Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza
A crispy, cheesy pizza base made with riced cauliflower and topped with fresh tomatoes and basil. This italian-inspired keto (low-carb, vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs cauliflower, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups riced cauliflower
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup low-sugar marinara tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
- 1 tsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with 1 tsp olive oil.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix riced cauliflower, 1/4 cup mozzarella, and 1/8 cup parmesan until combined. Press firmly into a 10-inch circle on the baking sheet.
- Step 3: Bake for 20 minutes until golden and crisp around the edges. Remove from oven.
- Step 4: Spread tomato sauce evenly over crust. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan. Bake 8-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Step 5: Immediately top with fresh basil and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cauliflower from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.






