Best Cauliflower Crust Pizza Valerie Bertinelli Recipes

CAULIFLOWER CRUST PIZZA (VALERIE BERTINELLI) RECIPE - (5/5)

Steps:

• Special equipment: a pizza stone and peel or two rimless baking sheets Place a pizza stone or rimless baking sheet in the oven; preheat to 475 degrees F. Add the cauliflower to a food processor; pulse until finely ground, about the consistency of couscous. Pour the cauliflower onto a clean kitchen towel (I like flour sack towels for this) and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. To a large bowl, add the cauliflower, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, some black pepper and the egg. Mix until the mixture holds together when pinched. Line a pizza peel or a second rimless baking sheet with parchment paper; liberally brush with olive oil. Spread the cauliflower mixture into a 12-inch-wide circle on the parchment. Slide the parchment onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake until the cauliflower crust is barely golden and darker at the edges, about 15 minutes. Remove the crust from the oven, sprinkle with the mozzarella and spread the marinara sauce over the top (this keeps the crust dry). Slide the pizza back onto the pizza stone or baking sheet and bake until bubbly and browned in spots, about 4 minutes. Scatter the basil over the top. Slice and serve. Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/valerie-bertinelli/cauliflower-crust-pizza.html?oc=linkback

VALERIE'S HOMEMADE PIZZA

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the yeast with the warm water, honey and sugar. Let the mixture sit until it begins to foam, about 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, bread flour and salt and then make a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture and the olive oil. Using a fork, incorporate the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until a dough forms. On a lightly floured surface, continue to work and then knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes.
• Lightly coat a clean bowl with olive oil and then add the dough, turning once to coat the dough in oil. Cover and set in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; make sure the grill grates are clean. Have your pizza toppings standing by.
• Cut the dough in quarters, shape into balls and work with 1 ball at a time. Stretch each dough ball into a 9- to 10-inch circle by hand or roll into a bigger (and thinner) circle with a rolling pin.
• With a towel soaked in canola oil, coat the grill grates lightly in oil. Add the dough rounds and cook until grill marks form and the dough stiffens, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the crusts and cook for an additional minute.
• Remove the crusts to an inverted baking sheet (so they slide off easily). Load the crusts with the desired toppings. Return to the grill, cover and cook the pizzas until the toppings are warmed and the cheese is melted, 2 to 4 more minutes. Remove carefully, cut and serve.

VEGETABLE PIZZA ON CAULIFLOWER CRUST

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400° F. Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper; spray paper with cooking spray.
• In 3-quart saucepan, place steamer basket; add 1/2 inch water (water should not touch bottom of basket). Place cauliflower in basket; cover tightly and heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; steam covered about 10 minutes or until soft.
• Place cauliflower in large bowl. Using potato masher, gently break cauliflower into rice-sized pieces. Wrap cauliflower in paper towel; squeeze to remove any excess water. Return cauliflower to bowl. Add eggs, cheese, oregano and garlic powder; mix to form soft dough.
• Divide dough into 4 equal pieces; place each on cookie sheet. Using hands, flatten each piece into round about 6 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Spray tops of rounds with cooking spray. Bake 20 minutes.
• Remove from oven. Turn crusts over; use paper towel to blot away any excess moisture. Spread each crust with pasta sauce. Top each with onion, bell pepper, spinach and olives.
• Return to oven; bake 5 minutes longer or until toppings are warm. Cut each pizza into 4 pieces; serve immediately.

CAULIFLOWER CRUST PIZZA MARGHERITA

Steps:

• Crust:Preheat oven to 425 degrees with rack in center. Pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles the texture of quinoa (you should have about 4 cups). In a large straight-sided skillet, blanch the cauliflower in salted boiling water until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a clean dish towel. Cool slightly, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with another towel to dry out further.
• In a large bowl, stir together the cauliflower, cheeses, and egg. Season with salt and pepper. Work with hands until very well combined and mixture holds together. Transfer mixture to a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and press firmly into a 10-inch round about 1/4 inch thick. Bake until golden brown and firm, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly, 5 minutes.
• Topping:Top crust with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. Return to oven and bake until cheese has melted and toppings are golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional basil and red-pepper flakes, if desired.