By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 1, 2023 | Last Updated on December 1, 2023
Cauliflower White Pizza is made with a few simple ingredients, this pizza is ready in just a few minutes. It’s the perfect dish to whip up for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress your friends at your next gathering.
Cauliflower White Pizza is a unique twist on traditional pizza, using cauliflower as the star ingredient instead of the usual tomato sauce. This not only adds a creamy texture but also boosts the nutritional value of the pizza.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a homemade pizza that is bursting with flavor and nutrients. So let’s dive into this article and create this mouth-watering dish!
What is Cauliflower White Pizza?
Cauliflower White Pizza is a variation of traditional pizza where cauliflower is used as the main ingredient instead of tomato sauce.
This results in a creamy and flavorful white pizza, perfect for those who may not enjoy the tanginess of tomato sauce. Along with the cauliflower, this pizza also includes other nutritious toppings such as cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and arugula.
This pizza is a great alternative for those looking for a healthier option or with dietary restrictions, as it is vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free pizza crust.
It also packs a punch of protein from the chickpeas and goat cheese, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Whether you’re trying to incorporate more veggies into your diet or just looking for a delicious new pizza recipe, Cauliflower White Pizza is definitely worth a try.
Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower White Pizza?
Health Benefits:
Cauliflower is considered a superfood due to its high nutrient content and numerous health benefits. It is low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. When used as the base in this pizza, it adds fiber, vitamin C, and potassium to the dish.
Goat cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, which helps strengthen bones and teeth. It also contains probiotics that aid in digestion. The arugula used as a topping adds vitamins A and K, while cherry tomatoes provide a boost of vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
By replacing the typical pizza crust and tomato sauce with cauliflower and white sauce, you are also significantly reducing your calorie intake and increasing the nutritional value of the dish. It’s a win-win situation for your taste buds and your health.
Delicious and Easy to Make:
Cauliflower White Pizza is not only nutritious, but it’s also incredibly delicious. The combination of the creamy white sauce, roasted cauliflower, flavorful toppings, and crispy crust make for a mouth-watering pizza experience.
The steps to make this pizza are simple and straightforward, making it an easy weeknight dinner option. Plus, you can customize the toppings to your liking, making it a versatile dish that everyone can enjoy.
Impress your family and friends with this gourmet-style pizza without spending hours in the kitchen.
Budget-Friendly:
Making Cauliflower White Pizza at home is much more cost-effective than ordering from a restaurant. The ingredients used are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most grocery stores.
Plus, you can stretch the recipe to feed a crowd by adding more toppings or cutting the pizza into smaller slices. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how tasty and budget-friendly this homemade pizza is!
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The Ingredients
- Pre-made pizza dough: Using pre-made pizza dough cuts down on prep time and makes this recipe quick and easy. You can find pre-made pizza dough at your local grocery store or make your own using a simple recipe.
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower is the star of this white pizza, providing a deliciously creamy texture and mild flavor. It’s also packed with nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Cherry tomatoes: These juicy little gems add a burst of flavor and color to the pizza. You can also substitute with regular-sized tomatoes if desired.
- Chickpeas: Adding chickpeas to this pizza adds a nice protein boost and makes it more filling. If you don’t have canned chickpeas, you can cook your own from dry or substitute with another type of bean.
- Canola oil: Canola oil is used to roast the cauliflower, giving it a nice golden color and crispy texture. You can also use olive oil if preferred.
- Goat cheese: Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to this pizza. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, feel free to use your favorite cheese instead.
- Ricotta cheese: Ricotta is used as a base for the creamy white sauce on this pizza. It adds richness and subtle sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the goat cheese.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a delicious flavor to the white sauce. You can adjust the amount according to your preference.
- Arugula: Arugula is used as a topping for this pizza, adding a peppery and slightly bitter flavor. You can also use spinach or any other leafy green.
- Salt and black pepper: These basic seasonings are used to enhance the flavors of the pizza. Adjust according to your taste preference.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: This flavorful oil is drizzled over the top of the finished pizza for an extra boost of flavor.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven & prepare the cauliflower
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Cut the cauliflower into small florets, discarding any tough stems.
Step 2
Roast the cauliflower
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with canola oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly golden.
Step 3
Prepare the white sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and goat cheese until well combined.
- Set aside.
Step 4
Roll out the pizza dough
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round.
- Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza pan.
Step 5
Assemble & bake the pizza
- Spread the white sauce mixture over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Top with roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and minced garlic.
- Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is crispy and the toppings are heated through.
Step 6
Finish & serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven and top with arugula.
- Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to toss the cauliflower in oil and seasonings before roasting it to ensure even flavor distribution.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Customize the toppings according to your preferences and dietary needs. You can add different vegetables, and protein sources, or even switch up the cheese.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some herbs like basil or oregano on top of the pizza before baking.
Nutrition Information
How to store Cauliflower White Pizza?
To store leftover cauliflower white pizza, allow it to cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When ready to eat, simply reheat the pizza in the oven or microwave until heated through. If reheating in the oven, you can also brush the crust with a little bit of olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
You can also freeze cauliflower white pizza for longer storage. Wrap the cooled pizza in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the pizza in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave. Make sure to store individual slices separately for easier thawing and reheating.
Variations
- For a gluten-free option, use a pre-made or homemade gluten-free pizza dough.
- Make it vegan by using non-dairy cheese and omitting the chickpeas.
- Add some heat with red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
- Experiment with different vegetable toppings such as roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or zucchini.
Cauliflower White Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 pre-made pizza dough
- 2 head cauliflower
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz chickpeas canned
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 6 oz goat cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 8 tbsp arugula
- 2 tsp salt
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F and preparing the cauliflower. Cut it into small florets, making sure to remove any tough stems.
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread it on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly golden.
- While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the white sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and goat cheese until well combined. Set it aside for later use.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round. Carefully transfer it onto a baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Now it’s time to assemble and bake the pizza. Spread the white sauce mixture over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Top it with the roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and minced garlic. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crispy and toppings are heated through.
- Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and top it with fresh arugula. Drizzle it with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle some additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot and savor every delicious bite!
Notes
- Make sure to toss the cauliflower in oil and seasonings before roasting it to ensure even flavor distribution.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Customize the toppings according to your preferences and dietary needs. You can add different vegetables, and protein sources, or even switch up the cheese.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some herbs like basil or oregano on top of the pizza before baking.
FAQs
Can I make this pizza with a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese instead of goat cheese or ricotta. Mozzarella, feta, or parmesan would also work well.
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
While fresh cauliflower is recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen cauliflower if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and pat dry before roasting it.
Can I use a different type of bean instead of chickpeas?
Yes, you can use any type of beans such as black beans, kidney beans, or white beans instead of chickpeas in this recipe.
Can I make this pizza without the white sauce?
Yes, if you prefer a simpler pizza, you can omit the white sauce and just use marinara or pesto as a base.
Can I add meat to this pizza?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage for some added protein and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Can I use cauliflower rice instead of roasted cauliflower?
Yes, you can use cauliflower rice as a topping for this pizza instead of roasted cauliflower. Just make sure to cook the cauliflower rice before adding it to the pizza for best results.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope you enjoy making this delicious and healthy cauliflower white pizza!
Don’t forget to share this with your friends and family and let us know how it turned out in the comments below.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
