Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza has been my go-to dinner for years. It all started when I first tried making a cauliflower crust pizza at home a few years ago – I was honestly a bit skeptical at first, but after that first bite, I was hooked! The combination of the crispy, flavorful cauliflower crust and the creamy, tangy Green Goddess sauce is just out of this world. It’s quickly become a staple in my weekly meal rotation, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you.
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 getting a perfectly crisp cauliflower crust is all in the preparation. Most recipes call for simply pulsing the cauliflower in a food processor, but I’ve found that taking the extra step to ring out all the moisture from the cauliflower florets results in a much sturdier, crispier crust. And the addition of the vibrant Green Goddess sauce – made with fresh herbs, garlic, and a tangy yogurt base – really takes this pizza to the next level. It’s a flavor combination that’ll have your tastebuds doing a happy dance.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cauliflower
- Eggs
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh basil
- Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza Instructions
Preparing Your Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
This Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza comes together in just a few simple steps. With a little bit of advance preparation, you can have a delicious, healthy pizza on the table in no time. The total time required is about 1 hour, and the only equipment you’ll need is a food processor, baking sheet, and mixing bowls.
1- Start by pulsing the cauliflower florets in a food processor until they reach a rice-like consistency. Transfer the cauliflower “rice” to a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible.
2- In a large bowl, combine the drained cauliflower with eggs and Parmesan cheese. Press the mixture into a thin, even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3- Bake the cauliflower crust for 20-25 minutes at 400°F, until it’s golden brown and crispy around the edges.
4- While the crust is baking, make the Green Goddess sauce by blending together the Greek yogurt, fresh parsley, basil, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5- Once the crust is ready, spread the Green Goddess sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella cheese.
6- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Slice and serve hot!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to getting a super crispy cauliflower crust is to make sure you wring out as much moisture as possible from the cauliflower “rice.” Don’t be afraid to really squeeze it dry in the towel.
Another tip is to bake the crust on the lower rack of your oven to help it crisp up from the bottom. And keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t get too browned.
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 pretty substantial meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. And of course, a nice glass of white wine or a crisp IPA would be the perfect adult beverage accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover slices of Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
You can also make the cauliflower crust and Green Goddess sauce in advance – just store them separately and assemble the pizza right before baking. The crust will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, and the sauce will last for up to 1 week.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
Creative Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza Variations
While the classic combo of the cauliflower crust and Green Goddess sauce is hard to beat, you can definitely get creative with this recipe. Try swapping in different cheeses like feta or goat cheese, or adding toppings like roasted veggies, grilled chicken, or even crispy prosciutto.
And for a seasonal twist, you could try using the Green Goddess sauce as a base for a summer pizza with fresh tomatoes, zucchini, and basil. Or in the fall, maybe top it with butternut squash, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.
Making Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza Diet-Friendly
This Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza is already a pretty healthy option, but you can make it even more diet-friendly by using a plant-based cheese alternative or omitting the cheese altogether. And for a gluten-free version, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend instead of the Parmesan cheese in the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower florets instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Using frozen cauliflower can actually make the prep work a bit easier. Just be sure to thaw and drain the florets well before pulsing in the food processor.
Q: How long do I need to bake the cauliflower crust?
A: The cauliflower crust should bake for 20-25 minutes at 400°F, until it’s golden brown and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure it doesn’t get too dark.
Q: Can I make the Green Goddess sauce in advance?
A: Yes, the Green Goddess sauce can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it on the baked cauliflower crust.
Q: How many servings does this Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza recipe make?
A: This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza, which can be sliced into 8 generous servings. It’s a pretty filling meal, so you could even get 10 slices out of it.
Q: What if my cauliflower crust cracks or falls apart?
A: If you find that your cauliflower crust is cracking or falling apart, it’s likely because it’s still too moist. Next time, make sure to wring out as much water from the cauliflower “rice” as possible before mixing it with the eggs and cheese.
Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza – a healthier twist on classic pizza night that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 1 head of cauliflower, riced
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup green goddess dressing
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup sliced red onion
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a food processor, pulse the cauliflower florets until they resemble rice. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible.
3. – In a bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until a dough-like consistency forms.
4. – Press the cauliflower mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a thin, even crust.
5. – Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
6. – Remove the crust from the oven and spread the green goddess dressing evenly over the top.
7. – Top with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices.
8. – Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the toppings are heated through.
9. – Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
For a crispier crust, bake the cauliflower crust for 30 minutes before adding the toppings. You can also experiment with different green goddess dressing recipes or use your favorite store-bought brand.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I hope this recipe for Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza has inspired you to give it a try! It’s such a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza, and the vibrant Green Goddess sauce really takes it to the next level. Let me know if you have any other questions – I’m always happy to help! And be sure to share your creations with me on social media. Enjoy!