Alright, listen. I'm not about to sit here and tell you that this recipe will satisfy every single reason you eat pizza. Sometimes you just really need Papa John's thin crust Hawaiian BBQ pizza delivered to your front door. I get it. I really do.
However--if you are like me (I hope you're not, but if you are...), you just can't eat take-out pizza all the time. It's delicious for sure, but it's difficult to stay healthy if this is one of your go-to meals. So. Here's a thought. Save the take-out for every now and then and master this delicious alternative which will satisfy at least most of the reasons you enjoy cardboard box pizza.
Ingredients:
2 cups cauliflower, very finely grated or processed in food processor
2 eggs
2 cups freshly grated cheese in your favorite combination. (I typically use some combination of mozzarella, Parmesan and sharp cheddar, but I have made this with cheddar only and mozzarella only, and those were equally delicious)
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (or any combination of your favorite dried herbs. Basil, oregano, and parsley are some of my favorites)
Roasted garlic paste (I keep this in my fridge ALL THE TIME. It makes almost everything more delicious. Recipe here.)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Spray metal pan or baking stone (preferably stone) with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In medium bowl, combine cauliflower, eggs, cheese(s) and spice(s) and mix well. Press evenly onto pan or stone, about 1/4" thick. Bake for about 7 or 8 minutes, until it just begins to firm. Remove from oven and gently spread garlic paste over crust. (The paste should be soft enough to almost melt right into the crust.) Put back in oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
This can be topped with any of your favorite sauces and toppings, and then just place the pizza back in the oven until toppings are warmed and cheese is melted.
One note: Most likely, you will need to eat this with a fork rather than pick it up like a typical slice of pizza, but the flavor is so satisfying, and this is so much more nutritious than dough-crust pizza.