My family has always been big on pizza night, but we’ve had our fair share of crust conundrums over the years. That is, until I discovered the magic of Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza. It’s become our go-to for a wholesome, veggie-packed pie that satisfies even the biggest pizza lovers.
I can still remember the first time I made this recipe. My kids were skeptical at first – they weren’t sure about the idea of a cauliflower crust. But after just one bite, they were hooked. The blend of savory, cheesy goodness combined with the fresh, herby Green Goddess topping was an absolute revelation. Now, it’s the only way they’ll eat their veggies!
Why This Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
What makes this Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cauliflower crust provides a sturdy, crispy base that can hold up to all the delicious toppings, while the Green Goddess sauce brings a bright, herbaceous contrast that takes the whole dish to the next level.
The key is in the little details – things like squeezing out that excess moisture from the riced cauliflower, blending the Green Goddess sauce to creamy perfection, and baking the crust just right so it’s golden brown and sturdy. Trust me, once you nail down the technique, you’ll be making Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza on repeat.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The star of the show is the 1 head of cauliflower, riced (about 3 cups). This vegetable-based crust provides a nutrient-dense foundation that’s lower in carbs than traditional pizza dough. The 1 egg helps bind it all together, while the 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan add that irresistible cheesy factor.
For the Green Goddess topping, the 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt brings tanginess and creaminess. The 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, 1/4 cup of fresh basil, and 2 tablespoons of fresh chives infuse the sauce with bold, herbal flavors. A touch of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 clove of minced garlic provide the perfect balance of bright and savory notes.
Step-by-Step Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza Instructions
Preparing Your Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
Prep time for this recipe is just 15 minutes, and cook time is 25 minutes, for a total time of 40 minutes. You’ll need a food processor or high-powered blender to rice the cauliflower, a baking sheet, and a mixing bowl.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Wash and trim the 1 head of cauliflower, then pulse it in a food processor until it’s broken down into rice-sized pieces.
2- Transfer the riced cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
3- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower with 1 egg, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
4- Press the cauliflower mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming it into a round crust about 1/4-inch thick. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
5- While the crust is baking, prepare the Green Goddess topping. In a food processor or blender, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 2 tablespoons fresh chives, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
6- Once the crust is ready, spread the Green Goddess sauce over the top, then slice and serve immediately. Enjoy this veggie-packed pizza masterpiece!
Pro Tips for Success
- Squeeze out as much moisture from the riced cauliflower as possible – this is the key to achieving a crispy, sturdy crust.
- Don’t be afraid to bake the crust a bit longer if it’s still looking a little soft. You want that golden brown color and crispy texture.
- Adjust the Green Goddess sauce to your taste preferences. Add more lemon juice for extra tang or more herbs for a bigger flavor punch.
- Get creative with your toppings! Grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or crumbled feta would all be delicious additions.
Serving and Storing Your Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
Perfect Pairings for Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
This Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza is the perfect main dish for 6 servings. For a well-rounded meal, I love serving it alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. The herbal notes in the Green Goddess sauce also pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or a bright, citrusy cocktail.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
For meal prepping, you can make the cauliflower crust in advance and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then top with the Green Goddess sauce and any other desired toppings before baking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
Creative Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza Variations
While the classic Green Goddess flavor combination is hard to beat, you can get creative with different veggie-packed variations. Try using a mix of cauliflower and broccoli for the crust, or switch up the herbs in the sauce with things like dill, cilantro, or arugula.
In the summer, top your Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza with fresh tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. For a heartier twist, add grilled chicken or crumbled Italian sausage. The possibilities are endless!
Making Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza Diet-Friendly
This Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza is already a great option for gluten-free diners, as the cauliflower crust is naturally gluten-free. For a vegan version, simply swap out the egg, mozzarella, and Parmesan for your favorite plant-based alternatives.
To make a low-carb or keto-friendly pizza, you can reduce the amount of cauliflower and increase the cheese in the crust. And for a dairy-free Green Goddess sauce, use a plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt instead of the Greek yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen riced cauliflower instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Using frozen riced cauliflower can be a great time-saver. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using it in the crust.
Q: How long should I bake the cauliflower crust?
A: The total baking time for the cauliflower crust is 20-25 minutes at 400°F. You want the crust to be golden brown and crispy before adding the toppings.
Q: Can I make the Green Goddess sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Green Goddess sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. 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 6 servings of Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza. Feel free to scale the recipe up or down as needed to feed your crowd.
Q: What if my cauliflower crust doesn’t hold together well?
A: If your crust is crumbling, try adding an extra egg to the mixture or pressing it a bit more firmly into the pan before baking. The key is getting that excess moisture out of the cauliflower.
Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious and healthy combination of a crispy cauliflower crust and a creamy, herb-packed green goddess topping in this quick and easy Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza.
Ingredients
– 1 head cauliflower, riced (about 3 cups)
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. 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 squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
3. In a bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well.
4. Press the cauliflower mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a thin, even crust.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
6. In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, parsley, basil, chives, lemon juice, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to make the green goddess topping.
7. Spread the green goddess topping evenly over the baked cauliflower crust.
8. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the topping is heated through.
9. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
For a heartier meal, you can top the pizza with additional ingredients like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or crumbled feta cheese.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Tarts, Toasts & Flatbreads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza is the answer to all your pizza dreams – a veggie-packed, flavor-packed masterpiece that will have your family and friends raving. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s a quick and easy way to get a wholesome, homemade pizza on the table.
The secret is in the little details, like squeezing out that excess moisture from the cauliflower and blending the Green Goddess sauce to creamy perfection. Once you nail down the technique, you’ll be making this recipe on repeat. So what are you waiting for? Give Cauliflower Crust Green Goddess Pizza a try, and get ready to have your mind (and taste buds) blown!
