Cauliflower pizza crust is a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional pizza crust. It’s light, flavorful, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups of cauliflower rice)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into florets, then pulse in a food processor until it resembles fine rice. You should get about 4 cups of “cauliflower rice.”
- Cook the Cauliflower: Transfer the cauliflower rice to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes until soft. Let it cool for a few minutes, then place the cooked cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible—this step is crucial for preventing a soggy crust.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and any additional herbs. Mix well until a dough-like consistency forms.
- Shape the Crust: Place the cauliflower mixture onto the prepared baking sheet or pizza stone. Using your hands, press the mixture into a round, flat pizza crust, about ¼ inch thick.
- Bake the Crust: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and firm. Keep an eye on the edges to prevent burning.
- Add Toppings: Once the crust is ready, remove it from the oven and add your desired pizza toppings (sauce, cheese, veggies, meats, etc.).
- Bake Again: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Calorie Count:
For the entire cauliflower pizza crust (without additional toppings), the approximate calorie count is:
- Cauliflower (1 medium head): ~150 calories
- Mozzarella cheese (½ cup): ~170 calories
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): ~110 calories
- Egg (1 large): ~70 calories
Total calories for the crust: Approximately 500 calories for the whole crust. If divided into 4 slices, that’s about 125 calories per slice.