Ultimate Crispy & Easy Homemade Cauliflower Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free & Low-Carb!)

Discover the secret to a perfectly crispy, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly sturdy Cauliflower Pizza Crust that will revolutionize your pizza nights! Made from scratch with fresh cauliflower, rice flour, eggs, grated cheese, and aromatic Italian seasoning, this recipe delivers a homemade crust that won’t fall apart. It’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthier, gluten-free, low-carb, or Keto-friendly alternative to traditional pizza, without sacrificing an ounce of taste or texture. Forget soggy, flimsy crusts – our method ensures a thin, delightfully crispy base every single time, all without the hassle of pre-cooking the cauliflower!

Not only is this recipe simple to follow, but it also includes invaluable tips on how to prepare cauliflower rice, optimize your ingredients for the best results, and even how to freeze your cauliflower pizza for quick, delicious meals whenever a craving strikes. While we love pairing these crusts with vibrant roasted vegetables, the possibilities for toppings are endless. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a healthy pizza parlor with this easy, from-scratch recipe!

Embracing cauliflower pizza is a deliciously smart way to enjoy your favorite dish while boosting your vegetable intake. This California-style thin crust stands out not just for its incredible taste, but also for its health benefits: it’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and wonderfully Keto-friendly, all while being packed with savory flavor. Cauliflower, a versatile and low-calorie vegetable, is fantastic for satisfying those carb cravings, whether you’re making creamy mashed cauliflower, a refreshing Cauliflower Salad, or this incredibly cheesy cauliflower pizza. Its mild flavor makes it the perfect canvas for your favorite pizza toppings!

What is Cauliflower Pizza?

At its heart, a cauliflower pizza crust is a brilliant culinary innovation that replaces traditional wheat flour with nutrient-dense cauliflower. The base is crafted primarily from cauliflower rice, blended with rice flour, a binding egg, and flavorful cheese. While some simpler recipes might stick to just cauliflower, cheese, and eggs, we’ve discovered that incorporating both rice flour and a touch of cornstarch dramatically improves the crust’s texture and integrity. These additional ingredients act as crucial binders, preventing the crust from falling apart and lending it a robust, chewier quality that truly mimics a traditional pizza dough.

Unlike many cauliflower crust recipes that require steaming or pre-cooking the cauliflower to remove moisture, our unique “no-cook” approach simplifies the process without compromising on crispiness. While steamed cauliflower can work, it often results in a denser, moister crust. Our method avoids this by relying on the superior binding power of rice flours and cornstarch, ensuring a thin, crispy, and strong crust that holds up to any topping. This means less prep time and more enjoyment!

Our journey to perfecting this cauliflower crust pizza began with a strong admiration for Milton’s Cauliflower pizza found at Costco. That store-bought experience inspired us to recreate that perfect balance of crispiness and flavor right in our own kitchen. After extensive testing and refining, we’re proud to share what we believe is the best cauliflower pizza crust recipe. What makes it truly exceptional is its genuine “no-cook” cauliflower dough preparation and its remarkable compatibility with traditional wheat-based doughs – but with all the added benefits of being low-carb, gluten-free, and delightfully crispy. You won’t believe it’s not traditional pizza!

 

How To Make Cauliflower Rice: 

Creating perfect cauliflower rice is a fundamental step for this recipe, and it’s surprisingly simple. The most efficient way to achieve the ideal texture is by using a food processor. With just a few quick pulses, you can transform cauliflower florets into fine, crumbly bits that resemble rice, which is exactly what we need for a cohesive pizza crust. If you don’t have a food processor, a box grater works equally well, though it requires a bit more manual effort.

To begin, select a firm, white head of cauliflower, free from any major brown spots, and remove all green leaves and the tough core. For the food processor, cut the florets into smaller, manageable pieces to ensure even processing. If opting for a box grater, you can leave the florets slightly larger, as the grating action will break them down. Your goal is to achieve small, grain-sized pieces of cauliflower – this fine texture is crucial for the dough to bind properly and result in a smooth, firm crust. Remember, consistency is key for a crust that holds together beautifully.

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Ingredients:  

The magic of this cauliflower pizza crust lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. For the flours, we specifically call for both brown rice flour and white rice flour, both readily available on Amazon. If you’re an avid baker, you can even use a grain mill to grind your own long-grain brown rice and short-grain white rice for ultimate freshness. While 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour could theoretically substitute for the white rice flour, note that doing so would eliminate the gluten-free aspect of the recipe. We’ve experimented, and while 1/2 cup of white rice flour yielded a lighter, more flexible crust, we ultimately preferred the slightly chewier, more substantial texture achieved with the full amounts listed. Here’s a detailed look at everything you’ll need to create this exceptional crust:

• Cauliflower: A single medium to large head of white cauliflower (approximately 2 pounds) will be more than enough. You’ll need about 1 cup of finely riced cauliflower, which typically comes from about 1/4 to 1/2 of a head. If you happen to rice extra cauliflower, don’t let it go to waste! It freezes beautifully and can be stored for future crusts or other cauliflower-based dishes.
• Rice Flour (Brown & White): The combination of both brown and white rice flours is crucial for this crust. These gluten-free flours provide the essential structure and binding power, helping to absorb any excess moisture from the cauliflower. This not only strengthens the crust but also contributes to a texture and flavor profile that closely resembles a traditional bread crust, making it truly satisfying.
• Cornstarch: This ingredient acts as another vital binder, ensuring the dough comes together smoothly and remains stable during baking. You can easily substitute cornstarch with other common starches like potato starch or tapioca starch, depending on what you have available.
• Egg: A single whole egg is incorporated into the dough to act as a primary binding agent. It helps emulsify the ingredients, providing cohesion and elasticity that prevents the crust from crumbling.
• Seasonings: Inspired by our favorite frozen cauliflower pizzas, we use a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a touch of salt. These savory spices infuse the crust with a robust, aromatic flavor that complements a wide array of toppings, elevating the overall pizza experience.
• Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is our top choice for the crust, contributing to its texture and flavor. However, feel free to experiment with any semi-soft or hard cheese you prefer. Just keep in mind that some cheeses are saltier than others, so you may need to adjust the amount of added salt accordingly to achieve perfect balance.

How To Make Cauliflower Pizza Crust: 

Crafting this cauliflower pizza crust is a straightforward process, especially since you don’t need to pre-cook the cauliflower rice! You can either prepare fresh cauliflower rice using the methods described above or opt for the convenience of a bag of frozen cauliflower rice. The key to preventing sticking and ensuring easy removal is using parchment paper during baking. Alternatively, investing in a quality 12-inch USA Pizza pan will provide a truly non-stick surface, making your pizza-making experience even smoother. Here’s how to assemble and bake your perfect crusts:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy crust.
2. Combine & Divide Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cauliflower pizza dough ingredients as listed in the recipe card below. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and forms a cohesive, albeit sticky, dough. Shape the mixture into a log and then divide it into three equal portions. This recipe makes three individual pizza crusts.
3. Roll Out Crusts: Place one portion of dough onto a piece of parchment paper or directly onto a lightly floured, non-stick pizza pan (like this non-stick pizza pan). Lightly dust the top of the dough with a little extra rice flour, then use a pastry roller or your hands to pat it out evenly into an 11-inch circle. Aim for a thin, consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
4. Initial Bake (Par-Baking): Transfer the rolled-out crusts (on parchment paper or in the pan) to the preheated oven. Bake each crust for exactly 6 minutes. This par-baking step helps to set the crust and develop its structure before adding toppings. Once baked, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on wire racks.
5. Top & Final Bake: Once cooled, generously top your par-baked cauliflower crusts with your favorite pizza toppings. Be creative! Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown and crispy around the edges. (For freezing instructions, see the detailed section below.)
6. Cool & Serve: Allow the finished pizzas to cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving. This brief cooling period helps the cheese set and makes for easier, cleaner slices.

How To Freeze Cauliflower Pizza: 

Absolutely! Freezing cauliflower pizza is a fantastic strategy for meal prepping and enjoying delicious, healthy pizzas on demand. Whether you’re freezing individual components like cauliflower rice or fully assembled pizzas, they all store wonderfully. This makes it incredibly convenient to have a low-carb meal ready to go whenever you need it.

To Freeze Cauliflower Pizza Crusts: After baking the crusts for the initial 6 minutes (step 4 above) and allowing them to cool completely, simply wrap each individual crust tightly in plastic wrap. Once wrapped, stack them neatly into a jumbo freezer bag. These pre-baked crusts can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use one, top the frozen crust with your chosen pizza toppings and bake in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 12-15 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.

To Freeze Assembled Cauliflower Pizzas: If you want to freeze entire pizzas with toppings, first assemble your cooled, par-baked crusts with all your desired pizza toppings. Then, arrange the assembled pizzas on a large baking tray, ensuring they don’t touch, and flash freeze them until they are completely solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once solid, wrap each pizza individually in plastic wrap, then place them into a Jumbo freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, ready for a quick meal.

Frozen Cauliflower Pizza Cooking Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen assembled pizza, simply unwrap it from the plastic wrap and place it directly onto a pizza pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully golden brown and bubbly, and the crust is heated through and crispy. No thawing necessary!

Pizza Variations:

The beauty of this crispy cauliflower pizza crust lies in its versatility. It’s a blank canvas ready to be adorned with any toppings your heart desires! Our featured recipe showcases a delectable combination of garlic-roasted vegetables, offering a burst of fresh flavor. The roasted vegetable variation is incredibly flavorful, with all the veggies perfectly cooked under the broiler. But if you’re looking for more creative ideas beyond a simple cheese pizza, here are some delightful ways to top your homemade crust and elevate your pizza experience:

• Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza: For a spicy kick, spread the crust with 1/4 cup of creamy ranch dressing, then layer with 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with 1/2 cup of cooked chicken breasts, thoroughly tossed in about 2 tablespoons of zesty buffalo wing sauce, and finish with an extra drizzle of ranch for a cool contrast.
• Margherita Pizza: Embrace classic Italian flavors by spreading 3 tablespoons of rich marinara sauce over the crust. Sprinkle with 1 1/4 cups of an Italian four-cheese blend, 1/2 tablespoon of dried basil for aromatic depth, and 1/4 cup of fresh, diced Roma tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
• Pepperoni Pizza: A timeless favorite! Start with 3 tablespoons of marinara sauce, followed by 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and generously cover with 6 ounces of thick, savory pepperoni slices.
• Meat Lovers: Indulge in a hearty experience with 3 tablespoons of marinara sauce, 1 1/4 cups of mozzarella cheese, and a generous mix of 2 ounces of crumbled, cooked Italian sausage, crispy pepperoni, and smoky bacon pieces.
• Cauliflower Steak Pizza: A unique twist! Begin with 1/4 cup of ranch dressing as the base. Top with 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese blend, then add 6 ounces of thinly sliced and cooked Philly steak pieces. Finish with 2 ounces of sautéed green bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a steakhouse-inspired pizza.

Note: Our beautiful Roasted Vegetable Pizza featured in the images was topped with 3 tablespoons of vibrant marinara sauce, 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/3 cup of colorful, perfectly roasted veggies. The combination creates a truly wholesome and satisfying meal!

 

How To Make Cauliflower Pizza Crust: