My family has always loved pizza night, but I’ve struggled to find a healthy crust option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. That is, until I discovered the magic of Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza. This recipe has become a total game-changer in our house – it’s so delicious that no one misses the traditional doughy crust.
What makes this Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza recipe so special is the perfect balance of a crispy, golden-brown cauliflower base and the bright, creamy green goddess dressing that ties everything together. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, coming together in just 50 minutes total.
Why This Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
The key to nailing this Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza lies in the prep work. By taking the time to properly “rice” the cauliflower and squeeze out excess moisture, you end up with a sturdy, crisp crust that won’t get soggy. The secret ingredient? Eggs, which help bind the cauliflower together for a pizza base that’s easy to work with and bakes up to perfection.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, riced – The star of the show! Ricing the cauliflower gives you a fine, even texture for the crust.
- 2 eggs – These act as the glue, helping the cauliflower hold its shape.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For that classic pizza flavor and melty goodness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a savory, nutty note.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Brings that irresistible Italian seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Delivers a subtle garlic punch.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
- 1 cup green goddess dressing – The star of the show! This creamy, herb-packed dressing takes the pizza to new heights.
- 2 cups mixed greens – For a fresh, crunchy topping.
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers – Add a pop of color and sweet flavor.
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion – For a little zing.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese – The perfect tangy finish.
Step-by-Step Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza Instructions
Preparing Your Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
Prep time for this Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza is just 20 minutes, with a 30-minute cook time, for a total of 50 minutes. You’ll need a food processor, baking sheet, and a few basic kitchen tools to get started.
1- First, pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble a fine rice-like texture. Transfer the riced cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible – this crucial step ensures your crust will be crispy, not soggy.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower rice with 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.
3- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and transfer the cauliflower mixture onto it, pressing it into a thin, even round crust.
4- Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, until it’s golden brown and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
5- Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spread 1 cup of green goddess dressing evenly over the top, leaving a small border.
6- Top the dressed crust with the 2 cups of mixed greens, 1 cup sliced bell peppers, 1/2 cup sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese. Slice and serve immediately for a delicious, healthy pizza night!
Pro Tips for Success
- Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze! Removing as much moisture as possible from the riced cauliflower is key to achieving that perfect crispy crust.
- Preheat your oven thoroughly and use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy transfer and cleanup.
- Let the crust cool slightly before adding the toppings – this will help prevent the crust from getting soggy.
- Feel free to get creative with your veggie toppings! Sliced mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would also be delicious.
Serving and Storing Your Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
Perfect Pairings for Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
This Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza is a delightful main dish that serves 6 people. For a complete meal, try pairing it with a fresh, colorful salad or a side of roasted vegetables. A light, crisp white wine or a zesty IPA would also complement the flavors nicely.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
For longer-term storage, the unbaked cauliflower crust can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and when ready to use, simply top and bake as directed. This makes it easy to have a healthy pizza night on demand!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
Creative Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza Variations
Looking to switch things up? Try these tasty Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza variations:
- Swap the green goddess dressing for a creamy pesto or marinara sauce.
- Top with grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted veggies for a heartier meal.
- Use a blend of different cheeses, like goat cheese, provolone, or grated Parmesan.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for added flavor.
Making Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza Diet-Friendly
To make this Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza recipe more diet-friendly, here are some tasty substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs in the crust.
- Swap the mozzarella and feta cheeses for dairy-free alternatives to make it vegan.
- Use a low-carb green goddess dressing recipe to reduce the carb count.
- Load up on extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or artichokes to boost the nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen riced cauliflower instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Using frozen riced cauliflower is a great time-saving shortcut. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using it in the recipe.
Q: How long does it take to make the Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza?
A: This recipe has a total time of 50 minutes – 20 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking the crust and assembling the pizza.
Q: Can I make the Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza ahead of time?
A: Yes! The unbaked cauliflower crust can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply top it with the green goddess dressing and toppings and bake as directed.
Q: How many servings does this Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings, making it a great option for family meals or entertaining.
Q: What if my cauliflower crust doesn’t hold together?
A: If your crust is having trouble holding its shape, make sure you’ve squeezed out as much moisture as possible from the riced cauliflower. You can also try adding an extra egg to the mixture to help it bind together better.
Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious and healthy Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza! This low-carb pizza features a crispy cauliflower-based crust, topped with a creamy green goddess sauce and fresh vegetable toppings.
Ingredients
– 1 head of cauliflower, riced
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup green goddess dressing
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup sliced bell peppers
– 1/2 cup sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a food processor, pulse the cauliflower until it resembles rice.
3. Transfer the riced cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
4. In a large bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, eggs, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Press the cauliflower mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming a thin, even crust.
6. Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the crust from the oven and spread the green goddess dressing evenly over the top.
8. Arrange the mixed greens, bell peppers, and red onion slices on top of the dressing.
9. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the toppings.
10. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the toppings are heated through and the cheese is melted.
11. Slice and serve the Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza immediately.
Notes
For a crispier crust, you can bake the cauliflower crust for an additional 5-10 minutes before adding the toppings. You can also experiment with different vegetable toppings, such as spinach, mushrooms, or olives.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza is truly a game-changer when it comes to healthy, delicious pizza nights. With its crispy, veggie-based crust and vibrant, creamy green goddess toppings, this recipe is a surefire way to satisfy your pizza cravings without any guilt.
Give this Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza a try and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, too. Enjoy!
