Cauliflower Crust Pizza Recipe

This cauliflower crust pizza is a delightful and nutritious alternative to traditional pizza. Using cauliflower as the base makes it gluten-free and lower in carbs, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a pizza while maintaining a healthier lifestyle. The crust is infused with fresh rosemary and basil, adding an aromatic punch to the dish. For the toppings, this recipe encourages creativity; you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. This version includes delicious components like black olives, goat cheese, and bamboo shoots, which offer a sophisticated contrast of flavors. The tomato sauce and spicy paprika paste provide a rich and tangy base for the toppings. The preparation involves a bit of labor, but the result is worth the effort. This pizza is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, topped with fresh leaves like spinach or arugula.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 large cauliflower head
1 egg or 2 flaxseed eggs (for a plant-based option)
Tomato sauce
Paprika paste or adjika
Goat cheese
Black olives
Bamboo shoots
Tomatoes
Fresh green leaves (spinach, beet leaves, arugula, etc.)
Mushrooms

Spices

Rosemary
Basil
A pinch of salt (adjust to taste)

Preparation Time

Total: 130 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Cauliflower: Break the cauliflower into small florets.
Cook the Cauliflower: Boil the florets in water for 5-7 minutes until they soften.
Drain and Cool: Place the cooked cauliflower in a colander to drain and cool.
Remove Excess Water: Wrap the cooled cauliflower in a clean towel or muslin cloth. Squeeze out as much water as possible. Ensure it is well-drained to achieve a crisp crust.
Make the Dough: Transfer the cauliflower into a mixing bowl. Add the egg (or flaxseed eggs), rosemary, basil, and a pinch of salt. Mix well. The dough should be dry and crumbly. If wet, add rice flour to absorb moisture.
Form the Crust: Spread the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten it to a thin, even layer ensuring there are no holes.
Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the crust for approximately 40 minutes until it reaches the desired level of crispness.
Add Toppings: Once the crust is done, spread tomato sauce evenly over it. Add paprika paste, arranging it with black olives, bamboo shoots, goat cheese, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Bake Again: Place the pizza back in the oven for another 15 minutes to allow the toppings to cook and meld together.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh green leaves of choice.
Serve: Slice and serve warm.

Tips

Flaxseed Eggs: To make a flaxseed egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to form a gel-like consistency.
Cauliflower Crust Consistency: Ensure the cauliflower is well-drained to avoid a soggy crust.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme for varied flavors.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
Protein: 12g
Fats: 15g
Carbs: 18g

Variations

Vegan Version: Use flaxseed eggs instead of regular eggs.
Cheese Alternative: Swap goat cheese with a plant-based cheese for a vegan option.
Spiciness: Adjust the paprika paste level according to your spice tolerance.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh green salad.
Beverage Pairing: Light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a non-alcoholic sparkling water with a lemon twist.
Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves right before serving for added aroma.

Best Places

Pizzeria Bianco - Renowned for its artisanal pizzas featuring house-made mozzarella.
Location: 623 E Adams St, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Roberta’s - Known for its vibrant atmosphere and creative topping combinations.
Location: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, New York, USA

Da Michele - Famous for its classic and authentic approach to pizza.
Location: Via Cesare Sersale, 1/3, 80139 Naples, Italy

Gino Sorbillo - Offers traditional flavors with a modern twist.
Location: Via dei Tribunali, 32, 80138 Naples, Italy

Pizzeria Mozza - Celebrated for innovative topping choices and a rich crust.
Location: 641 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, California, USA

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - A must-try for its white clam pizza.
Location: 157 Wooster St, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Pizzarium Bonci - Gourmet pizzas with creative toppings.
Location: Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Rome, Italy

Tony’s Pizza Napoletana - Features various pizza styles crafted by a world-renowned chef.
Location: 1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, California, USA

Emma – Pizzeria con Cucina - Offers pizzas with a blend of Roman and Neapolitan styles.
Location: Via del Monte della Farina, 28, 00186 Rome, Italy

Una Pizza Napoletana - Focuses on simplicity and high-quality ingredients for a true Naples experience.
Location: 175 Orchard St, New York, New York, USA