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Crispy Cauliflower Crust Turkey Pepperoni Pizza

Crispy Cauliflower Crust Turkey Pepperoni Pizza - featured image

A healthier, crispy cauliflower crust pizza topped with savory turkey pepperoni and melty cheese, perfect for a guilt-free comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups riced)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk recommended)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup low-sugar tomato sauce or marinara
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 50 slices turkey pepperoni
  • Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop the cauliflower into florets. Pulse in a food processor until it resembles fine rice (about 4 cups). Avoid over-processing into mush.
  2. Place the riced cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 4-5 minutes until soft, or steam on the stovetop for the same amount of time. Let it cool slightly.
  3. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to wring out as much water as possible from the cauliflower rice. The drier the cauliflower, the crispier the crust.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the squeezed cauliflower rice, egg, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
  5. Line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper. Spread the cauliflower mixture evenly into a 10-12 inch circle, about ¼ inch thick. Smooth it out with hands or the back of a spoon.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the crust for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy around the edges. It should feel firm and dry to the touch.
  7. Remove the crust from the oven. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange turkey pepperoni slices on top.
  8. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pepperoni edges are slightly crisp.
  9. Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Squeezing out excess moisture from the cauliflower rice is critical for a crispy crust. Baking the crust at 425°F helps achieve a golden crisp without burning. If crust is soggy, bake a few minutes longer or briefly broil before adding toppings. For dairy-free crust, substitute almond flour for cheese and use a flax egg. Frozen cauliflower can be used if thawed and moisture squeezed out thoroughly.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower crust pizza, turkey pepperoni pizza, healthy pizza, low carb pizza, gluten-free pizza, easy homemade pizza