Pizza night just got a whole lot healthier and just as delicious with this incredible vegan pizza recipe featuring a cauliflower crust. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking to enjoy a lighter alternative to traditional pizza dough, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings without compromising on flavor or texture.
The magic lies in the cauliflower crust—a crispy, golden base that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. Paired with vibrant tomato sauce, fresh veggies, and dairy-free cheese, it transforms a classic comfort food into a guilt-free indulgence.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you want to impress your friends and family with a wholesome homemade pizza.
Get ready to enjoy a customizable, mouthwatering pizza that’s as nutritious as it is tasty. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how simple it is to whip up your own vegan cauliflower crust pizza from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan cauliflower crust pizza recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses cauliflower as the base, making it naturally gluten-free and low-carb.
This means you can indulge in your pizza cravings without the heavy feeling or bloating that some traditional doughs cause.
Secondly, it’s completely plant-based and dairy-free, so it fits perfectly into vegan and lactose-intolerant diets. The crust bakes up crispy on the outside yet tender inside, offering the perfect foundation for your favorite toppings.
Lastly, it’s versatile and easy to customize. Whether you love classic Margherita flavors or prefer a loaded veggie pizza, this recipe adapts to your taste.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your meal—making it a winner for health-conscious eaters and pizza lovers alike!
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups riced)
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed mixed with 1/2 cup water (flax egg)
- 1/4 cup almond flour or gluten-free flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade or no-sugar-added)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, etc.)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Equipment
- Food processor or grater (for ricing cauliflower)
- Large mixing bowl
- Kitchen towel or cheesecloth (for squeezing moisture)
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Rice the cauliflower: Chop the cauliflower into chunks and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice-sized pieces. If you don’t have a food processor, grate the cauliflower using a box grater.
- Cook the cauliflower rice: Place the riced cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 4-5 minutes until soft. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Squeeze out the excess moisture: Transfer the warm cauliflower rice onto a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Twist and squeeze firmly to remove as much water as possible. This step is crucial for a crisp crust.
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Mix the crust: In a large bowl, combine the squeezed cauliflower rice, flax egg, almond flour, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until a dough-like consistency forms. Fold in half of the vegan mozzarella cheese.
- Form the crust: Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press it into a thin, circular pizza shape about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure the edges are slightly thicker to hold toppings.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Add toppings: Remove the crust from the oven. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust, sprinkle the remaining vegan mozzarella, and add your favorite vegetables.
- Bake again: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the cheese melts and vegetables are cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Slice and enjoy your healthy, vegan cauliflower crust pizza!
Tips & Variations
“Squeezing out the moisture from the cauliflower is the secret to a crispy crust—don’t skip this step!”
If you want a firmer crust, you can add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for extra flavor and binding power. For a gluten-free version, almond flour works beautifully, but you can also experiment with coconut or oat flour.
Feel free to customize your pizza with different sauces like pesto or barbecue sauce, and experiment with toppings such as artichokes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or vegan sausage. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast on top before baking.
To make meal prep easier, you can prepare the cauliflower crust in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 220 |
Protein | 9g |
Fat | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sugar | 4g |
Calcium | 150mg |
Iron | 2mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan cauliflower crust pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of roasted vegetables. For a Mediterranean flair, serve with marinated olives and a side of hummus.
You can also accompany it with a light soup such as a Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating to complete your meal.
For a fun and casual dinner party, slice the pizza into small squares and serve as finger food alongside dips like our Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite. Don’t forget to offer a refreshing homemade beverage like iced herbal tea or sparkling water infused with fresh fruit.
Conclusion
This vegan pizza with cauliflower crust is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite in a healthier, plant-based form. The crust’s crispy texture and subtle flavor create the perfect canvas for your favorite toppings while keeping the meal light and nutritious.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple enough for beginners and flexible enough to suit any taste.
By making this pizza at home, you control the ingredients, avoid unnecessary additives, and can customize toppings to your liking. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen and impress your family with a wholesome, delicious dish.
For more exciting vegan recipes, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to expand your plant-based cooking repertoire.
Happy cooking and enjoy your vegan pizza adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Pizza Recipe Cauliflower Crust
Description: A delicious and healthy vegan pizza with a crispy cauliflower crust. Perfect for a gluten-free and low-carb meal option.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups grated)
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup vegan shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grate cauliflower and steam until soft, then squeeze out excess moisture.
- Mix ground flaxseed with water and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- In a bowl, combine cauliflower, flax mixture, chickpea flour, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Press mixture into a pizza pan to form a crust.
- Bake crust for 15 minutes until golden and firm.
- Spread tomato sauce over crust and top with vegan cheese and vegetables.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and toppings are cooked.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 30 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Pizza Recipe Cauliflower Crust”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious and healthy vegan pizza with a crispy cauliflower crust. Perfect for a gluten-free and low-carb meal option.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups grated)”, “1/4 cup ground flaxseed”, “1/4 cup water”, “1/2 cup chickpea flour”, “1 teaspoon dried oregano”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 cup tomato sauce”, “1 cup vegan shredded mozzarella”, “1/2 cup sliced bell peppers”, “1/4 cup sliced black olives”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 425\u00b0F (220\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Grate cauliflower and steam until soft, then squeeze out excess moisture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix ground flaxseed with water and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine cauliflower, flax mixture, chickpea flour, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Press mixture into a pizza pan to form a crust.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake crust for 15 minutes until golden and firm.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread tomato sauce over crust and top with vegan cheese and vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and toppings are cooked.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “10 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}