How To Make the Best, Easiest Cauliflower Pizza (2024)

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Grace Elkus

Grace Elkus

Grace Elkus was the Deputy Food Director at Kitchn, where she wrote a monthly vegetarian recipe column called Tonight We Veg. She received her culinary arts diploma from The Natural Gourmet Institute.

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updated Apr 30, 2019

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How To Make the Best, Easiest Cauliflower Pizza (1)

Starting with a bag of cauliflower rice makes this the easiest-ever cauliflower pizza crust. Plus, a few smart tricks ensure it's extra crispy.

Serves4 to 6Prep25 minutesCook30 minutes to 35 minutes

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How To Make the Best, Easiest Cauliflower Pizza (2)

Whether you follow a gluten-free or low-carb diet — or simply want a new way to eat pizza — cauliflower crust is the answer. The problem is, most of them suck. They take forever to make and yield subpar results: bland, limp crusts that can barely handle sauce and cheese. Unfortunately, store-bought varieties are just as disappointing.

I was determined to make a simplified, far-more-delicious version — one with super-crispy edges and maximum flavor. This recipe is that and more. You only need one bowl, a few basic ingredients, and less than one hour on the clock to make it. Here’s how to do it.

Why Make This Cauliflower Pizza Crust?

  • It requires way less prep. Most recipes ask you to break down a head of cauliflower in the food processor, steam the riced cauliflower, let it cool, then squeeze out extra moisture. This version lets you skip all that prep by starting with a store-bought bag of cauliflower rice. Microwaving it with the cheese and eggs adds back the moisture you need to bind the ingredients together.
  • It’s made with pantry staples. Some recipes call for soft goat cheese to bind the crust together; others claim almond flour is the key to crispiness. But this recipe is made solely with cheap, easy-to-find ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
  • It yields a sturdy, crispy crust. Baking the crust on an oiled baking sheet in the bottom of a hot oven makes for a super-crispy crust, and flipping it makes sure both sides crisp up. Layering cheese beneath the sauce prevents sogginess.

Is Cauliflower Pizza Vegan or Keto?

Cauliflower crust pizza is not vegan — the cheese and eggs are needed to hold the crust together. However, if a dairy-free pizza is what you’re after, you can use a dairy-free mozzarella (such as Daiya Mozzarella-Style Shreds) in place of the mozzarella.

Cauliflower crust pizza can be keto — you’ll just need to double-check your labels. Be sure to use full-fat mozzarella cheese (low-fat dairy is a no-go on keto), and be sure your pizza sauce doesn’t contain sugar.

What Are the Best Cauliflower Pizza Toppings?

Because cauliflower crust isn’t as sturdy as a traditional gluten crust, less is more when it comes to toppings. Go easy on the cheese and sauce, and opt for a light scattering of toppings that can go on after it’s baked, such as fresh herbs or arugula (although a little pepperoni never hurt anyone).

Check out more of our favorite ways to use a bag of cauliflower rice.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

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Cauliflower Pizza

Starting with a bag of cauliflower rice makes this the easiest-ever cauliflower pizza crust. Plus, a few smart tricks ensure it's extra crispy.

Prep time 25 minutes

Cook time 30 minutes to 35 minutes

Serves 4 to 6

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon

    olive oil

  • 1 (16-ounce) bag

    cauliflower rice (about 5 cups)

  • 2

    large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 (8-ounce) bag

    low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups), divided

  • 1 teaspoon

    salt-free Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon

    garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/3 cup

    pizza sauce

  • Fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • 2

    rimmed baking sheets

  • Large microwave-safe bowl

  • Parchment paper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking sheet. Arrange 2 oven racks to divide it into thirds and heat the oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and grease the parchment with the olive oil.

  2. Combine the cauliflower, eggs, and cheese. Place the cauliflower rice, eggs, and half of the mozzarella (1 cup) in a large microwave-safe bowl and stir to combine.

  3. Microwave until cheese is melted and mixture clumps together. Microwave on HIGH, stirring at 1-minute intervals, until the cheese is melted and the mixture clumps together when stirred, 3 1/2 to 4 minutes total.

  4. Add the seasonings. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and several grinds black pepper.

  5. Spread into a circle. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and use your hands to shape it into a large, thin circle (the thinner it is, the crispier it will become).

  6. Bake the crust for 20 minutes. Bake on the lower oven rack until bottom of the crust is golden and crispy, about 20 minutes.

  7. Flip the crust. Place a second rimmed baking sheet directly on the crust. While holding both baking sheets together (careful, it's hot!), flip them both. Remove the hot baking sheet and parchment -- the crust should now be upside down on the back of the cool baking sheet.

  8. Return to the oven and bake the second side. Return the crust to the lower rack and bake until the entire crust is golden and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes more.

  9. Top with some cheese. Remove the crust from the oven and heat the broiler to HIGH. Sprinkle with the half of the remaining cheese.

  10. Add the sauce. Carefully spread the pizza sauce over the layer of cheese.

  11. Top with the remaining cheese. Sprinkle the pizza with remaining cheese.

  12. Broil and garnish. Return to the oven on the upper rack and broil until the cheese is browned and bubbly, 2 to 3 minutes. Top with torn fresh basil leaves and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.

Recipe Notes

Ingredient substitutions: If using frozen cauliflower rice in place of fresh, let it thaw before you start.

At Kitchn, we know how important it is to find recipes that are worth your time. That’s why every tutorial — like this one — features recipes that have been tried and tested by our team of developers and at-home cooks from across the country. Questions or feedback for us? Say hello: recipes@thekitchn.com.

Filed in:

dinner

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How To

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How To Make the Best, Easiest Cauliflower Pizza (2024)

FAQs

Is cauliflower pizza actually healthy? ›

Though cauliflower crust isn't inherently healthier than traditional crust, it tends to be higher in protein and fiber — though it's also higher in fat and cholesterol. Depending on your dietary restrictions, you can simply choose whichever pizza crust you enjoy most.

What is cauliflower pizza crust made of? ›

Cauliflower pizza crust is a delicious gluten-free, low-carb and keto pizza recipe. It's a simple blend of cauliflower, eggs, cheese, and a few spices that's flattened and baked into a golden crust. Freeze it for later or top it off with fresh ingredients for a healthy dinner recipe.

Why is my cauliflower pizza crust soggy? ›

Next, when I tried making the crusts from scratch, pulsing cauliflower florets in the food processor and then steaming them for a few minutes until tender, I learned another crucial step: squeezing the cauliflower in a kitchen towel to get rid of as much liquid as possible. That helps avoid sogginess.

How do you cook cauliflower pizza? ›

Remove all packaging from your pizza before placing it directly on the rack. Cook it at 425 degrees for between 13 and 15 minutes until the cheese has a golden tint. Take your cauliflower pizza out of the oven and let it cool for two to three minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Is cauliflower pizza inflammatory? ›

Cauliflower is high in fiber which we all know is super important for our bodies. Fiber works to reduce inflammation and help your digestive system. Vegetables that are rich in fiber are also known to lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Will cauliflower pizza spike blood sugar? ›

Obviously, cauliflower pizza is more “diabetes friendly” than traditional types of pizza with flour crust. It's not rocket science — fewer carbs means less spiking of glucose levels, so there's no need to “chase it” with large amounts of insulin.

Why is cauliflower pizza so high in calories? ›

Processed food any way you look at it is still processed and not the healthiest option. The calorie amount and healthfulness also depend on the toppings added. If your cauliflower crust is loaded with extra cheese, sausage, pepperoni, buffalo chicken, or ranch dressing, it's still a high-calorie, high-fat pizza.

How to cook caulipower crust? ›

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (conventional oven recommended!)
  2. Remove crust from box, overwrap, & cardboard.
  3. Layer crust with your favorite toppings.
  4. Cook topped crust directly on the middle rack (no pan needed!) until cheese is golden brown and crust is crispy, typically 12-15 minutes.

Why is cauliflower crust not keto? ›

The premade cauliflower crusts in your local grocery store or pizza restaurant are rarely crafted with the keto diet in mind. If you check the ingredients, you are likely to find corn starch, corn flour, potato starch, chickpea flour, potato flour, and/or tapioca starch.

How to make cauliflower pizza crust that won't fall apart? ›

How to Make Cauliflower Pizza Crust That Doesn't Fall Apart
  1. Chop and cook fresh cauliflower. ...
  2. Blend and squeeze the cauliflower. ...
  3. Combine cauliflower with eggs, cheese, salt, and potato starch. ...
  4. Heat up the oven and get cooking. ...
  5. Add your toppings.
Apr 18, 2019

Why does cauliflower pizza hurt my stomach? ›

Cauliflower provides essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients, but it can also cause stomachaches or abdominal cramps. The culprit behind the stomachaches is cauliflower's fiber content, which becomes most troublesome when you increase your fiber intake too rapidly without giving your body time to adjust.

How do you keep the bottom of pizza crust from getting soggy? ›

Use a pizza stone or a pan with holes to get a crispy pizza crust. A pizza stone will keep your pizza hot and its porousness will absorb some condensation. A perforated pan has holes that will let the condensation escape, just remember to place it on a rack as it cools so the holes can do their work.

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

Can you put cauliflower pizza directly on oven rack? ›

Preheat oven to 425°F (conventional oven recommended!) Remove pizza from box & overwrap. Cook pizza directly on the middle rack (no pan needed!) until the cheese is golden brown and crust is crispy, typically 13-16 minutes.

Is cauliflower pizza worth it? ›

If you are trying to avoid the effects of gluten and feel better in a healthy way while still enjoying pizza, cauliflower crust is a great option. Cauliflower crust has fewer calories than traditional crust. It also has also fewer carbohydrates for those trying to reduce carbs in their diet.

What is the healthiest type of pizza? ›

Opt for a thin-crust pizza instead of a deep-dish. Skip the stuffed pizza crusts and dipping sauces. Enjoy your slice of pizza with a side salad or cooked vegetables. Top your pizza with lean protein, like chicken strips, instead of processed meat, like pepperoni.

Why does cauliflower crust have so many carbs? ›

Ingredients like rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, and sugar add to the carb count of some cauliflower crusts you buy at the store. You may find low carb pizza crust options containing cauliflower in the freezer aisle, but it's essential to check the nutrition information.

Is cauliflower good for weight loss? ›

Cauliflower has several properties that may help with weight loss. First, it is low in calories with only 27 calories per cup (107 g), so you can eat a lot of it without significantly increasing your calorie intake ( 1 ). It can also serve as a low calorie substitute for high calorie foods, such as rice and flour.

Does cauliflower pizza have added sugar? ›

Not really. It's made with lots of rice starch, added sugar and tapioca starch in the “cauliflower” pizza.

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