Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
A delicious and healthy cauliflower pizza crust recipe that serves as a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza dough. This recipe features a crispy cauliflower base topped with marinara, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and fresh tomatoes, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh basil for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza 1x
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Crust
- 1 large head cauliflower, roughly chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray, for the baking sheet
Toppings
- 1/4 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- Torn fresh basil, for serving
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Steam Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large skillet, bring about 1/4 inch of water to a boil and season with kosher salt. Add the cauliflower in one even layer and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a clean dish towel or paper towels and squeeze thoroughly to drain excess water.
- Process Cauliflower: Place the drained cauliflower into a food processor and pulse until it becomes grated. Lay the grated cauliflower in paper towels again and press out any remaining moisture.
- Make Dough: Transfer the dried grated cauliflower to a large bowl. Add the egg, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and season with salt. Mix well to form the pizza crust dough.
- Shape and Bake Crust: Line a baking sheet with cooking spray. Transfer the cauliflower dough onto the sheet and pat it into a pizza crust shape. Bake the crust in the preheated oven until it is golden and dried out, about 20 minutes.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Remove the crust from the oven and spread the marinara sauce evenly over it. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan on top, then add the minced garlic and halved tomatoes. Return the pizza to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is crisp, about 10 more minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish the pizza with torn fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Slice and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Ensure you squeeze out as much water as possible from the cooked and grated cauliflower to prevent a soggy crust.
- Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to press out moisture effectively.
- For a crispier crust, you can bake the crust a few extra minutes before adding toppings.
- Customize toppings to suit your taste; vegetables and different cheeses work well.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang; if unavailable, a balsamic reduction or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can be used instead.
Keywords: cauliflower pizza crust, low carb pizza, healthy pizza, gluten free pizza crust alternative, cauliflower, homemade pizza
