The Healthiest Cauliflower Pizza Crust You’ll Ever Make

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No Friday night at home is complete without a good movie, a glass of wine and a big, cheesy pizza. But, if you’re cutting back on carbs or can’t have gluten, you might have to miss out on that slice of heaven.

Luckily, we have the perfect answer for you: cauliflower pizza crust. Made without flour, a cauliflower-based crust is gluten free and has only a fraction of the calories and carbs of regular crust. Plus, cauliflower has some pretty incredible detox benefits.

While a ton of grocery stores now carry cauliflower pizzas and pizza crust, they’re often more expensive than regular frozen pizzas. Instead, homemade cauliflower pizza crust is a cheaper and better-tasting option that lets you customize your ‘za with whatever toppings you’re craving.

How do you make cauliflower pizza crust?

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets (about 6 cups)
• 1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Step 1: Prep the cauliflower

First, preheat your oven to 425°F. Then, add the cauliflower florets to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. To get a good texture, be sure to process the florets in batches, about 2 cups at a time. Add the ground cauliflower to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 8 minutes, or until tender.

Once the cauliflower has cooled enough to touch, wrap the ground cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze until it’s as dry as possible. No one likes soggy pizza crust! When it’s nice and dry, transfer back into the bowl.

Step 2: Mix the “dough”

Add the cheeses, egg and spices to the bowl of cauliflower. Mix until completely combined.

Step 3: Shape and bake

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, shape the cauliflower dough into an 11×9-inch rectangle. Pop in your preheated oven for about 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for a crispier crust, then line your pan with aluminum foil instead of parchment paper. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning the edges. You can also flip your cauliflower pizza crust after its first trip in the oven.

Step 4: Add toppings and bake some more

Top the crust with your favourite pizza sauce, cheeses and fixings. Then, put it back into the oven and bake until the cheese is nice and melty, about 10-12 minutes. If you’re topping with any meats, like Italian sausage or bacon, be sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to your pizza. Looking for some inspiration? Check out our Apple, Fig and Caramelized Cauliflower Pizza recipe.

Pro tip: If you’re in the mood for cheesy breadsticks, skip the pizza sauce. Just top the crust with 3/4 cup of your favourite cheese blend and bake until bubbly.

Step 5: Slice and serve

Allow the pizza to cool slightly, then cut into slices. Serve with a nice side salad and dig into this flour-free masterpiece!

Can you freeze cauliflower pizza crust?

If you made a double batch, or have enough self-control to save some leftovers, you can definitely freeze this recipe. For a double batch, simply bake the crust and assemble toppings as directed, then securely wrap and freeze the unbaked pizza. To use, unwrap the pizza; bake in a 425°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and melty.

Leftovers? Wrap securely or place in an airtight container and freeze. To reheat, put the pizza in a 425°F oven and bake until heated through, about 10 or so minutes.

For more cauliflower-inspired meal ideas, these 15 recipes are definitely worth a try.