Easy Cauli Crust

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This foolproof cauliflower pizza crust creates a crispy, holdable base using either fresh or frozen cauliflower. The key is properly squeezing out excess moisture.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:11:37 GMT
Two slices of cheese pizza on a round plate, resting on a piece of parchment paper. Pin it
Two slices of cheese pizza on a round plate, resting on a piece of parchment paper. | cookingwithcasey.com

My journey with cauliflower pizza crust began during my family's quest for healthier meals. Now it's become our favorite Friday night tradition. The crust turns out beautifully crispy with a delightful cheesy base that holds all your toppings perfectly. The best part? It's naturally gluten free and low in carbs.

What Makes This Recipe Different

After countless test runs in my kitchen I've perfected this foolproof method. The crust comes out crispy every time never soggy or falling apart. You can use fresh or frozen cauliflower whichever is easier. My family loves it so much they actually prefer it to regular pizza now.

Simple Kitchen Staples

  • Cauliflower: A fresh head around 2 pounds does the trick but frozen works great too
  • Egg: This magical ingredient holds everything together
  • Parmesan: The secret to that crispy cheesy texture
  • Italian Seasoning: My blend of dried herbs adds that classic pizza flavor
  • Salt and Pepper: Just enough to make the flavors pop

Starting With the Right Cauliflower

My local market sells fresh cauliflower heads at great prices but on busy weeks I grab the pre riced bags from the freezer section. Both work beautifully and I've found the taste difference is minimal once it's all cooked up.

Preparing Your Cauliflower

Fresh From The Garden
Break into florets pulse in your food processor then pop in the oven or microwave
Store Bought Rice
Eight minutes in the microwave does the trick beautifully
Frozen Florets
Let them thaw then give them a whirl in the processor just like fresh
A freshly baked cheese pizza cut into eight slices, resting on parchment paper. Pin it
A freshly baked cheese pizza cut into eight slices, resting on parchment paper. | cookingwithcasey.com

Creating The Perfect Crust

The Magic Squeeze
Let your cooked cauliflower cool then squeeze out every drop of moisture you can find
Mix It Up
Combine your squeezed cauliflower with egg cheese and those lovely seasonings
Time To Bake
Shape it on your lined baking sheet and let it get golden and crispy in a hot oven

Make It Your Own

Our family loves getting creative with toppings. My daughter's favorite is classic margherita while my husband loads his up with grilled chicken. Just remember to keep the toppings light so your crust stays crispy.

My Secret Success Tips

After many pizza nights I've learned that squeezing out moisture is absolutely key. Keep your crust about 10 inches wide for the perfect texture. Give it a minute to cool before slicing it makes all the difference.

Save Some For Later

On Sunday meal prep days I often make extra crusts to freeze. Once they're cooled just wrap them well and pop in the freezer. They're ready whenever pizza cravings strike just heat and top.

Extra Crispy Tips

Want that extra special crunch? Try flipping the crust halfway through baking. It's a little trick I learned from my Italian neighbor and it works like magic every time.

A hand holds a slice of crispy cheese bread, with a larger piece in the background on a plate lined with parchment paper. Pin it
A hand holds a slice of crispy cheese bread, with a larger piece in the background on a plate lined with parchment paper. | cookingwithcasey.com

Good For Your Body

Since switching to cauliflower crust I feel so much better after pizza night. It's packed with nutrients and fiber plus it keeps you satisfied without that heavy feeling from regular pizza.

Making It Your Way

My vegan friends love this with flax eggs and plant based cheese. The herbs and seasonings are totally up to you. Sometimes I add extra garlic or spices depending on my mood.

Meal Prep Magic

I always make a few crusts at once these days. They're perfect for busy weeknights when everyone wants something different for dinner. Just grab from the freezer top and enjoy.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftover pizza goes into my glass containers in the fridge. A quick reheat in the oven crisps it right back up. It never lasts more than a couple days in our house though.

Adding Extra Flavor

Some nights I mix garlic powder right into the crust or sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh basil on top after baking brings that wonderful aroma to your kitchen.

Two slices of golden-brown pizza are placed on a round plate with a piece of parchment paper underneath. Pin it
Two slices of golden-brown pizza are placed on a round plate with a piece of parchment paper underneath. | cookingwithcasey.com

Staying On Track

This pizza fits perfectly into my low carb lifestyle. Each slice has just 4 grams of carbs but tastes so indulgent you won't believe it's good for you.

The Real Deal

Yes you can taste a hint of cauliflower but the cheesy crispy texture makes it absolutely crave worthy. My pizza loving friends are always amazed when they try it.

Family Fun

Pizza night becomes an adventure when the kids join in. They love choosing their own toppings and watching their creation come to life. Even my pickiest eater asks for seconds.

Complete The Meal

We love serving our cauliflower crust pizzas with a big colorful salad on the side. The combination makes for such a satisfying and nutritious dinner.

Guilt Free Comfort Food

This recipe lets you enjoy pizza night without any worries. It's become such a hit in our house that regular pizza delivery is now a thing of the past. Who knew cauliflower could be so amazing?

A freshly baked cheese pizza sliced into eight pieces, resting on parchment paper. Pin it
A freshly baked cheese pizza sliced into eight pieces, resting on parchment paper. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is squeezing out water so important?
Removing excess moisture is crucial for a crispy crust that holds together. Squeeze for 3-4 minutes until you get about 1.5 cups water out.
→ Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower rice directly without thawing. Just cook from frozen state.
→ Can I freeze this crust?
Yes, bake and cool crusts, then wrap in plastic. Freeze up to 3 months. Reheat frozen crust before adding toppings.
→ What if I don't have a food processor?
You can grate cauliflower using a box grater or simply buy pre-made cauliflower rice.
→ How do I make it extra crispy?
After initial baking, carefully flip the crust and bake for a few additional minutes before adding toppings.

Conclusion

This foolproof cauliflower pizza crust creates a crispy, holdable base using either fresh or frozen cauliflower. The key is properly squeezing out excess moisture.

Low Carb Pizza Base

A crispy, low-carb pizza crust made from cauliflower that holds together like regular pizza - works with fresh or frozen cauliflower.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: North American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 11-inch crust)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2.5 pounds cauliflower (or 2x12-16 oz packages cauliflower rice).
02 1 large egg.
03 1/2 cup Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese, grated.
04 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
05 1/8 teaspoon salt.
06 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
07 Cooking spray.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Process cauliflower into rice texture. Skip if using pre-riced.

Step 03

Bake cauliflower rice 15 minutes or microwave 8 minutes. Cool in cheesecloth.

Step 04

Squeeze liquid from cauliflower thoroughly for 3-4 minutes.

Step 05

Mix dried cauliflower with egg, cheese and seasonings.

Step 06

Shape into 11-inch crust. Bake at 450F for 20 minutes, flip if desired for extra crispiness.

Notes

  1. Squeezing out water is crucial for crispy crust.
  2. Can use fresh or frozen cauliflower.
  3. Freezes well up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Cheesecloth or linen towel.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy (cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 48
  • Total Fat: 2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 4 g