Taco Pizza With Cauliflower Crust Recipe

Picture this: a taco meets a pizza, and they have a deliciously unexpected child together—my Cauliflower Crust Taco Pizza! With a crispy cauliflower base and all your favorite taco toppings, this dish takes your taste buds on a joyride.

Savor the culinary magic I worked to create—a Taco Pizza with a delightful and flavorful crust made from cauliflower that’s perfect for indulging without guilt. I love how the pizza turned out and especially how the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese combine in molten awesomeness with the cauliflower base, providing a low-carb, gluten-free crust that’s a pile of flavor.

Taco Pizza With Cauliflower Crust Recipe Ingredients

• Cauliflower: Low-carb, high in fiber, rich in vitamins C and K.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami flavor, rich in calcium and protein.
• Refried Beans: Good source of plant protein and dietary fiber.
• Salsa: Provides freshness, low in calories, full of antioxidants.
• Avocado: Creamy and rich in healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Ground Beef: High in protein, offers iron and B vitamins.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess, source of calcium and healthy fats.
• Cilantro: Bright flavor, rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

Taco Pizza With Cauliflower Crust Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup refried beans
• 1/3 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked ground beef, seasoned with taco spices
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

How to Make this Taco Pizza With Cauliflower Crust Recipe

1. Your oven should be set to 400°F (200°C) to preheat. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, and set the prepared baking sheet aside.

2. In a food processor, pulse the cauliflower until it has the consistency of rice. Put the cauliflower in a bowl that can go in the microwave. Microwave the cauliflower for about 4-5 minutes until it is soft.

3. After cooling down a bit, put the cauliflower into a fresh kitchen towel and wring it out to remove the restroom from the veggie. This step is so essential because it leaves the crust with a firm texture.

4. In a big basin, mix the cauliflower with Parmesan, mozzarella, and the rest of the ingredients until well combined.

5. Place the cauliflower mixture on the prepared baking sheet. Form it into a round, even crust approximately 1/4 inch thick. Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until it is golden brown and crispy at the edges.

6. Take the crust from the oven and evenly coat it with refried beans. Follow that with an even coating of salsa.

7. Top the salsa layer with cheddar cheese and then the seasoned ground beef.

8. Reinsert the pizza into the oven and bake for an extra 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

9. Take out from the oven and add cherry tomatoes, chopped green onions, black olive slices, and jalapeño slices if you want to use them.

10. Sour cream and fresh cilantro are the perfect finishing touches for this meal. You can also layer on avocado and serve with plenty of lime for a bright, citrusy counterpoint. Enjoy your taco pizza!

Taco Pizza With Cauliflower Crust Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Food processor
5. Microwave-safe bowl
6. Microwave
7. Kitchen towel
8. Large mixing bowl
9. Spoon or spatula for mixing
10. Measuring cups and spoons
11. Knife
12. Cutting board

FAQ

• Q: Can I make the cauliflower crust ahead of time?A: You can indeed get the cauliflower crust ready a day ahead. Just bake it, let it cool fully, and keep it in the fridge. Before you add any toppings, warm it up a little.
• Q: Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?A: Totally! Just leave out the ground beef and put in some seasoning on tofu or use more vegetables, like sweet peppers or mushrooms, for a version without meat.
• Q: How do I ensure the cauliflower crust is crispy?A: Be certain to extract every bit of moisture from the cooked cauliflower before you mix it with the other crust components. Also, to assist with crisping, bake it on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
• Q: Can I freeze the cauliflower crust?A: Yes, the baked cauliflower crust can be frozen. Let it cool, then wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to a month. Reheat it at 375°F, directly from frozen, until warm.
• Q: How can I make it spicier?To add extra heat, you can increase the number of jalapeño slices, put in some hot sauce, or blend a little cayenne pepper into the refried beans or salsa.
• Q: What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?A: If you would rather have a cheese that has a similar taste and texture to Parmesan, you can use shredded Romano or Pecorino cheese.
• Q: Can I use store-bought cauliflower rice for the crust?
  A: Yes, store-bought cauliflower rice works well for convenience. Cook it according to the package instructions before using it in the crust.

Taco Pizza With Cauliflower Crust Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substituting the grated Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast yields a dairy-free option.
Replace the shredded mozzarella cheese with a type of mozzarella that is without dairy for a vegan alternative.
Substitute refried beans with either black bean purée or mashed pinto beans.
For ground beef, substitute cooked ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute.
Use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter topping.

Pro Tips

1. Cauliflower Crust Secret Ensure you wring out as much moisture as possible from the microwaved cauliflower using a clean kitchen towel. This is essential to achieve a crispy and firm crust that won’t fall apart.

2. Cheese Blend Balance Mix the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese thoroughly into the cauliflower mixture. This combination not only adds flavor but also helps bind the crust together well for baking.

3. Layering Technique Spread each layer evenly when adding the refried beans and salsa to avoid soggy spots and to ensure each bite has balanced flavors.

4. Toppings Arrangement Arrange toppings like cherry tomatoes, green onions, and black olives evenly across the top after baking to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout each slice.

5. Finishing Touch Just before serving, freshly squeeze lime wedges over the taco pizza and add a dollop of sour cream. The acidity of the lime and the creaminess of the sour cream enhance the overall flavor and balance out the spices.