Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with 1 tsp olive oil.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 20 minutes until golden and crisp around the edges. Remove from oven.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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