Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Chickpea Pepperoni.

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If you’ve been on the hunt for a healthier pizza alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor, you’ve landed in the right place! This Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Chickpea Pepperoni is a game-changer. Not only is it gluten-free and packed with veggies, but it also features a delightful twist with chickpea pepperoni that will make your taste buds sing. Perfect for a cozy movie night or a fun family dinner, this pizza is sure to impress everyone around the table.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Cauliflower crust has taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason! It’s light, crispy, and allows you to indulge in pizza without the heaviness of traditional dough. The chickpea pepperoni adds a savory, spicy kick that complements the creamy cheeses and fresh basil beautifully. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a satisfying meal, this pizza is versatile enough to cater to everyone’s taste preferences.

Ingredient Checklist

To create this mouthwatering Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Chickpea Pepperoni, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 medium size head of cauliflower, cut into florets + roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup goat cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ounce can chickpeas, drained + rinsed (14 oz)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup of your favorite tomato sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 8 ounces buffalo mozzarella, sliced (or regular mozzarella)
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 cup fresh basil, roughly torn or chopped
• Fresh arugula for topping (optional)

What’s in the Gear List

To whip up this delicious pizza, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:

• Baking sheet: For crisping the cauliflower crust.
• Food processor: To finely chop the cauliflower and blend the ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the crust ingredients.
• Oven: For baking the pizza to perfection.
• Spatula: To help flip and serve your pizza.

Build Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Chickpea Pepperoni. Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, take your medium-sized head of cauliflower and cut it into florets. Add the florets to your food processor and pulse until they resemble rice or fine breadcrumbs. This will be the base of your crust.

Step 2: Squeeze Out Excess Moisture

Once processed, transfer the cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the edges and twist to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure your crust holds together and becomes crispy.

Step 3: Mix the Crust Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, goat cheese, grated parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but moldable.

Step 4: Shape the Crust

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands, shape the cauliflower mixture into a round pizza crust about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure to press it firmly to help it hold its shape while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Crust

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and firm to the touch. The edges should be crispy, which will give your pizza that perfect crunch.

Step 6: Prepare the Chickpea Pepperoni

While the crust is baking, it’s time to prepare the chickpea pepperoni. In a bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, olive oil, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, onion powder, and salt. Toss until the chickpeas are evenly coated in the spices.

Step 7: Roast the Chickpea Pepperoni

Spread the seasoned chickpeas on a separate baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden. Give them a stir halfway through to ensure even roasting.

Step 8: Assemble the Pizza

Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven. Spread your favorite tomato sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Add the sliced buffalo mozzarella and sprinkle the roasted chickpea pepperoni evenly over the top.

Step 9: Bake the Assembled Pizza

Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma will be incredible!

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the pizza with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, grated parmesan, and fresh basil. If you like a bit of peppery flavor, top it off with fresh arugula. Slice and serve hot!

Tailor It to Your Diet

This Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Chickpea Pepperoni can easily be tailored to fit various dietary preferences:

• Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Dairy-Free: Opt for dairy-free cheese options and skip the goat cheese.
• Low-Carb: This recipe is already low in carbohydrates, but you can further reduce carbs by omitting the chickpeas.
• Spice it up: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.

Frequent Missteps to Avoid

Creating the perfect cauliflower pizza can be a little tricky. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Not squeezing enough moisture from the cauliflower: This is key for a crispy crust.
• Skipping the baking time for the crust: A well-baked crust holds toppings better.
• Overloading the pizza with toppings: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy.
• Using a non-stick baking sheet without parchment paper: This can lead to sticking and a messy cleanup.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this delicious pizza), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, wrap slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: For the best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Ask & Learn

Can I use frozen cauliflower for the crust?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just thaw it completely and make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing.

What can I substitute for goat cheese?

If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, any creamy cheese like ricotta or even a vegan cheese can work as a substitute.

How do I know when the crust is done?

The crust should be golden brown and feel firm to the touch. A little crispiness on the edges is a good indicator of doneness.

Can I add more toppings to the pizza?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins, but be mindful not to overload it to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

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Final Bite

Embrace the deliciousness of a healthier pizza night with this Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Chickpea Pepperoni. It’s a satisfying meal that brings everyone together, and with the added bonus of being easy to customize, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy each slice and the joy it brings to your table!