«

»

Aug 20

Overachieving Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Meatless Monday is back again!

 

 

Heather has been doing a weekly Meatless Mondays from A-Z challenge.  Each week there is a certain ingredient to be used.  So far we’ve used artichokes and beets.

I created a Quinoa-Stuffed Artichoke and a Golden Beet and Tempeh Stuffed Poblano.  The artichoke included beet juice, and my beet stuffing included artichoke hearts.

 

Completely accidental overachieving.

 

This week I’m owning the overachieving.  The ingredient is capers, and my dish is a Caper-Beet-Artichoke Cauliflower Crust Pizza.

If you’ve checked out any of my WIAW posts, you’ve seen this crust before.  It is based on this blogger recipe.  I fell in love with it because it’s the first “alternative” crust pizza I’ve been able to pick up and eat like a pizza.  It’s crusty on the edges and chewy in the center – you would NEVER guess that the secret ingredient is cauliflower.

 

 

I’ve been playing with it for a few weeks and – after feedback from a couple of readers whose crust wasn’t sturdy enough – I measured/weighed every ingredient so it is fool-proof.  *knock on wood*

The recipe seems long because I wanted to be very detailed.  It’s really not as hard at it seems at first glance!  There are a couple of steps, but it is well worth it.  This is one of the best things I’ve made lately.  The recipes I repeat are few and far between; this deliciousness has been on my meal plan at least once a week for a month!

 

 

I included my toppings in the recipe below, but feel free to use you own favorites.  I have always loved artichokes, arugula, and eggplant on pizza.  This addition of capers was fun!

Typically I find capers too salty, but I quickly rinsed them under water before placing them on my pizza and it added just the right amount of tang!

 

 

This will make you feel like you’re eating a cheat day meal, but there’s nothing “bad” about it.  It is also gluten-free, and sugar-free, with a vegan option.

Bon appétit!

 

Recipe at bottom.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Workout Recap

Last week I mentioned a weird heel pain.  Its still there.  I went to the chiro who said bad ankle mechanics and some calf stuff may be causing it.  A week later, it still feels bruised.  It looks like this week I’ll be going to visit my podiatrist!

After attending my first show this weekend, I am more motivated than ever to be figure competition ready.  With heel pain, it’s impossible to effectively do squats and lunges with significant weight.  Not wanting to fall behind, we focused on what I could do leg-wise.  That involved a lot of work on the leg extension and leg curl machines – both of which I’d always looked at with some relief.  Both seemed so much easier than squatting 200 lbs or doing god knows how much on hack squats (I don’t even look anymore).  Obviously, my trainer had to prove me wrong and came up with some truly sadistic combinations to keep us making forward progress.

 

Thank you, Sir. May I have another.

 

Workout Recap (8/13 – 8/19):

  • Monday – Chest/Biceps, Calf raises
  • Tuesday - Legs
  • Wednesday – Back/Triceps, Calf raises
  • Thursday – Rest, 150 push-ups, 1 mile walk
  • Friday – Shoulders/Butt, Calf raises
  • Saturday - Chest/Biceps
  • Sunday - Legs (w/ trainer)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

Overachieving Cauliflower Crust Pizza

For the Crust:

  •  100g cauliflower (~1 C de-stemmed)
  • 1/4 C egg whites (use flax egg to make vegan)
  • 1/4 C quinoa flakes
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

 

My Toppings:

  • Red onion
  • Garlic
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Arugula
  • Eggplant (dices and pre-cooked)
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Red Beets
  • Capers

 

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.

Place raw cauliflower florets in a food processor or blender.  Blend until it is “riced” (in very small rice-like pieces).

In a small bowl, combine cauliflower, quinoa flakes, egg, and spices.

Cut 2 circles of parchment paper the size of a 10 inch pizza stone or baking sheet.  Press your “dough” onto one sheet of parchment, spreading to create a thin crust (1/8-1/4 inch thick).  Place other sheet on top of crust and  bake for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, saute onions and garlic with a bit of olive oil until fragrant.  Chop other toppings to desired size.

When crust is done (should have turn slightly golden and firmed up), remove from oven and flip over so that the bottom is now to top.  Remove the top sheet of parchment.

Top crust with tomato sauce (or pesto, or oil… whatever you prefer) and veggies.  Return to oven and bake for 15 more mins.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with your favorite additions.  I used (vegan) Parmesan and red pepper flakes.

Note: If crust doesn’t seem done after the first 20 mins, remove top sheet and bake ~5 mins more before adding topping.

Makes 1 serving.

***

I’m drafting this while watching Extreme Makeover Weight-loss.  It makes me want to eat cookies.  What is wrong with me?!

Have you tried a cauliflower crust before?

What are your favorite pizza toppings?

 

88 comments

9 pings

Skip to comment form

  1. Lindsay @ Lindsay's List

    dang – i gotta make this crust! and dang on the legs too!!

  2. Katie @wishandwhimsy

    Can’t wait to make this pizza crust. Hoping to this week. Sounds so good!

  3. Alex @ therunwithin

    I am making that crust tonight. I finally have a cauliflower because it was on sale! Woot! I am going to use coconut four instead though, all I have around here.

    1. Laura

      Let me know how that works! You may need to add more liquid since coconut flour is so absorbent.

  4. Matt @ The Athlete's Plate

    I actually bought cauliflower this weekend to make pizza! Mine will have parmesan :)

    1. Laura

      Obv. ;)

  5. Cristina

    LooKs great! What could use in place of quinoa flakes?

    1. Laura

      I think you could use any flour, but I haven’t tried it.

  6. Lee

    I’ve tried a cauliflower crust but it was basically just cauilflower, egg and lots of cheese. This sounds much healthier.

  7. Parita

    YUM! I’ve really been wanting to try this crust for a while now. I have a whole head of cauliflower sitting in my fridge – but it’s going to be used for cauliflower mac n’ cheese! Next week, I’ll conquer the cauliflower crust pizza!

    1. Laura

      Ohhhh… mac and cheese sound fab! I tried that with parsnip rice once… can’t wait to see yours!

  8. Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen)

    Nice legs lady! Ya gotta love a trainer that comes up with good alternatives to keep you working! I will definitely try this crust since there’s no cheese! I made cauliflower wraps last night for Mexican night and I loved them! They stunk up the house while they were baking, but the flavor was really neutral and extremely versatile! As for pizza toppings…anything veggie goes for me with a huge scoop of nooch!

    1. Laura

      Wraps?1 Are you going to post that? Sounds awesome!

      This definitely didn’t stink up the kitchen. I don’t think you can even tell it’s cauliflower.

  9. RavieNomNoms

    I am going to try this!! It looks so great!

  10. Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers

    Look at those legsssss! Rawrrrrrr

  11. karina

    I want that pizza now! haha it look so good! any thing I can use to replace the quinoa flakes?

    1. Laura

      I think you could use any flour, but I haven’t tried it. Let me know if you do!

  12. Alayna @ Thyme Bombe

    OMG legs! I cannot wait to see your results before your first competition. You are rocking this training.

  13. Jenny

    Did someone say 150 push ups? Holy hell. You go girl!

    1. Laura

      I did them in 3 sets.. ;)

  14. Jed Gray (sportsglutton)

    Not a bad looking pizza for being so healthy. And your legs are shaping up nicely…though they’re not as good as mine. ;-)

    1. Laura

      Both are HUGE compliments coming from you, my friend. Thank you! ;)

  15. Khushboo

    Ok I don’t know what to comment on first: your quads or the pizza but either way, both are looking AMAZING! I love cauliflower crust pizza- I’ve always been more about the toppings anyway! Favorites include mushrooms & caramelised onions…the more veggies, the better!

    1. Laura

      Thank you!!! Shrooms and onions are a must! I always get into trouble over-loading this with veggies. :)

  16. STUFT Mama

    Okay, so your crust stays together WAY better than my crumby mess. I’m so trying yours. :) And……. can I please have your legs?????

    1. Laura

      Thank you!!!! HUGE compliment coming from you. You have the best cut – all that stroller running!!! :)

  17. Allie

    I have got to try this! I made a cauliflower crust way back when, but it was sort of soup-y. I mean, delicious, but definitely nothing you could pick up. Or really even eat w/ a fork. Cauliflower is on the grocery list for this weekend! If I can stop eating fishsticks/chicken nuggets for just one meal…

    If you manage to get dates AND the first three ingredients into next week, I’m going to be very impressed ;D

    1. Laura

      I want to try your fish-nuggets! I bet it would be so good with some nooch and horseradish.

      I may bail on the dates… I can’t stand them! #fail

  18. Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family

    It’s Monday and that means the wait for the cauliflower pizza crust is over. My favorite topping for pizza is roma tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and spinach (not always all together).

    I cannot wait to get the ingredients, con my family into not wanting to help with preparation (wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise of cauliflower), and consume this tout suite.

    Sorry that the heel is still giving you trouble…but it looks like you are shaping up nicely.

    When you say “attended” the figure show you just watched? I assume you aren’t ready for it yet (although your legs are awesome).

    1. Laura

      I would eat those topping all together1 Throw in some roasted garlic and artichokes and you’f have my standard order!

      Right – just watching for now. Hoping to compete by November!

  19. Christine

    I can’t wait to try the crust recipe out. yum! A measurin’ we shall go. Pinned. ;)

  20. Danielle

    I need to try this crust out as soon as possible! So much better for you than regular pizza crust and I love the added veggies in there!

  21. Carol @ Lucky Zucca

    OK Still dying to try this cauliflower crust but I’m having a hard time getting Jesse on board. You looked amazing on Sunday at WF- I think you’re ready! GOOO Laura Go!!! PS I kinda wanted to stalk you once I was done shopping and see exactly what you put in your cart. Next time you go grocery shopping can I shadow you?

    1. Laura

      I seriously doubt he would be able to tell its cauliflower!

      Thank you SO much, Carol!!! We really should do a fun shopping trip to YDFM or Buford Highway!

  22. Alysha @Shesontherun

    I have never tried cauliflower pizza crust before, but it seems like a good idea because my veggie intake was seriously lacking last week :( Good thing I just started it with some ratatouille last night.

  23. Stacy @ Stacy Eats

    Nice legs, girl! Sorry about the pain in your heel, hopefully your podiatrist will have some good advice/news for you.

  24. Sam @ Better With Sprinkles

    Holy legs woman! :-)

    1. Laura

      Thank you! :)

  25. Kammie @ Sensual Appeal

    Holy crap can I have your legs? Please? Pretty please.
    + overachieving is good. I’m an overachiever, shhhhh. and I say it’s PERFECTLY fine ;)

    1. Laura

      You are too sweet! I still have a ways to go. :)

      But yes, PERFECTLY fine. ;)

  26. Laura

    Hope you figure out the weird ankle pain! This is still on my must-make list, and now I’m extra motivated to cook after being cooked for the last two weeks. I even picked up a cauliflower randomly today, without a plan for it. I’m going to make it this week, I’ll let you know how it turns out!

    1. Laura

      Please do ! I love pics. :)

  27. Heather @ Better With Veggies

    You are awesome – I’m so impressed you managed to fit all three ingredients into one recipe (not surprised though!). This looks awesome!

    Keep me updated with your foot – I’m praying for you!

    1. Laura

      Thanks Heather! Wish you were here to to a A-Z dinner party with .:)

  28. sarah

    Sorry if I’m a twat for asking this. But does de-steamed cauliflower ,mean cauliflower that has been steamed, or cauliflower that is raw? I really want to make this crust, but de-steamed confused my ( obviously small) brain.
    Thanks!
    Xxx

    1. Laura

      Great question! I met it as in stems removed. The cauliflower is raw.

  29. Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes

    Love the idea of this crust!

  30. StoriesAndSweetPotatoes

    Oh man I totally made this crust with quinoa flakes before. Fan-freakin-tastic. Lately I’ve been making cauliflower wraps.

    1. Laura

      I need to try those!

  31. Meg

    I weighed my cauliflower the two times I made it too :) haha exactly like yours babe! Gosh we are too good ;) I’ve been missing you! So nice to catch up <3 your pizza looks amazing again!

    So inspiring on the workouts <3 I love you Laura

    1. Laura

      Did you really?! I don’t know why I’m surprised. ;)

  32. Brittany

    MMM I am SO making this with the extra head of cauliflower I have laying around in my fridge. :D By the way, your legs are incredible!

    1. Laura

      Thank you!! Let me know if you try it! I’d love to see your take. :)

  33. Brittany @ Delights and Delectables

    I so have to try this again!!

  34. MizFit

    The legs. The pizza skills.
    I wanna be you for a day :)

    1. Laura

      Awwww… you are too sweet. Can you do my job for a day too? LOL!

  35. Heather (Where's the Beach)

    Oh the pizza looks awesome and thanks for the vegan version. I’ve seen the cauliflower crusts but using lots of cheese. And the heel pain – reading your other post – sounds like plantar fasciitis. But I’m not doctor, just a sufferer.

    1. Laura

      That’s what a lot of people have said… I’ll find out at the Dr. tomorrow!

  36. lindsay

    dang and dang is right. I love that crust and capers. both chewy and pickly. hehe. Now about those legs, SEXY thang you.

    1. Laura

      LOL! I heart you. :)

  37. purelymichelle

    still have yet to make cauliflower pizza

    1. Laura

      You have to let me know when you try it! I know you will love like socca. ;)

  38. Katie

    Cannot wait to try that crust. The cauliflower in my fridge drawer is BEGGING me to make it into pizza. Just begging.

    1. Laura

      I love it when they beg. ;)

  39. Ameena

    What a very cool idea…I’m impressed with the creativity! I wish I could say I’d try this but the truth is that I don’t own a food processor. Sad but true!

    1. Laura

      Do you have a blender? This would work using a blender as well.

  40. Choc Chip Uru

    That pizza crust has me super swooning (more than swooning) :D
    Yum!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  41. Ksenija @ Health Ninja

    oh my… this last picture, where the piece is hanging down and looks just so juicy and yum… sorry, I just totally drolled :D

    Do you think it is possible to use a whole egg instead of the 1/4 cup of egg whites?

    1. Laura

      A whole egg should be fine.

  42. Min @ savortherainbow

    I haven’t tried this fool-proof culiflower pizza crust yet. I’m going to pin it and try making it one of these days! I hope the hubby will like it. We’re a huge fan of thin but not too thin, chewy crust. It’ll be fun to switch things up! My favorite toppings are -mushrooms, bell peppers, caramelized red onions, well.. basically any veggies..but I’ve learned from making it at home that piling on as much vegges as I possibly can is not such a good idea..the crust ended up becoming very soggy.

    1. Laura

      Please let me know when you do! I bet your will be gorgeous. :)

  43. Calee (@chimes)

    Totally going to make this crust next week. I’ve been dying to have pizza and I’m getting sick of buying pre-made crusts (b/c homemade gluten free crusts have thus far been a fail).

    You’ve been feeding me all week. Just finished another carrot cake batter shake. I doubled the carrots and ginger since I don’t often eat veggies for breakfast. :)

    1. Laura

      That’s awesome!!! I bet doubling the carrots was delicious. I want to try with with sweet potato mixed in too.

  44. Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen

    Dude, this looks so flippin’ good. [So do your gams, lady! ;) ]

    I used to be an overachiever. Used to be.

  45. Paula@paulasplate.net

    This looks incredible. I am super excited to give it a try! I have seen this idea on pintrest before, but I’ve never tasted it. I love how your recipe is one serving, it is perfect! Memo to me, pick up cauliflower on the way home from work. Also, where do you purchase quinoa flakes? I have regular quinoa, but I’ve never seen the flakes before…

    1. Laura

      Thanks! Most of what I make is one serving… I supposed I should make 2 more often so I have lunch the next day!

      I got my flakes at Whole Foods.

  46. Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli

    Oh yeah, good call on turning the crust over before topping it! I’ve been eyeing the heads of cauliflower at the store ever since my last pizza a couple of weeks ago and was looking forward to trying out your newest version when I popped by the other day and didn’t get a chance to comment, but guess what…*angry voice*…GUESS WHAT?! My mother frickin’ cheap arse Black & Decker food processor totally BROKE yesterday! I know… And what made it even worse was that it broke in the middle of me making my red velvet cake smoothie! Luckily I had the Magic Bullet as a standby…but unfortunately, I don’t think the little guy could hold his own with cauliflower. Damn! Looks like I’ve got some shopping to do!

    I seriously thought of participating in Heather’s link party this week, but I’ve only tried capers once…and they turned my mouth inside out with the saltiness! Now just the thought of them makes my mouth go dry! Lol!

    And last but not least…DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN girl! Look at ‘dem legs! Ow ow!!

    1. Laura

      Anytime you comment on my blog it makes my day. You crack my ass up. I can’t believe your B&D broke!!! Mine has been a rockstar (knock on wood). I make your red velvet smoothie last night to freeze to take to the gym tonight. It was ALL I could do not to chug it right after I made it. So effing good.

  47. Crista

    your legs are AMAZING!!!! Keep rocking!

  48. Sarah

    This version held together! I made the original and it didn’t, so I appreciate you taking the time to be an overachiever and make this crust :-) It’s also a good way to use those quinoa flakes I’ve had in my pantry for ages…

    Next step is to make this with zucchini, I think!

    1. Laura

      Awesome! I am so glad it was a success for you. :)

      Let me know what you think of it with zucchini! It works with cabbage, I am told.

  49. PG

    Succeed for e 1st time today! Topped with tomato herbs and prawn! Love!

    1. Laura

      So glad you liked it – your toppings sound fantastic!

  50. Amber

    This cauliflower crust rocked! Thanks for sharing with the world. I, too, put too many toppings on it but it was still unbelievable. Thanks for posting your recipes. This was the first one I’ve tried but it most certainly won’t be the last!

    1. Laura

      I am SO glad you liked it! Toppings are always my downfall. ;)

      Thank you so much for reading and the feedback!

  51. Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy

    Thank you so much for sharing my Cauliflower Pizza Crust recipe!!! :) I love the toppings you used….super delicious! have a wonderful thanksgiving! cheers!

  52. Jessica

    ^ Sorry about that comment up there, idk what happened lol
    Anyways, what I meant to say….

    I tried making cauliflower crust tonight, but before I saw this recipe. Of course I didn’t really follow the recipe that I had and it didn’t really turn out… what it came out to be was like a cauliflower omelet, which was good but I definitely want to try your creation. Love your blog!

    1. Laura

      Sorry your didn’t turn out! It took me a few tries to get it right. Let me know how it works for you if you try mine!

  1. Meatless Monday A to Z: Dates « ForgottenBeast

    [...] styles. Both dishes started with a cabbage “pizza crust” spun off of Laura’s cauliflower pizza (and yes, you CAN pick it up just like regular pizza!). My crust involved cabbage, flax seed and [...]

  2. A special interview and Summer Ratatouille |

    [...] with white beans +polenta; Snack: (unpictured) plum + handful raisins+ almonds; Dinner: Laura's Cauliflower pizza (yum!)+ Spinach salad with cukes, tomatoes + peppers; Snack: Rice "pudding" (leftover brown rice + [...]

  3. Friday Foodies » Sprint 2 the Table | Sprint 2 the Table

    [...] @ Forgotten Beast (who is also training for a figure competition!) took my Cauliflower Crust Pizza and turned it into a Cabbage Crust topped with tomato and a TVP [...]

  4. Fig and Edamame Salad with Sriracha-Lime Vinaigrette » Sprint 2 the Table | Sprint 2 the Table

    [...] might remember when I did this with the Overachieving Cauliflower Crust Pizza.  I used all 3 of the first ingredients - artichokes, beets, and [...]

  5. My Last Supper » Sprint 2 the Table | Sprint 2 the Table

    [...] She came in Friday night and since we are on the same nutrition plan (minus the sodium restriction for her) so I volunteered to make dinner.  Obviously, I made cauliflower crust pizza. [...]

  6. My Morning Cocktail + WIAW - Sprint 2 the Table | Sprint 2 the Table

    [...] I ate it on a bed of spinach with roasted broccoli slaw and brussels.  I coated them in a sauce I’d forgotten about: Lemon Tahini.  Served with a mini-Cauliflower Crust Pizza. [...]

  7. Strange But Good Recipes | Sprint 2 the Table

    [...] Cauliflower pizzas have been an obsession for a while now.  I took my (cheese-less) crust and topped it with seafood Strange But Goodness: [...]

  8. Sweet as Pie |

    [...] you tried her Cauliflower Pizza Crust? Well, if you haven’t, you should…because it’s flippin’ [...]

  9. 30 Healthy Super Bowl Recipes

    [...] Sausage, Sweet Onion and Fennel Pizza – Cooking Light Cauliflower Crust Pizza – Sprint 2 The Table Roasted Butternut Squash & Pesto Flatbread Pizza – Savor The [...]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>