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Crispy Cauliflower Crust Pizza Recipe Easy Homemade Mozzarella Basil

crispy cauliflower crust pizza - featured image

A quick and easy cauliflower crust pizza topped with fresh mozzarella and basil, offering a healthier, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza dough with a crispy texture and delicious flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups grated)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or a mix of oregano and thyme
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
  • Fresh basil leaves (about ⅓ cup, loosely packed)
  • ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • Drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Chop the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles fine rice (about 4 cups). Avoid over-processing into mush.
  3. Transfer the grated cauliflower to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 4-5 minutes until soft, or steam over the stove for 6-7 minutes.
  4. Place the warm cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the squeezed cauliflower, beaten egg, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until a dough-like consistency forms.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the lined baking sheet. Press evenly into a 10-12 inch circle about ¼ inch thick, keeping edges slightly raised.
  7. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.
  8. Remove the crust from the oven. Spread marinara sauce evenly, scatter fresh mozzarella slices, and bake again for 7-10 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  9. Remove the pizza from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
  10. Let cool for a couple of minutes before slicing to help the crust hold together.

Notes

Squeezing out excess water from the cauliflower is crucial to avoid soggy crust. Use Parmesan cheese for binding and flavor. Press crust to about ¼ inch thickness for best crispiness. Baking on parchment paper prevents sticking. A pizza stone can enhance crispness. For vegan version, substitute egg with flaxseed egg and use vegan mozzarella. Adding a tablespoon of almond flour can help if crust is fragile.

Nutrition

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