Description
A quick and easy crispy cauliflower crust pizza topped with high protein ingredients like grilled chicken, turkey pepperoni, and hemp seeds. This recipe is gluten-free, satisfying, and perfect for health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups grated)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup grilled chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- ¼ cup turkey pepperoni slices (optional)
- ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese dollops
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- About ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (preferably no added sugars)
Instructions
- Remove leaves and core from the cauliflower, then pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice (about 4 cups). Alternatively, grate with a box grater.
- Transfer the cauliflower ‘rice’ to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 5 minutes until soft. Let cool slightly, then wrap tightly in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, eggs, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. If too wet, add a tablespoon of almond flour or extra Parmesan.
- Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper. Press the cauliflower mixture into a thin, even circle about 10-12 inches in diameter, with slightly thicker edges.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the crust for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Remove crust from oven. Spread marinara sauce evenly, sprinkle shredded mozzarella, add grilled chicken, turkey pepperoni, and dollops of ricotta. Sprinkle hemp seeds on top.
- Return pizza to oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
Squeezing the cauliflower dry is essential to avoid soggy crust. Pre-bake the crust before adding toppings to ensure crispiness. Use a pizza stone if available for a crunchier bottom. Avoid overloading toppings to keep crust firm. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if extra crispiness is desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the pizza
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 28
Keywords: cauliflower crust pizza, high protein pizza, gluten-free pizza, healthy pizza, low carb pizza, cauliflower pizza crust, easy pizza recipe