflower Pizza Crust
This gluten-free, low-carb, and low-calorie cauliflower pizza crust is an excellent choice for anyone with gluten sensitivity or following a ketogenic diet.
Its reduced calorie and carbohydrate content, compared to traditional pizza dough, combined with its high fiber and protein levels, allows you to enjoy your favorite toppings guilt-free!
Here are three key health benefits of using a cauliflower crust pizza base, especially for general health and the health of your hair, skin, and nails:
- Nutrient-Rich for Skin, Hair, and Nail Health: Cauliflower is rich in essential vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen production, supporting the elasticity and strength of your skin, hair, and nails, while vitamin K helps with skin healing and scar reduction.
- Aids in Weight Management and Glycemic Control: Cauliflower crusts are low in carbohydrates and calories, making them ideal for those looking to manage their weight or blood sugar levels. The low glycemic index of cauliflower helps prevent blood sugar spikes, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or anyone aiming for stable energy levels throughout the day.
- Packed with Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Compounds: Cauliflower is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are crucial for preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthier skin.
These advantages underscore how incorporating a cauliflower crust pizza into your diet can support overall well-being and enhance the health of your skin, hair, and nails.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the ideal cauliflower pizza crust, it is essential to avoid typical errors, such as excess moisture. A crucial mistake is failing to extract sufficient moisture from the cooked cauliflower, which can cause your crust to become soggy. To guarantee a crunchy end result, use a dish towel or cheesecloth and wring out as much liquid as you can.
Selecting toppings that are greasy or have a watery consistency might also compromise the crispness of your cauliflower dough crust.
By avoiding these oversights, you will be on your way to enjoying a savory and perfectly crispy cauliflower pizza crust.
Nutrition Serving (Assuming 4 Servings):
- Calories: 362 kcal
- Fat: 25.9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.7g
- Carbohydrates: 17.8g
- Sugars: 5.6g
- Fiber: 6.7g
- Protein: 20g
- Salt: 0.36g
Frequently Asked Questions - Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Certainly, frozen cauliflower is a great choice!
It offers remarkable convenience by eliminating the need for grating, and you can also use frozen cauliflower rice for an even quicker option.
How do I ensure my cauliflower crust isn't soggy?
To ensure your cauliflower crust remains crisp and not soggy, it’s crucial to eliminate any excess moisture once it has been cooked.
For best results in removing the moisture, employ a dish towel or cheesecloth.
Can I freeze the cauliflower pizza crust?
Certainly, it’s possible to freeze cauliflower pizza crust by preserving the cooked crust for a duration of up to 2 months.
Ensure that you encase it securely in an airtight container to safeguard against freezer burn!
What toppings work best with cauliflower pizza crust?
Cauliflower pizza crust pairs awesome with classic toppings like tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil, but don’t shy away from trying fun combos like pesto chicken or seasonal fruits for a twist!
How do I reheat frozen cauliflower pizza?
For the best results when reheating cauliflower pizza that has been frozen, it is advisable to first defrost it in the refrigerator throughout the night in an airtight container.
Afterward, heat it in an oven set at 375°F (190°C) to achieve a deliciously crispy crust.
