Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Pepperoni and Mozzarella
Ingredients:
For the Cauliflower Crust:
- 1 medium-sized cauliflower head, riced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (sugar-free for keto)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Pepperoni slices
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare Cauliflower Crust:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a pizza stone or a baking sheet in the oven to heat.
- Rice Cauliflower:
- Cut the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.
- Cook Cauliflower Rice:
- Microwave the riced cauliflower for 5-6 minutes or until it’s soft. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Drain Excess Moisture:
- Place the cooked cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a bowl, combine the cauliflower rice, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and a beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
- Form Crust:
- Line a pizza stone or baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the cauliflower mixture onto the parchment paper, forming a round pizza crust about 1/4-inch thick. Press the edges slightly thicker to form a crust.
- Pre-Bake Crust:
- Bake the cauliflower crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until it’s golden and firm.
Assemble Pizza:
- Add Sauce and Toppings:
- Remove the pre-baked cauliflower crust from the oven. Spread pizza sauce over the crust, leaving a border for the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce and add pepperoni slices.
- Bake Again:
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil (Optional):
- If you prefer a golden-brown top, you can broil the pizza for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the cauliflower crust pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Slice and Enjoy:
- Slice the Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Pepperoni and Mozzarella and enjoy your keto-friendly pizza!
Note:
- Customize the toppings based on your preferences. Add vegetables, different types of cheese, or other keto-friendly pizza toppings.
- Ensure the crust is well-baked before adding toppings to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- You can use a pizza stone for a crisper crust, or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.