Call Me Crazy Cauliflower (Crust) Pizza

Call Me Crazy Cauliflower (Crust) Pizza

So this recipe is aptly named because my family thought I was NUTS when I wanted to make and serve them pizza crust made out of cauliflower. They even got me so nervous about my experiment that I made a back-up pizza made from store bought crust just in case. It was a good lesson in not letting the critics get to me, because in the end the cauliflower crust pizza WON over the other and everyone was AMAZED that it tasted so good.

Now, this is not a recipe for the faint of heart as it takes a little preparing (you can’t buy the crust pre-made people) and you have to make sure you get the right level of crispiness.  I was able to get it pretty close to perfect on the first try so are hoping all of you will as well!  The only downside to the recipe in my book is the amount of cheese in it, but for all of you pizza lovers out there (me included) it’s definitely a nutritious step up from the original take and there are always vege’s to even things out!

Cauliflower Pizza Crust:

Ingredients:
2 heads cauliflower, trimmed and coarsely chopped
1/4  tsp sea salt
1/2 cup egg whites
1 cup low fat mozzarella cheese
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp parsley
1 can organic, natural tomato sauce
Toppings of choice (vegetables, lean meat or cheese – see recommendations below!)

Directions:

·    Chop up cauliflower into bite sizes pieces and place in a good processor. Process until the cauliflower becomes course, similar to the texture and look of rice. If you do not have food processor you can also use a cheese grater – it just takes a bit more time.
* Tip: Make sure the cauliflower is DRY before you blend, otherwise it will not crisp as well.

·    Heat a skillet to medium heat, add the cauliflower, cover and cook 8 to 10 minutes until soft and slightly browned, then add the salt.

·    Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and slightly grease a pizza pan / stone or cookie sheet

·    In a large bowl combine the cooked and cooled cauliflower, egg whites and cheese. Lightly mix in the oregano and parsley, and then press the crust mixture into the pizza pan.

Baked Crust

·    Bake at 450 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes until crisp and crust-like

·    Remove the crust from the oven and top with organic, natural pizza or marinara sauce, top with lots of vegetables, and dust lightly with cheese (recommendations below!)

Crust with Toppings

·    Place the pizza back in the oven on low broil for another 2 – 3 minutes or until cheese is melted or a light golden brown (make sure you broil, not bake the pizza to avoid sogginess)

·    Remove from the oven and cool before slicing and serving!

* Tip:  Make sure you serve this pizza with a fork and knife. While it tastes just like pizza, it doesn’t have the complete firmness to allow you to pick it up and eat it with your hands.

Ready to Eat!

There are a TON of variations for what can go on top of the cauliflower crust, so use your favorites or one of the recommended topping options below.

Roasted Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Pizza (pictured above)
2 Roma Tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh mozzarella (ball shaped)
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
Sautéed onions and red peppers
* I roasted the tomatoes (light dust of olive oil and sea salt) before adding them as a topping to the pizza– highly recommended!

Veggie Pizza
Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Chopped Broccoli

Diced Onion
Spinach
Sliced Mushrooms Sliced
Red Bell PeppersLow Fat Mozzarella or Goat Cheese


Spicy Chicken Sausage Pizza
Spicy Chicken Sausage (Trader Joe’s)
Red Pepper Slices
Yellow Pepper Slices
Red Onion Slices
Dash of Hot Sauce
Mozzarella Cheese

Posted in: Clean Food