Cauliflower Pizza Bites
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
84 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
American, International
Cauliflower Pizza Bites
Description
This recipe slices a large cauliflower into flat, round discs resembling mini pizza crusts. Brushed with avocado oil and seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, the discs roast at high heat until golden and crispy on the outside while tender within. This roasting step reduces moisture and intensifies flavor.
After roasting, each cauliflower disc receives a spoonful of warmed marinara sauce and a sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese that melts when broiled briefly. Additional toppings like mini pepperoni or bacon bits can be added as desired for variety.
These bites make individual portion appetizers with a crispy crust-like feel from the roasted cauliflower, softened cheese, and savory tomato sauce. They can be stored cooled in an airtight container for several days and then reheated gently in an oven or air fryer to retain crunch. Patting the cauliflower dry before roasting improves crispness by reducing moisture.
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower head
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ - 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce or your favorite red sauce
- ⅓ - ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cauliflower by removing the stem, slicing it in half, and then cutting it into bite-sized flat discs. Do this by, laying each cauliflower half flat on a cutting board and slicing it horizontally into ½-inch, round-ish discs, similar in shape to traditional pizza crust. LOOK AT THE PICTURES!
- Evenly space out the cauliflower discs on the lined baking sheet and brush or spray both sides with avocado oil.
- Season the cauliflower with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping the cauliflower pieces halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- While the cauliflower is roasting, heat the marinara sauce on the stovetop or microwave until warm.
- Once the cauliflower is ready, remove it from the oven and place a spoonful of marinara sauce on each disc. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. If desired, add mini cut-up pepperoni, bacon bits, ham, pineapple, or whatever you want!
- Place the baking sheet back in the oven on the broil setting at 500°F (260°C) for 1-2 minutes until the the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with fresh basil and enjoy!
Notes
- After slicing, pat cauliflower discs dry to remove excess moisture for better roasting results.
- When broiling cheese, watch carefully to prevent burning as the process is fast.
- Use any melty cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend.
- For Parmesan cheese substitutes, Pecorino Romano or Asiago work well; nutritional yeast provides a dairy-free cheesy flavor.
- Try different sauces like pesto, vodka, or Alfredo for variations on this base recipe.
- The recipe can be made vegan by using plant-based melting cheese and nutritional yeast.
- Store cooled bites in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3-4 days; reheat in an oven or air fryer at 300°F to maintain crispiness.
- One serving is approximately eight cauliflower pizza bites.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 84 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 84kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 397mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 84mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.7g | 3% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 164IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 85mg | 9% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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