Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup riced and cooked cauliflower (instructions below)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated onion
• dash salt and pepper, to taste

To "Rice" the cauliflower:
Take 1 large head of cauliflower. Remove the stems and outer leaves. Rinse well under water and remove majority of the excess water (pat dry, or let it strain in a colander for a bit). 

There are two methods to ricing:

1. Grate the head of cauliflower with a cheese grater.
2. Chop the cauliflower into chunks. Place in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped (not pureed).

Place riced cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 8 minutes. DO NOT ADD WATER TO THE BOWL. Let cool.

Add the remaining ingredients to the cauliflower and mix very well. 

Spray a non-stick baking sheet with non-stick spray. Scoop the cauliflower mixture onto the center of the baking sheet. Using your hands (or a spatula), gently and evenly pat the cauliflower mixture into a flat circle (to the desired thickness of your pizza crust. Bake crust at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes (until top begins to turn golden). Remove crust from oven. Top with sauce and toppings. Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes longer (or until cheese is melted) OR under a broiler on high heat until cheese is melted.

**NOTE** Due to the short cook-time of the pizza, be sure all of your toppings are pre-cooked!  


Need some topping ideas?!

• The Basic Stuff: Use a traditional sauce. Add toppings of choice (peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomato, ham, sausage, pepperoni, ground meat, pineapple, anchovies...)
• The Taco Pizza: Use a taco sauce or enchilada sauce. Top with cheese of choice (mozzarella, cheddar, pepper-jack...), taco-seasoned ground meat and olives (if desired). Bake according to directions above. When pizza is done baking, top with shredded lettuce, diced (and seeded) tomatoes, and green onion. Serve topped with avocado slices, sour cream, etc... Enjoy!
• The BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use a barbecue sauce. Chop up some cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts into small cubes. Top the barbecue sauce with some fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Lightly saute some diced red onion, mushrooms, and green bell pepper. Add the chopped chicken and veggie mixture to the pizza. Top with mozzarella (or provolone or smoked Gouda...). Bake according to directions above.
• The Gourmet Pizza: Use an Alfredo sauce. Chop up some cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts. Lightly saute some red onion and mushrooms. Top the pizza with the chicken and veggie mixture. For some added flair, add some roasted garlic cloves. MMMMM. Top with cheese of choice (mozzarella, provolone, etc.) Bake according to directions above.