Clean Cauliflower Crust Pizza

I came from a place where I didn't think there was anything wrong with the intense carbs and greasy-ness (yes, that's a word to me!). I didn't think that there was anything wrong with ANYTHING that was "processed" and I'm not even sure that I knew what processed meant.

The fillers and garbage that is added into our foods today for a variety of reasons, is simply unethical and misleading. I won't get into all this, because I could rant forever. So let's continue.

In the United States, pizza has become such a staple food item. It is commonly a family favorite in the house and is commonly extremely bad for you. I wanted to share this recipe with you because it is simple and I simply like to find alternative ways to enjoy your favorites in a healthy way - without feeling like you were missing something. Don't get me wrong, I like good old fashion pizza, too, but I have it in serious moderation!

Ingredients:

1 small-medium head of cauliflower or 3 cups of cauliflower florets, stems removed. 

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp dried basil (additionally crushed between your fingers)

1/2 tsp dried oregano (additionally crushed between your fingers)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1/4 cup organic, shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup organic, shredded Parmesan cheese

1-2 egg(s)

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry your cauliflower. Pat dry to remove any additional liquid. Cut the cauliflower into florets (the top part) and remove the majority of the stem.

2. Pulse in a food processor for approximately 30 seconds until you create something resembling cauliflower snow. This will serve as your "flour" for the recipe. It should yield from 2-3 cups of "snow."

3. Place the cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl, cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 4 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. If you are using a pizza stone, place the stone in the oven so that it can heat to temperature before you will put your crust on it. 

5. Once your cauliflower has cooled (it will be a few minutes), place it in a tea towel and wring it out to remove excess water. Watch out - there will be a lot of water! You will want to do this over the sink!

6. In a bowl, combine cauliflower, spices, and cheese. Add egg and combine to a "dough ball" using your hands.

7. Place dough onto a piece of parchment paper sprayed with olive oil. Begin forming the dough into a round pizza shape. Dough should be approximately 1/2 inch thick with no thin spots or overly thick spots.

8. Take parchment paper and dough and move to pizza stone or pizza pan. Bake in oven for approximately 8-10 minutes until cauliflower is a light golden brown.

9. Remove pan and crust from oven and add any toppings you would like to put on it - sauce, cheese, meat, veggies, etc. (we used a clean soppresatta).  

10. Once you have put your toppings on your pizza, bake it in the oven for about 5-7 more minutes until cheese begins to bubble.

11. Let pizza sit for 3-4 minutes to cool. Cut with pizza wheel and enjoy!

Did you try it? Leave your comments below with what you think! Share this with those you want to benefit from HEALTHY pizza alternatives!