Broccoli Crust Pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza that brings a healthy twist to your dinner table. If you’re looking to sneak in some greens without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is your answer. The broccoli crust not only adds a nutritious element but also creates a unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with your favorite toppings. Whether you are a pizza lover or just trying to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this recipe is sure to please everyone.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this pizza is a guilt-free indulgence.
- Easy to make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in no time.
- Customizable: Top your pizza with your favorite ingredients, making it suitable for everyone in the family.
- Gluten-free: The broccoli crust is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
What’s in the Bowl
- 1 small head of broccoli (about 2-3 cups riced): The star of the show, providing the crust.
- 2 eggs: Acts as a binder to hold the crust together.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the crust.
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese: Brings a gooey texture and enhances the cheesy goodness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Seasoning to enhance the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: For a subtle kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): Adds a touch of herbaceous flavor.
- Toppings:
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce: Choose your favorite sauce to spread on top of the crust.
- 1 cup cheese: Feel free to use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese you love.
- Veggies (optional): Customize with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or any other toppings you enjoy.
Must-Have Equipment
- Food processor: To rice the broccoli quickly and easily.
- Baking sheet: For spreading out the crust and baking it to perfection.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing bowl: For combining all the crust ingredients.
- Spatula: For spreading the crust evenly on the baking sheet.
Broccoli Crust Pizza Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and cut the small head of broccoli into florets. Using a food processor, pulse the broccoli until it resembles rice, about 2-3 cups.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Transfer the riced broccoli to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 3 minutes, or until slightly tender. Let it cool for a few minutes before handling.
Step 3: Make the Crust Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli with the eggs, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Form the Crust
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread the broccoli mixture into a circular shape, about 1/4 inch thick, making sure it’s even throughout.
Step 5: Bake the Crust
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and firm.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Remove the crust from the oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle your choice of cheese and any additional toppings you desire.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the pizza cool for a few minutes, slice it up, and enjoy this delicious Broccoli Crust Pizza!
Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas
- Spring: Top with fresh asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a vibrant spring dish.
- Summer: Add grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing summer pizza.
- Fall: Incorporate roasted squash, caramelized onions, and goat cheese for a cozy fall flavor.
- Winter: Use hearty toppings like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and a touch of truffle oil to warm you up in the cold months.
Chef’s Notes
- Make sure to really squeeze out any excess moisture from the cooked broccoli to ensure a crispy crust.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to find your perfect flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the crust mixture.
- This recipe is a great way to use leftover veggies from your fridge—get creative!
Leftovers & Meal Prep
The beauty of Broccoli Crust Pizza is that it can be made ahead of time. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave to enjoy a quick meal. You can also make the crust in advance and freeze it for future use. Just bake it, let it cool, and wrap it tightly before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it out, add your toppings, and bake!
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before ricing it to ensure the crust isn’t too wet.
Is the crust crunchy?
When prepared correctly, the crust should be crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Make sure to remove excess moisture for the best results.
Can I make this pizza dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cheeses with your favorite dairy-free alternatives, and you can still enjoy a delicious pizza.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Broccoli Crust Pizza vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg or applesauce and use vegan cheese alternatives.
Save & Share
If you love this Broccoli Crust Pizza, don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family! It’s a great way to inspire others to enjoy healthier meals without sacrificing taste. Snap a picture of your creation and tag us on social media!
Indulging in a slice of Broccoli Crust Pizza is like enjoying comfort food with a nutritious twist. This recipe showcases how easy it is to make healthy swaps without compromising flavor. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or simply want a delicious meal, this pizza is sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and the satisfaction of knowing you’re nourishing your body with every bite. Happy cooking!
Broccoli Crust Pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and cut the small head of broccoli into florets. Using a food processor, pulse the broccoli until it resembles rice, about 2-3 cups.
- Transfer the riced broccoli to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 3 minutes, or until slightly tender. Let it cool for a few minutes before handling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli with the eggs, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix until everything is well combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread the broccoli mixture into a circular shape, about 1/4 inch thick, making sure it’s even throughout.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and firm.
- Remove the crust from the oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle your choice of cheese and any additional toppings you desire.
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, let the pizza cool for a few minutes, slice it up, and enjoy this delicious Broccoli Crust Pizza!
Notes
- Make sure to really squeeze out any excess moisture from the cooked broccoli to ensure a crispy crust.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to find your perfect flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the crust mixture.
