Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Listen, I have always been a health nut. But cut out pizza?! Nope! Trust, I go with the “everything in moderation” mindset but come on, it’s pizza!

When the cauliflower craze came out, I thought it was blasphemy. You can take my cheese, white bread, potato chips and popcorn, but NOT my pizza! Whatever, I decided to try it. I bought the store made “simple” crust...anddddd it tasted like cardboard.

Again, NOPE.

One of my friends convinced me that I would like it if I made it myself. I caved. And let me tell you, it completely changed my mind about it. Not only can you add whatever seasonings to the crust mix, but you get that nice crispness (hello, New Haven brick oven pizza) that I loveee.

One large head of cauliflower will make about 3 cups of riced cauliflower. Use it to make pizza crusts immediately, or store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

1 cup riced, then cooked cauliflower

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp Italian seasoning (I like the Good Seasons dressing package)

1/2 tsp minced garlic

salt + pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

Cut florets into chunks and pulse ín a food processor until it is “riced” You can also use a cheese grater to produce the tiny rice like pieces.

(note: do not over process, it’s gross and turns to mush)

Microwave the riced cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl for 5-8 minutes. After microwaving, transfer riced cauliflower to a fine mesh strainer and drain completely, pressing out the excess water.

Once drained, transfer riced cauliflower to a clean dish towel and wrap the sides around the cauliflower while gently pressing out excess water. This process is very important, nothing worse than soggy dough!

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup riced, cooked cauliflower, 1 egg and parmesan cheese. Add Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Making sure everything is well mixed, place the “dough” on the cookie sheet and pat out a 9″ round. Be sure not to press it too thin, it’s easy to create holes!

Bake for about 15 minutes.

Remove from oven. All cheese, sauce and your favorite (pre-cooked) toppings. Place pizza under broiler just until cheese is melted, be sure to keep an eye on it!

Slice it up and enjoy!