Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, cheesy pizza that looks and tastes just like the classic Italian favorite, but with a surprising healthy twist. This Cauliflower Crust Pizza Margherita is about to revolutionize your pizza night, proving that eating healthier doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Whether you're watching your carbs, looking to sneak more vegetables into your diet, or simply craving a delicious and innovative pizza experience, this recipe is your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, riced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rice the cauliflower by placing florets in a food processor and pulse until it resembles fine, rice-like texture.
- Place riced cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 4-5 minutes until soft. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for a crispy crust.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dried cauliflower, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until a dough-like consistency forms.
- Spread the cauliflower mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing and shaping it into two thin, round pizza crusts about 1/4 inch thick.
- Bake the crusts for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and firm around the edges.
- Remove from oven and spread marinara sauce evenly across each crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top if desired.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes, slice, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: The key to a crispy crust is removing as much liquid as possible from the cauliflower. Use a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to extract maximum moisture.
- Don't Skip the Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and helps achieve a crisp bottom.
- Thin is In: Spread the crust thinly and evenly for the best texture and crispiness.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Fresh Basil is Non-Negotiable: Add the basil leaves after baking to preserve their fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Let it Rest: Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing to help the crust set and prevent falling apart.Pro Tip: If you're meal prepping, you can pre-bake the crusts and store them in the refrigerator for quick assembly later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
