Cauliflower Crust Pizza Inspiration

Cauliflower foods are all the rage right now with cauliflower gnocchi, cauliflower rice and even cauliflower pretzels. Let me tell you, one cauliflower trend you don’t want to miss is cauliflower pizza! Cauliflower pizza has become a staple in our house. The pizza crust crisps up great in the oven and the toppings are endless. I typically use the Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Pizza crust for $3.99, but I think just about every store will carry it in the frozen section. This recipe will tell you the best way to bake the crust and will hopefully give you a few topping inspirations!

Serving Size = ½ Pizza per Person

How to Bake Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Remove cauliflower crust from the freezer and place directly on the oven rack. You want to bake the crust while it is frozen without letting it thaw.

3. Bake the crust for 20 to 25 minutes until it is about 90% as crisp as you will want it.

4. Remove the crust from the oven by sliding it onto a cutting board and add toppings.

5. Return the crust directly to the oven rack and broil on high for 3 to 5 minutes until the toppings are melted and warmed through.

6. Remove from the oven and enjoy!

Tips: You can definitely use a sheet pan to bake the crust if you would like. You will need to flip the crust every 5 minutes so both sides are crisping up. I have found that this technique leads to soggier crust than placing it directly on the oven rack. It can also be difficult to remove the crust without creating any rips. I use a large grill spatula and it works great, but if you do not have one I would recommend using a smaller spatula or tongs and slowly slide the crust onto a cutting board. If the crust seems soggy you can place it on a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture before adding the toppings.

Cauliflower Crust White Pizza

Ingredients:

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Olive Oil

Minced Garlic

Shredded Mozzarella

Ricotta Cheese

Basil

1. Bake cauliflower crust according to directions above.

2. Remove cauliflower crust and brush with olive oil and about 1 tbsp of minced garlic.

3. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the crust. Dollop small spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top of the mozzarella and add ground black pepper.

4. Put back in the oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the mozzarella starts to melt and bubble and the ricotta is just starting to turn golden.

5. Remove pizza and top with fresh basil. Enjoy!

Pesto Chicken and Goat Cheese Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Ingredients:

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Your Favorite Pesto (I use TJ’s Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto)

½ Chicken Breast or 1 Thin Chicken Breast (you do not need a lot of chicken for 1 pizza)

Cherry Tomatoes

Shredded Mozzarella

Goat Cheese

1. Bake cauliflower crust according to directions above.

2. Heat a small pan over medium heat with 1 tbsp of olive oil and saute the chicken breast for 5 to 8 minutes until just barely cooked through. Remove from heat and using two forks shred the chicken breast and mix with a spoonful of the pesto. You can slice the chicken before and cook it that way but I prefer shredded chicken. You can bake the chicken and then shred it if you prefer that method, either way will work.

3. Remove crust from oven and spread an even layer of the pesto for the base. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the crust and crumble goat cheese on top of the mozzarella. Arrange shredded chicken and sliced cherry tomatoes evenly around pizza and return to oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and just starting to bubble.

4. Remove from the oven and enjoy!

Spicy Honey and Pepperoni Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Ingredients:

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Pizza Sauce

TJ’s Quattro Formaggio Shredded Cheese (blend of parmesan, asiago, fontina and provolone)

Honey

Red Pepper Flakes

Pepperoni or Cured Meat of your choosing (I use TJ’s Calabrese Salami)

1. Bake cauliflower crust according to directions above.

2. In a glass bowl combine about 2 tbsp of honey and some red pepper flakes. Heat in the microwave for about 15 to 30 seconds to help honey become infused with red pepper flakes. If you have a favorite hot honey use that instead!

3. Remove crust and spread a thin and even layer of pizza sauce around the crust. Sprinkle generously with TJ’s Quattro Formaggio blend and top with pepperoni or salami.

4. Return to the oven and broil on high for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

5. Remove pizza from oven and top with honey and red pepper flake mixture. Enjoy!

Steak, Caramelized Onion and Balsamic Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Ingredients:

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Red Sauce

2 to 4 oz of leftover Steak (you really only need a small amount)

TJ’s Quattro Formaggio Shredded Cheese (blend of parmesan, asiago, fontina and provolone)

Red or White Onion

Goat Cheese

Balsamic Glaze

1. Bake cauliflower crust according to directions.

2. Heat 1 tbsp of butter or olive oil in a small pan over medium to high heat. Thinly slice ¼ of an onion and saute in pan for 5 to 6 minutes until the onions start to caramelize.

3. Remove crust from oven and spread a thin layer of red sauce around the crust. Sprinkle the quattro formaggio blend over the crust and crumble some goat cheese on top. Arrange the caramelized onions and steak evenly on the crust.

4. Broil in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

5. Remove from oven and drizzle with the balsamic glaze - enjoy!