A Deeply Personal Cauliflower Pizza
Every time I’m pitched cauliflower-something by a publicist, an angel loses its wings. It’s like people who vape or get their septum pierced: We get it, it’s a thing, congratulations, but stop telling us about it every day of our lives. Cauliflower crust definitely makes personal pizzas healthier, but it’s similar to those times when I say I’m going on a five-mile jog and am back ten minutes later. The intentions are there, though the self-sabotage is real. So enjoy this pizza however you prefer. If you opt for the surprisingly delicious cauliflower crust below, that’s great! But just know that you’re probably going to top it with processed meat and cheese anyway. It’s pizza, and your diet should be reserved for less amazing things, like dandelion-green salads and cayenne–lemon juice elixirs.
Ingredients
FOR THE CAULIFLOWER CRUST
- 3 cups riced cauliflower from 1 large head cauliflower
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese about 4 ounces
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 egg lightly beaten
TOPPINGS
- ⅓ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
- Parmesan cheese grated, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- First make your crust: Put the cauliflower rice in a microwave-safe large bowl and cover.
- Microwave on high for 6 to 8 minutes, until tender.
- Uncover and allow to cool slightly.
- Once the cauliflower has cooled, transfer it to a kitchen towel and wring out the excess moisture.
- Return it to the large bowl.
- Add the Parmesan, mozzarella, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and egg.
- Mix to combine.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and press into a 10-inch circle.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes, until golden.
- Remove from the oven and top with the tomato sauce and mozzarella.
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and, if desired, garnish with basil, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan.
- Slice and serve.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
You can also cook your cauliflower rice in the oven. Spread it over a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until tender. Let it cool and then wring out any excess moisture.
