Shrimp Scampi Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Try this Shrimp Scampi Cauliflower Crust Pizza recipe
Try this Shrimp Scampi Cauliflower Crust Pizza recipe
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 1 pound) trimmed and broken into small florets*
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten**
- for the cauliflower crust: (alternatively 1 pound
- for the pizza topping:
- 1/4 cup white wine (i used casal garcia)
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- 1 pound fresh shrimp (16 count) rinsed, peeled and deveined
- Carbohydrate 1.3271538304041 g
- Cholesterol 15.8445833425695 mg
- Fat 5.22484305347312 g
- Fiber 0.133194207522336 g
- Protein 5.07610965101658 g
- Saturated Fat 3.08215791500838 g
- Serving Size 1 1 medium slice (79g)
- Sodium 152.465866689339 mg
- Sugar 1.19395962288177 g
- Trans Fat 0.273982082264348 g
- Calories 72 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and place a pizza stone inside (if using).
- If you're not using pre-riced cauliflower, put cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until very fine crumbs remain. Alternatively, you can grate the cauliflower using a cheese grater.
- Place cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a paper towel and microwave for 5 minutes.
- Remove the cauliflower and let it cool. You can place it in the freezer for a couple of minutes to speed up the process.
- Once cool, wrap the cauliflower in a dishtowel and squeeze until it is completely dry. It is very important to get all of the moisture out.
- Place the cauliflower in a large (dry) mixing bowl. Mix in the cheeses, seasonings and eggs. If you're using a 16 ounce bag of pre-riced cauliflower (like me), you may need to add about ½ cup egg whites, another egg, milk or water. I added ½ cup egg whites because the cauliflower crust mixture seemed too dry.
- Transfer cauliflower crust mixture to a large piece of parchment paper (no larger than your pizza stone) and press the dough into a circle, making sure the crust is thin and of about ½ inch thickness.
- Gently pick up the parchment paper and slide it with entire crust on top onto pizza stone or pizza baking pan.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden.
- While pizza is cooking, begin preparing shrimp and other toppings. In a large skillet, melt butter and oil over medium-low heat.
- Add the garlic and lemon zest, cook for one minute.
- Add the wine and lemon juice, simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add shrimp and cook only until pink. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Once the crust is golden, remove it from the oven and brush dough with garlic-lemon sauce from pan. Be generous, but you don't want wet puddles on your pizza.
- Top with shrimp, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Place pizza back in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Wonderful served immediately, but also quite delicious leftover and cold!
My Delicious Shrimp Scampi Cauliflower Crust Pizza Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. I’m constantly juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and ensuring everyone in my family gets a nutritious and satisfying dinner on the table. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for quick, easy, and healthy recipes that don’t compromise on flavor. Recently, I discovered the joy of cauliflower crust pizza, and this Shrimp Scampi Cauliflower Crust Pizza has become a new family favorite! It’s surprisingly simple to make, packed with flavor, and feels much lighter than a traditional pizza, which is a big plus for those of us watching our waistlines.
The process of making the cauliflower crust itself was a little unexpected. I initially underestimated how much moisture needed to be squeezed out of the cauliflower. Let me tell you, it’s a workout! But the effort is absolutely worth it. The resulting crust is wonderfully crisp and holds its shape perfectly, providing a satisfying base for the delicious shrimp scampi topping. The combination of the delicate shrimp, the zesty lemon juice, and the fragrant garlic is simply divine. The slightly spicy kick from the red pepper flakes adds a delightful touch of warmth that complements the overall flavor profile beautifully.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even use a different type of seafood. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, making it a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. The kids especially loved picking off the shrimp and parmesan!
Making this pizza is a fun family activity too. My kids love helping with simple tasks like grating the cheese or sprinkling on the herbs. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together while creating a delicious and healthy meal. It’s also the perfect meal prep option. I typically make a batch of the cauliflower crust on the weekend and store it in the fridge, making it incredibly quick and easy to assemble and bake during a busy weeknight.
The initial prep work is minimal, which is perfect for busy weeknights. The most time-consuming part is the cauliflower prep – squeezing out excess moisture is key to a crispy crust. However, using pre-riced cauliflower can significantly reduce prep time. For the topping, I love the simplicity of the scampi sauce, a classic that never disappoints. The combination of shrimp and lemon is refreshing and light, making it a welcome change from traditional pizza toppings. The entire process, from prep to oven to table, takes less than an hour, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Overall, this Shrimp Scampi Cauliflower Crust Pizza recipe has been a game-changer in our household. It’s a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy meal that the whole family enjoys. I highly recommend giving it a try. The look on everyone’s faces when the first slice is served, warm, bubbly, and bursting with flavor, makes it all worthwhile. It's more than just a pizza; it's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or complicated.
So, whether you’re a busy working professional, a stay-at-home mom, or simply someone who appreciates a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen, give this Shrimp Scampi Cauliflower Crust Pizza a try. It's the perfect combination of ease and deliciousness, guaranteed to impress your family and friends!
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Don't skip the squeezing! Seriously, this is the most crucial step for getting a crispy crust. The drier the cauliflower, the crispier the pizza.
- Experiment with toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or meats.
- Make it ahead: The cauliflower crust can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use a pizza stone: A pizza stone will help create a crispier crust.
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Cook only until pink.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Shrimp Scampi Cauliflower Crust Pizza!
