This Cauliflower Crust Pizza recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it the cleanest pizza I’ve found. It’s also delicious! You can actually pick it up with your hands, and it can be frozen for a quick dinner.
I fell in love with this crust because it’s the first “alternative” crust pizza I’ve been able to pick up and eat like a pizza. It’s crusty on the edges and chewy in the center – you would NEVER guess that the secret ingredient is cauliflower.
I’ve been playing with it for a few weeks and – after feedback from a couple of readers whose crust wasn’t sturdy enough – I measured/weighed every ingredient, so it is fool-proof. *knock on wood*
The instructions seem long because I wanted to be very detailed. It’s really not as hard as it seems at first glance! There are a couple of steps, but it is well worth it. This is one of the best things I’ve made lately. The recipes I repeat are few and far between; this deliciousness has been on my meal plan at least once a week for a month!
I included my toppings in the recipe below, but feel free to use your favorites. I have always loved artichokes, arugula, and eggplant on pizza.
This addition of capers was a good call. Typically I find capers too salty, but I quickly rinsed them under water before placing them on my pizza, and it added just the right amount of tang!
This will make you feel like you’re eating a cheat day meal, but there’s nothing “bad” about it. It is also gluten-free, and sugar-free, with a vegan option.
Bon appétit!
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
For the Crust:
- 100g cauliflower (~1 C de-stemmed)
- 1/4 C egg whites (use flax egg to make vegan)
- 1/4 C quinoa flakes
- 1 T Italian spice blend
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Topping Ideas:
- Tomato Sauce
- Red onion
- Garlic
- Arugula
- Eggplant (diced and pre-cooked)
- Artichoke hearts
- Red Beets
- Capers
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Place raw cauliflower florets in a food processor or blender. Blend until it is “riced” (in very small rice-like pieces).
In a small bowl, combine cauliflower, quinoa flakes, egg, and spices.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper about the size of a 10-inch pizza stone or baking sheet. Press the “dough” onto one sheet of parchment, spreading to create a thin crust (about 1/8 inch thick). Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes.
When the crust is done (should have turned slightly golden and firmed up), remove it from the oven and gently flip it over so that the bottom is now the top. Place back in the oven for 5 mins to firm it up.
While the crust is baking, prepare your favorite toppings.
Once the crust is done, spread tomato sauce (or pesto, or oil… whatever you prefer) over it and add your toppings. Return to oven and bake for 5-10 mins (until cheese melts).
Makes 1 serving.
***
Pro-tip: cook a bunch at once and store them in the freezer after they cool. They thaw quickly for those froze pizza night emergencies!
Have you tried a cauliflower crust before?
What are your favorite pizza toppings?
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List says
dang – i gotta make this crust! and dang on the legs too!!
Katie @wishandwhimsy says
Can’t wait to make this pizza crust. Hoping to this week. Sounds so good!
Alex @ therunwithin says
I am making that crust tonight. I finally have a cauliflower because it was on sale! Woot! I am going to use coconut four instead though, all I have around here.
Laura says
Let me know how that works! You may need to add more liquid since coconut flour is so absorbent.
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
I actually bought cauliflower this weekend to make pizza! Mine will have parmesan 🙂
Laura says
Obv. 😉
Cristina says
LooKs great! What could use in place of quinoa flakes?
Laura says
I think you could use any flour, but I haven’t tried it.
Lee says
I’ve tried a cauliflower crust but it was basically just cauilflower, egg and lots of cheese. This sounds much healthier.
Parita says
YUM! I’ve really been wanting to try this crust for a while now. I have a whole head of cauliflower sitting in my fridge – but it’s going to be used for cauliflower mac n’ cheese! Next week, I’ll conquer the cauliflower crust pizza!
Laura says
Ohhhh… mac and cheese sound fab! I tried that with parsnip rice once… can’t wait to see yours!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Nice legs lady! Ya gotta love a trainer that comes up with good alternatives to keep you working! I will definitely try this crust since there’s no cheese! I made cauliflower wraps last night for Mexican night and I loved them! They stunk up the house while they were baking, but the flavor was really neutral and extremely versatile! As for pizza toppings…anything veggie goes for me with a huge scoop of nooch!
Laura says
Wraps?1 Are you going to post that? Sounds awesome!
This definitely didn’t stink up the kitchen. I don’t think you can even tell it’s cauliflower.
RavieNomNoms says
I am going to try this!! It looks so great!
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says
Look at those legsssss! Rawrrrrrr
karina says
I want that pizza now! haha it look so good! any thing I can use to replace the quinoa flakes?
Laura says
I think you could use any flour, but I haven’t tried it. Let me know if you do!
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe says
OMG legs! I cannot wait to see your results before your first competition. You are rocking this training.
Jenny says
Did someone say 150 push ups? Holy hell. You go girl!
Laura says
I did them in 3 sets.. 😉
Jed Gray (sportsglutton) says
Not a bad looking pizza for being so healthy. And your legs are shaping up nicely…though they’re not as good as mine. 😉
Laura says
Both are HUGE compliments coming from you, my friend. Thank you! 😉
Khushboo says
Ok I don’t know what to comment on first: your quads or the pizza but either way, both are looking AMAZING! I love cauliflower crust pizza- I’ve always been more about the toppings anyway! Favorites include mushrooms & caramelised onions…the more veggies, the better!
Laura says
Thank you!!! Shrooms and onions are a must! I always get into trouble over-loading this with veggies. 🙂
STUFT Mama says
Okay, so your crust stays together WAY better than my crumby mess. I’m so trying yours. 🙂 And……. can I please have your legs?????
Laura says
Thank you!!!! HUGE compliment coming from you. You have the best cut – all that stroller running!!! 🙂
Allie says
I have got to try this! I made a cauliflower crust way back when, but it was sort of soup-y. I mean, delicious, but definitely nothing you could pick up. Or really even eat w/ a fork. Cauliflower is on the grocery list for this weekend! If I can stop eating fishsticks/chicken nuggets for just one meal…
If you manage to get dates AND the first three ingredients into next week, I’m going to be very impressed ;D
Laura says
I want to try your fish-nuggets! I bet it would be so good with some nooch and horseradish.
I may bail on the dates… I can’t stand them! #fail
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family says
It’s Monday and that means the wait for the cauliflower pizza crust is over. My favorite topping for pizza is roma tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and spinach (not always all together).
I cannot wait to get the ingredients, con my family into not wanting to help with preparation (wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise of cauliflower), and consume this tout suite.
Sorry that the heel is still giving you trouble…but it looks like you are shaping up nicely.
When you say “attended” the figure show you just watched? I assume you aren’t ready for it yet (although your legs are awesome).
Laura says
I would eat those topping all together1 Throw in some roasted garlic and artichokes and you’f have my standard order!
Right – just watching for now. Hoping to compete by November!
Christine says
I can’t wait to try the crust recipe out. yum! A measurin’ we shall go. Pinned. 😉
Danielle says
I need to try this crust out as soon as possible! So much better for you than regular pizza crust and I love the added veggies in there!
Carol @ Lucky Zucca says
OK Still dying to try this cauliflower crust but I’m having a hard time getting Jesse on board. You looked amazing on Sunday at WF- I think you’re ready! GOOO Laura Go!!! PS I kinda wanted to stalk you once I was done shopping and see exactly what you put in your cart. Next time you go grocery shopping can I shadow you?
Laura says
I seriously doubt he would be able to tell its cauliflower!
Thank you SO much, Carol!!! We really should do a fun shopping trip to YDFM or Buford Highway!
Alysha @Shesontherun says
I have never tried cauliflower pizza crust before, but it seems like a good idea because my veggie intake was seriously lacking last week 🙁 Good thing I just started it with some ratatouille last night.
Stacy @ Stacy Eats says
Nice legs, girl! Sorry about the pain in your heel, hopefully your podiatrist will have some good advice/news for you.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Holy legs woman! 🙂
Laura says
Thank you! 🙂
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says
Holy crap can I have your legs? Please? Pretty please.
+ overachieving is good. I’m an overachiever, shhhhh. and I say it’s PERFECTLY fine 😉
Laura says
You are too sweet! I still have a ways to go. 🙂
But yes, PERFECTLY fine. 😉
Laura says
Hope you figure out the weird ankle pain! This is still on my must-make list, and now I’m extra motivated to cook after being cooked for the last two weeks. I even picked up a cauliflower randomly today, without a plan for it. I’m going to make it this week, I’ll let you know how it turns out!
Laura says
Please do ! I love pics. 🙂
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
You are awesome – I’m so impressed you managed to fit all three ingredients into one recipe (not surprised though!). This looks awesome!
Keep me updated with your foot – I’m praying for you!
Laura says
Thanks Heather! Wish you were here to to a A-Z dinner party with .:)
sarah says
Sorry if I’m a twat for asking this. But does de-steamed cauliflower ,mean cauliflower that has been steamed, or cauliflower that is raw? I really want to make this crust, but de-steamed confused my ( obviously small) brain.
Thanks!
Xxx
Laura says
Great question! I met it as in stems removed. The cauliflower is raw.
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Love the idea of this crust!
StoriesAndSweetPotatoes says
Oh man I totally made this crust with quinoa flakes before. Fan-freakin-tastic. Lately I’ve been making cauliflower wraps.
Laura says
I need to try those!
Meg says
I weighed my cauliflower the two times I made it too 🙂 haha exactly like yours babe! Gosh we are too good 😉 I’ve been missing you! So nice to catch up <3 your pizza looks amazing again!
So inspiring on the workouts <3 I love you Laura
Laura says
Did you really?! I don’t know why I’m surprised. 😉
Brittany says
MMM I am SO making this with the extra head of cauliflower I have laying around in my fridge. 😀 By the way, your legs are incredible!
Laura says
Thank you!! Let me know if you try it! I’d love to see your take. 🙂
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
I so have to try this again!!
MizFit says
The legs. The pizza skills.
I wanna be you for a day 🙂
Laura says
Awwww… you are too sweet. Can you do my job for a day too? LOL!
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
Oh the pizza looks awesome and thanks for the vegan version. I’ve seen the cauliflower crusts but using lots of cheese. And the heel pain – reading your other post – sounds like plantar fasciitis. But I’m not doctor, just a sufferer.
Laura says
That’s what a lot of people have said… I’ll find out at the Dr. tomorrow!
lindsay says
dang and dang is right. I love that crust and capers. both chewy and pickly. hehe. Now about those legs, SEXY thang you.
Laura says
LOL! I heart you. 🙂
purelymichelle says
still have yet to make cauliflower pizza
Laura says
You have to let me know when you try it! I know you will love like socca. 😉
Katie says
Cannot wait to try that crust. The cauliflower in my fridge drawer is BEGGING me to make it into pizza. Just begging.
Laura says
I love it when they beg. 😉
Ameena says
What a very cool idea…I’m impressed with the creativity! I wish I could say I’d try this but the truth is that I don’t own a food processor. Sad but true!
Laura says
Do you have a blender? This would work using a blender as well.
Choc Chip Uru says
That pizza crust has me super swooning (more than swooning) 😀
Yum!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Ksenija @ Health Ninja says
oh my… this last picture, where the piece is hanging down and looks just so juicy and yum… sorry, I just totally drolled 😀
Do you think it is possible to use a whole egg instead of the 1/4 cup of egg whites?
Laura says
A whole egg should be fine.
Min @ savortherainbow says
I haven’t tried this fool-proof culiflower pizza crust yet. I’m going to pin it and try making it one of these days! I hope the hubby will like it. We’re a huge fan of thin but not too thin, chewy crust. It’ll be fun to switch things up! My favorite toppings are -mushrooms, bell peppers, caramelized red onions, well.. basically any veggies..but I’ve learned from making it at home that piling on as much vegges as I possibly can is not such a good idea..the crust ended up becoming very soggy.
Laura says
Please let me know when you do! I bet your will be gorgeous. 🙂
Calee (@chimes) says
Totally going to make this crust next week. I’ve been dying to have pizza and I’m getting sick of buying pre-made crusts (b/c homemade gluten free crusts have thus far been a fail).
You’ve been feeding me all week. Just finished another carrot cake batter shake. I doubled the carrots and ginger since I don’t often eat veggies for breakfast. 🙂
Laura says
That’s awesome!!! I bet doubling the carrots was delicious. I want to try with with sweet potato mixed in too.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Dude, this looks so flippin’ good. [So do your gams, lady! ;)]
I used to be an overachiever. Used to be.
Paula@paulasplate.net says
This looks incredible. I am super excited to give it a try! I have seen this idea on pintrest before, but I’ve never tasted it. I love how your recipe is one serving, it is perfect! Memo to me, pick up cauliflower on the way home from work. Also, where do you purchase quinoa flakes? I have regular quinoa, but I’ve never seen the flakes before…
Laura says
Thanks! Most of what I make is one serving… I supposed I should make 2 more often so I have lunch the next day!
I got my flakes at Whole Foods.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
Oh yeah, good call on turning the crust over before topping it! I’ve been eyeing the heads of cauliflower at the store ever since my last pizza a couple of weeks ago and was looking forward to trying out your newest version when I popped by the other day and didn’t get a chance to comment, but guess what…*angry voice*…GUESS WHAT?! My mother frickin’ cheap arse Black & Decker food processor totally BROKE yesterday! I know… And what made it even worse was that it broke in the middle of me making my red velvet cake smoothie! Luckily I had the Magic Bullet as a standby…but unfortunately, I don’t think the little guy could hold his own with cauliflower. Damn! Looks like I’ve got some shopping to do!
I seriously thought of participating in Heather’s link party this week, but I’ve only tried capers once…and they turned my mouth inside out with the saltiness! Now just the thought of them makes my mouth go dry! Lol!
And last but not least…DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN girl! Look at ‘dem legs! Ow ow!!
Laura says
Anytime you comment on my blog it makes my day. You crack my ass up. I can’t believe your B&D broke!!! Mine has been a rockstar (knock on wood). I make your red velvet smoothie last night to freeze to take to the gym tonight. It was ALL I could do not to chug it right after I made it. So effing good.
Crista says
your legs are AMAZING!!!! Keep rocking!
Sarah says
This version held together! I made the original and it didn’t, so I appreciate you taking the time to be an overachiever and make this crust 🙂 It’s also a good way to use those quinoa flakes I’ve had in my pantry for ages…
Next step is to make this with zucchini, I think!
Laura says
Awesome! I am so glad it was a success for you. 🙂
Let me know what you think of it with zucchini! It works with cabbage, I am told.
PG says
Succeed for e 1st time today! Topped with tomato herbs and prawn! Love!
Laura says
So glad you liked it – your toppings sound fantastic!
Amber says
This cauliflower crust rocked! Thanks for sharing with the world. I, too, put too many toppings on it but it was still unbelievable. Thanks for posting your recipes. This was the first one I’ve tried but it most certainly won’t be the last!
Laura says
I am SO glad you liked it! Toppings are always my downfall. 😉
Thank you so much for reading and the feedback!
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says
Thank you so much for sharing my Cauliflower Pizza Crust recipe!!! 🙂 I love the toppings you used….super delicious! have a wonderful thanksgiving! cheers!
Jessica says
^ Sorry about that comment up there, idk what happened lol
Anyways, what I meant to say….
I tried making cauliflower crust tonight, but before I saw this recipe. Of course I didn’t really follow the recipe that I had and it didn’t really turn out… what it came out to be was like a cauliflower omelet, which was good but I definitely want to try your creation. Love your blog!
Laura says
Sorry your didn’t turn out! It took me a few tries to get it right. Let me know how it works for you if you try mine!
Paula says
When you say 1/4 c, what do you mean exactly? Its my firts time trying healthy crust and I wanna make it sure (in addition Im spanish so its not my main type of measures). Looks so yummy, thanks!
Laura says
Just what it says – 1/4 of a cup. 😉