Cauliflower Crust Pizza

I have experimented a number different of ways to make this. In my opinion this is the easiest way, and it also packs some good flavor. The above is my version of a Barbeque Chicken pizza. You can, of course, use the toppings you like best. Be sure to read the notes at the bottom for some tips tro make this th4e best ever. This should serve 3-4 people.

Ingredients:

Crust:
1 Medium Cauliflower
1 C Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 C Almond flour
2 Large Eggs
1 Tsp Oregano
1 Tsp Garlic Powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Avocado cooking spray (optional – but not PAM)

Toppings (assuming you are making the BBQ chicken version):
1/4 Cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
1/2 Cooked chicken breast (cut into small pieces)
1/2 bell pepper (cut into bite sized pieces)
6 cherry or grape tomatoes (sliced into 3 or 4 pieces)
Handful of baby spinach (chopped)
Two thin slices of white onion (cut into bite sized pieces)
4-6 oz of grated or thinly sliced Mozzarella cheese (I prefer grated)

Directions:

Cook up a chicken breast any way you like it. I prefer poached myself for this recipe (See notes)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Remove the core from the cauliflower. Using a food processor or grater cut the cauliflower up until you have cauliflower rice. Place cauliflower into a dry saucepan and cook on medium low for about 10 minutes to help remove excess moisture. You don’t want to brown the cauliflower, just dry it out some (see notes)

.While the cauliflower is cooking, add remaining crust ingredients to a large bowl and combine. You can also take this time to chop up your toppings.

Once the cauliflower is cooked add it to the crust mixture and mix. It will look wet. This is okay and expected.

once thoroughly combined (and you can use clean hands if desired to finish the mixing). grab a 9×13 pan, lay some parchment paper to cover the bottom and pour the crust mixture on the pan. Using your hands press the mixture into a pizza crust shape so that the circle is about 12 inch across and/or the height is 1/4-1/3 inch.

Place baking sheet into preheated oven for 20-22 minutes. You want to take it out when the edges are starting to appear a light golden color.

Add your sauce, toppings and cheese and return to the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust to ensure the edges don’t get too dark.

Notes:

To poach a chicken breast put it in a pot and cover with spices of your choosing (like garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, Salt and pepper. Press spices into chicken. Cover with water or broth, bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Remove from water or broth. Set on a plate to cool.

By drying out the cauliflower in a dry pan way to eliminate the need to put it in a towel and wring it dry. It just makes the process that much easier.

Expectations. If you expect the crust to have a similar consistency to a flour and yeast based crust you may be disappointed. This crust will not be as firm. It is however a great gluten free alternative and it is also healthier.

To make this vegan, remove the chicken and use an egg equivalent substitute.