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Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Caramelized Apple & Smoked Mozzarella

 A Cauliflower Crust Pizza, accented with autumnal flavors like caramelized apple, smoked mozzarella and fresh arugula, is a new way to enjoy pizza night. 

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword cauliflower pizza crust recipe, healthy pizza crust
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower Crust:

  • 3 pounds cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus 1/4 cup, divided
  • 2 egg whites

For the toppings:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 large apple cored and diced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup smoked mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 large handful arugula
  • Olive oil for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line two pizza pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large food processor, process the cauliflower until a fine crumbled texture is reached. Do this in several batches if necessary.
  3. Place the cauliflower into a large bowl and microwave for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes.
  4. Place cauliflower into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wring out as much excess moisture as possible. This task also may need to be done in batches.
  5. Transfer the cauliflower back into a large bowl and add in the garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, crushed red pepper and 1 1/3 cup Parmesan. Stir until well combined and then add the egg whites, mixing until well combined.
  6. Divide the cauliflower in half and spread onto on the pizza pans, forming a ridge along the outside for the crust.
  7. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
  8. While pizza crust is cooking, assemble the toppings. In a small skillet over medium heat, add butter and apples. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, then add brown sugar and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes or until apple is browned and caramelized.
  9. Once the pizza crusts are cooked, remove from the oven and preheat the broiler to high heat. Divide remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan over each pizza crust (2 tablespoons each). Top each pizza with 1/2 cup smoked mozzarella, 2 tablespoons red onion and half of caramelized apples.
  10. Broil the pizzas just until the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from oven and top with fresh arugula and a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.