Mini Pepperoni Cauliflower Pizzas Recipe

I recently discovered the ultimate hack for guilt-free pizza nights—cauliflower crust mini pizzas! They’re so deliciously satisfying that you won’t even miss the carbs. Let’s dive into this cheesy, pepperoni-topped favorite that’s perfect for all my fellow health-conscious pizza lovers out there! 🍕✨

I enjoy crafting low-carb and healthy recipes, and these Mini Pepperoni Cauliflower Pizzas are a delightful and delicious new option. Using a base of cauliflower, they pack a lot of flavor without as many carbs as traditional pizza.

They use ingredients like shredded mozzarella and a scattering of fresh basil leaves to deliver a satisfying pizza experience.

Mini Pepperoni Cauliflower Pizzas Recipe Ingredients

• Cauliflower: Low-carb, high-fiber vegetable, rich in vitamins C and K.
• Eggs: Source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers calcium and protein; adds creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich in calcium, provides distinct umami flavor.
• Oregano: Aromatic herb with antioxidants, enhances flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances savory notes, contains compounds that may support heart health.
• Pepperoni: Provides protein and spices, adding a savory, meaty punch.

Mini Pepperoni Cauliflower Pizzas Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 6 cups)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 3/4 cup mini pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

How to Make this Mini Pepperoni Cauliflower Pizzas Recipe

1.
1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. To a food processor add cauliflower florets and pulse until fine, ground, and rice-like in texture. Set up a microwave-safe bowl and transfer the ground cauliflower there.

3. Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe container and cover. Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes or until the cauliflower is fork-tender. Allow the cauliflower to cool in the covered container for 2-3 minutes. Squeeze the excess moisture out of the cauliflower, using a clean dish towel. If you don’t have a dish towel, you can use a thick paper towel.

4. In a big bowl, blend together the cauliflower, eggs, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything’s mixed up nice and evenly.

5. Split the cauliflower blend into approximately 10 equal parts and shape them into small, round crusts. The formed crusts should be on the baking sheet, which has been prepared beforehand.

6. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. The edges should be golden and the crusts should be firm.

7. Take the baking sheet out of the oven and add a good dollop of pizza sauce to each crust.

8. Spread the last 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella on top of the sauce on each individual mini pizza.

9. Distribute small pepperoni pieces uniformly across each pizza, then return them all to the oven.

10. Continue baking for 5-7 minutes more, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling. Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top. Enjoy!

Mini Pepperoni Cauliflower Pizzas Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Food processor
5. Microwave-safe bowl
6. Clean dish towel or thick paper towel
7. Large mixing bowl
8. Spoon or spatula
9. Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

• Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?Indeed, frozen cauliflower may be employed. It should be thawed and drained well to remove the excess moisture before usage.
• Is there a substitute for eggs in this recipe?Flax eggs can serve as a replacement. Combine 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal with 5 tablespoons of water and allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until it attains a thickened state.
• Can I make these pizzas vegan?To render them devoid of animal products, swap the cheese for an alternative that is friendly to vegans, and substitute the egg called for in the recipe with a flaxseed meal rendering.
• How do I prevent the cauliflower crust from being soggy?Make sure you dry the cauliflower thoroughly after steaming or cooking. Use a clean kitchen towel to wring out any extra moisture.
• What can I use instead of mini pepperoni slices?You can use any favorite topping, like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives, to make your pizzas a vegetarian option.
• How do I store leftovers?Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven for best results.

Mini Pepperoni Cauliflower Pizzas Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the cauliflower: If you prefer a different vegetable base, substitute with 6 cups of finely riced broccoli.
For the eggs: Use 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 5 tablespoons water) as a vegan alternative.
To make the shredded mozzarella more flavorful, replace it with shredded cheddar cheese. This will provide a flavor boost that will make the cheese shine in whatever context you’re using it.
For the dried oregano: Substitute dried Italian seasoning for a slightly different herb blend.
For the mini pepperoni slices: Swap out for sliced olives or chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Remove Excess Moisture Thoroughly After microwaving the cauliflower, it’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible to ensure crispiness. Use a cheesecloth or a very thin dish towel for the best results when squeezing out the liquid.

2. Pre-cook Pepperoni Slices To avoid greasy pizzas, give the mini pepperoni slices a quick cook on a paper towel in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This step will help remove some of the excess fat.

3. Experiment with Flavor Don’t shy away from adding more herbs or spices to the cauliflower mixture. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, or try some fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense flavor.

4. Even Thickness for Crusts When shaping the mini crusts, make sure they are an even thickness throughout. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents some crusts from burning while others remain undercooked.

5. Serve Immediately These mini cauliflower pizzas are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the cheese is still melty and bubbly. If you need to keep them warm, place them back in the oven on low heat, or under a broiler briefly before serving.