Keto Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Homemade Marinara & Mozzarella – A Family-Friendly, Low-Carb Delight

By @Jessica Adams – Keto Food Blogger & Busy Mom

Zippy Introduction

Satisfy your family’s pizza cravings with this Keto Cauliflower Crust Pizza—a low-carb, nutrient-packed dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Featuring a crispy cauliflower crust topped with zesty homemade marinara and gooey mozzarella, this pizza is perfect for busy evenings when you need a quick, budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love.

Keywords: keto cauliflower crust pizza, low-carb pizza, family-friendly keto, keto dinner recipe, healthy keto pizza, busy mom keto recipe, keto meal prep

Keto Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Homemade Marinara & Mozzarella – A Family-Friendly, Low-Carb Delight

Servings

Prep Time

15 minutes (plus 5 minutes for ricing & moisture removal)

Cook Time

30 minutes (20 minutes for crust + 8-10 minutes for topping)

Total Time

~45 minutes

A Personal Note

“Hi, I’m Jessica! One hectic evening, with soccer practices, homework, and endless to-do lists, my kids announced they were starving and only wanted pizza. I was torn—I didn’t want to break my keto routine, but I also knew how much my little ones loved a classic pizza night. In a flash, I whipped up a cauliflower crust pizza with my favorite homemade marinara and melted mozzarella. That night, the entire family gathered around the table, enjoying a delicious, low-carb meal that kept everyone happy and fueled for the busy night ahead. It was a reminder that even on the busiest days, healthy, budget-friendly meals can bring us together.” – Jessica Adams

Ingredients Breakdown

Dry Ingredients

For the Cauliflower Crust

1 medium head cauliflower, riced
A nutrient-rich, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza dough.
1 egg, lightly beaten
Helps bind the crust together.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For richness and added flavor in the crust.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Enhances taste with a savory kick.
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
A simple, tangy base for a homemade sauce.
1 clove garlic, minced
Infuses the sauce with robust flavor.
1 tsp dried oregano
Adds a classic Italian herb note.
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings

1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For a melty, delicious topping.
Fresh basil leaves
For a burst of herbal freshness (optional).
Optional: Sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage
For extra protein and flavor.

Wet Ingredients

Optional Mix-Ins

For the Cauliflower Crust

1 medium head cauliflower, riced
A nutrient-rich, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza dough.
1 egg, lightly beaten
Helps bind the crust together.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For richness and added flavor in the crust.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Enhances taste with a savory kick.
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
A simple, tangy base for a homemade sauce.
1 clove garlic, minced
Infuses the sauce with robust flavor.
1 tsp dried oregano
Adds a classic Italian herb note.
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings

1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For a melty, delicious topping.
Fresh basil leaves
For a burst of herbal freshness (optional).
Optional: Sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage
For extra protein and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rice the cauliflower using a food processor or grater, then microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 5 minutes until soft. Let it cool slightly, then place in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
Mix the Crust Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, beaten egg, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until a dough-like consistency forms.
Form & Bake the Crust:
- Press the cauliflower mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, forming a thin, even circle about 10 inches in diameter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the crust is firm and lightly golden.
Make the Marinara Sauce:
- While the crust bakes, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes.
Assemble the Pizza:
- Remove the crust from the oven and spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over it. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top, and add optional toppings like pepperoni or sausage if desired.
Final Bake:
- Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if using, slice, and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the cauliflower crust ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare and bake the cauliflower crust in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and assemble the pizza just before serving.

Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
A: Absolutely. If you’re short on time, a high-quality, no-sugar-added marinara sauce works just as well.

Q: How do I ensure the crust is crispy?
A: Squeezing out as much moisture from the cauliflower as possible and baking at a high temperature helps achieve a crisp texture.

Keto Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Homemade Marinara & Mozzarella – A Family-Friendly, Low-Carb Delight

Servings

Prep Time

15 minutes (plus 5 minutes for ricing & moisture removal)

Cook Time

30 minutes (20 minutes for crust + 8-10 minutes for topping)

Total Time

~45 minutes

Recipe Card

Keto Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Homemade Marinara & Mozzarella
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 5 minutes for ricing & moisture removal)
Cook Time: 30 minutes (20 minutes for crust + 8-10 minutes for topping)
Total Time: ~45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 medium head cauliflower, riced
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Marinara Sauce:

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Toppings:

1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: Sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage
Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Directions

Rice cauliflower and microwave for 5 minutes; squeeze out moisture.
Mix cauliflower, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper; press into a 10-inch circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until firm and golden.
Simmer crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper for 10 minutes.
Spread marinara over the crust, top with shredded mozzarella (and optional toppings), and bake an additional 8–10 minutes.
Garnish with basil, slice, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Highlights

Calories: ~300
Protein: ~18g
Net Carbs: ~6g
Fat: ~20g

Keto Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Homemade Marinara & Mozzarella – A Family-Friendly, Low-Carb Delight

Lunch & Dinner