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Flavorful Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Truffle Ricotta and Wild Mushrooms

cauliflower crust pizza - featured image

A wholesome and indulgent cauliflower crust pizza topped with creamy truffle ricotta and a savory wild mushroom medley, perfect for a cozy and elegant dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups grated) – fresh or frozen, thawed and drained
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta works best)
  • 1 teaspoon truffle oil (or more to taste)
  • 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, oyster, roughly chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh thyme leaves (about 1 teaspoon, optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing
  • Fresh arugula or baby spinach (optional, for topping after baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Remove the core and chop the cauliflower into florets. Pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice-sized bits or grate with a box grater. Measure about 4 cups.
  3. Place the grated cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes until soft. Let it cool slightly.
  4. Wrap the cooked cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much moisture as possible.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the squeezed cauliflower, beaten egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until dough-like consistency forms.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Press into a roughly 10-inch round about ¼-inch thick, forming a slight edge around the perimeter.
  7. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.
  8. While the crust bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  9. Add the mixed wild mushrooms and thyme leaves. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until browned and tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
  10. In a small bowl, blend ricotta cheese with truffle oil. Adjust truffle oil to taste.
  11. Spread the truffle ricotta evenly over the baked crust. Scatter the sautéed mushrooms on top.
  12. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes to warm the toppings.
  13. Remove from oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, add fresh arugula or baby spinach if desired, and slice into wedges. Serve hot.

Notes

Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cooked cauliflower to avoid soggy crust. Pre-bake the crust until golden and firm before adding toppings. Avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing mushrooms to ensure browning. Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet or toaster oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower crust pizza, truffle ricotta, wild mushrooms, gluten-free pizza, easy pizza recipe, healthy pizza, vegetarian pizza