If you’re craving pizza but also trying to keep things low-carb, look no further than this scrumptious Broccoli Crust Pizza. A healthier spin on the traditional dough, this pizza uses a flavorful broccoli base, creating a satisfying, gluten-free crust that holds up perfectly under your favorite toppings. Packed with vegetables, it’s a fun and creative way to sneak in some extra greens, and even the pickiest eaters will love it—trust us, your kids might even brag to their friends about eating a green pizza for dinner! This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight and turns any evening into a delightful family pizza night.
Broccoli Crust Pizza
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Rate this RecipeEquipment
- Food Processor To rice the broccoli
- Microwave To soften the broccoli
- Cheesecloth To squeeze excess moisture from broccoli
- Baking Sheet Line with parchment paper for easy clean-up
- Parchment Paper To prevent sticking
Ingredients
- 1 broccoli Approx. 500g; use fresh broccoli for best results
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon chosen foods mayonnaise Mayonnaise made with avocado oil
- 2 cup mozzarella cheese Divided; approx. 200g
- 0.5 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- roasted garlic creamy sauce For serving; blend cream cheese with avocado oil
- chopped chicken Optional; cooked and chopped for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a round 14-inch pan with parchment paper and set it aside. This helps the pizza crust from sticking and makes clean-up much easier.
- Once the broccoli has cooled to a manageable temperature, wrap it tightly in the cheesecloth or dish towel. Squeeze out as much water as possible—this step is crucial to ensure that your pizza crust doesn’t become soggy. You want the broccoli to be as dry as you can get it, so take your time here.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried broccoli with 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of Chosen Foods mayonnaise (made with avocado oil for extra flavor), 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a cohesive dough. It might not look like traditional dough, but once it comes together, you’ll be amazed at how well it works.
- Transfer the broccoli mixture to your prepared baking sheet. Use your hands or a spatula to shape it into a round pizza crust, about ½ inch thick. Pat it down to make sure it’s even, so it cooks uniformly. The more even the crust, the better it will bake.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and starting to get crisp around the edges. This first bake is to firm up the crust so it can hold the toppings without falling apart.
- While the crust is baking, prepare your toppings. For this recipe, we’re using a roasted garlic creamy sauce as a base. You can make this by blending cream cheese with a little Chosen Foods 100% pure avocado oil until smooth. For protein, chop up some cooked chicken breast to scatter over the top. Don’t forget to have an additional cup of mozzarella cheese ready to sprinkle on.
- Remove the baked crust from the oven. Spread the roasted garlic creamy sauce evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. Add the chopped chicken or any other desired toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be fantastic options). Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing it. This helps the crust firm up a bit more, making it easier to cut and serve. Cut into 8 slices and enjoy a deliciously cheesy, healthy pizza packed with flavor!
Notes
If you find it hard to squeeze out all the moisture from the broccoli, you can use multiple layers of cheesecloth to get better results. Additionally, keep an eye on the crust while baking to prevent it from overcooking.
Modifications for Dietary Restrictions
For added flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or rosemary to the broccoli dough. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can also mix some chili flakes into the crust mixture. When choosing your toppings, keep in mind the weight of the ingredients—light toppings work best to avoid making the crust soggy.
Common Food Intolerances and Their Substitutions
| Ingredient | Potential Intolerance | Substitution |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy Products (Mozzarella Cheese, Cream Cheese) | Lactose Intolerance | Use lactose-free cheese or dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese |
| Egg (Egg) | Egg Allergy | Replace with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) |
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Crust Pizza is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of pizza while sticking to your low-carb or gluten-free diet. The broccoli adds an extra layer of nutrition that traditional dough lacks, and the combination of cheese, creamy sauce, and chicken is both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great dish to get kids excited about vegetables—who wouldn’t want to eat green pizza? The next time you’re craving something fun, healthy, and different, give this broccoli crust pizza a try!
FAQ’s
Can I Make the Crust Without a Food Processor?
Yes, if you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the broccoli with a knife. It will take a bit longer and require more effort, but you can achieve a similar rice-like texture by chopping the florets into very small pieces.
What Other Sauces Can I Use for This Pizza?
You can swap the roasted garlic creamy sauce for traditional marinara, pesto, or even Alfredo sauce. Each will give the pizza a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
How Can I Store Leftover Pizza?
Leftover broccoli crust pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Freeze the Crust?
Yes, you can make the crust ahead of time and freeze it. After the initial bake, allow the crust to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 1 month. When ready to use, bake it directly from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for about 5-7 minutes before adding your toppings.
What Other Toppings Go Well with Broccoli Crust?
This crust is versatile, so you can add any toppings you like! Some great options include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, sliced tomatoes, olives, or even some crispy bacon. Just be mindful not to overload the crust with heavy ingredients to keep it from becoming soggy.