🤫 The Secret Low-Carb Pizza Your Kids Won’t Know is Cauliflower! 🍕
Shhh… don’t tell the kids, but this crispy, cheesy pizza crust is made almost entirely from cauliflower! It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and totally guilt-free—but you’d never know it by the taste. Topped with melty mozzarella, savory marinara, and fresh basil, this sneaky little pizza is a weeknight win for the whole family. Even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds—without realizing they just ate a serving of veggies! 🙌🍕
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
📝 Ingredients:
1 medium cauliflower head, grated (about 2–3 cups when riced)
1 egg
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup marinara sauce (choose low-sugar if possible)
A few fresh basil leaves, torn or whole
Optional: ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp dried oregano, pinch of salt
For the Toppings:
120ml (½ cup) marinara sauce
100g (1 cup) fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
Fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
🍴 Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Grate the cauliflower or pulse florets in a food processor until it resembles rice.
- Place riced cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible—this is key for a crisp crust!
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a bowl, mix the cauliflower, 1 egg, ½ cup mozzarella, and seasonings (if using).
- Spread the mixture into a flat, round crust on the parchment-lined baking sheet (about ¼ inch thick).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Spread marinara sauce evenly over the pre-baked crust.
Add torn fresh mozzarella pieces.
Return to oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Remove from oven and immediately add:
Fresh basil leaves
A drizzle of olive oil
Fresh ground black pepper
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Top with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve hot!
🥦 Nutrition (per slice, based on 6 slices):
- Calories: ~110
- Carbs: ~4g net
- Fat: ~7g
- Protein: ~8g
Nutrition varies slightly based on sauce and cheese used.
🔄 Tips & Variations:
- Add toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers before the final bake.
- Swap mozzarella for a mix of cheeses like provolone or cheddar.
- Air fryer version? Cook the crust at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, then add toppings and cook another 5.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Not recommended for freezing.
Common Troubleshooting
If your crust is soggy:
- Squeeze cauliflower more thoroughly
- Increase pre-bake time by 5 minutes
- Ensure oven is fully preheated
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Fresh arugula salad
- Balsamic glaze drizzle
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Glass of dry Italian wine