Broccoli Pizza Crust: A Healthy and Delicious Alternative

Are you looking for a healthier way to enjoy pizza? Do you want to sneak more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor? Then look no further than a broccoli pizza crust! This ingenious recipe uses finely chopped broccoli as the base for a surprisingly sturdy and incredibly delicious pizza crust. It’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and packed with nutrients. Forget about heavy, processed crusts – this broccoli pizza crust will revolutionize your pizza night!

Why Broccoli Pizza Crust?

There are so many reasons to love broccoli pizza crust. Here are just a few:

* **Healthier than Traditional Pizza Crust:** Made primarily with broccoli, this crust is lower in carbohydrates and calories compared to traditional wheat-based crusts. It’s a great option for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet.
* **Packed with Nutrients:** Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse! It’s an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants. You’re getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals with every slice.
* **Sneaks in Vegetables:** Perfect for picky eaters (or anyone who wants to increase their vegetable intake!), this crust is a sneaky way to add more greens to your diet. The flavor is subtle enough that even broccoli skeptics will enjoy it.
* **Gluten-Free:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
* **Customizable:** The possibilities are endless! You can top your broccoli pizza crust with your favorite pizza toppings, just like you would with a regular crust.
* **Delicious!:** Yes, it’s healthy, but it’s also incredibly delicious! The crust has a slightly nutty and savory flavor that complements a wide variety of toppings.

The Ultimate Broccoli Pizza Crust Recipe

Ready to try it? Here’s a detailed recipe for making the perfect broccoli pizza crust:

**Yields:** One 12-inch pizza crust
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-40 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 large head of broccoli (about 4 cups chopped)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Parmesan cheese, or a combination)
* 1/4 cup almond flour (or oat flour, or breadcrumbs – see notes below)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Olive oil for greasing

**Equipment:**

* Food processor (or a box grater and a knife)
* Large bowl
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper
* Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth (optional, but recommended)

**Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Broccoli:**

* Wash the broccoli thoroughly.
* Cut the broccoli head into florets. Remove the thick stalk; you can use it in soups or other recipes.
* Place the broccoli florets into a food processor. Pulse until the broccoli is finely chopped, resembling rice or couscous. Be careful not to over-process it into a puree. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a box grater to grate the broccoli or finely chop it with a knife.

**2. Steam or Microwave the Broccoli:**

* This step is crucial for removing excess moisture from the broccoli.
* **Steaming:** Place the chopped broccoli in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender. Don’t overcook it, as it will become mushy.
* **Microwaving:** Place the chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.

**3. Remove Excess Moisture:**

* This is the most important step for achieving a crispy crust. The key to a good broccoli crust is to remove as much moisture as possible.
* Let the cooked broccoli cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, transfer it to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
* Wrap the broccoli in the towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to extract as much water as possible. You’ll be surprised how much water comes out! Continue squeezing until the broccoli feels relatively dry.

**4. Combine the Ingredients:**

* In a large bowl, combine the squeezed broccoli, egg, mozzarella cheese (or Parmesan), almond flour (or oat flour/breadcrumbs), garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
* Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture forms a cohesive mass.

**5. Form the Crust:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the crust from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* Place the broccoli mixture onto the parchment paper.
* Using your hands or the back of a spoon, spread the mixture into a 12-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Try to make the crust as even as possible for even cooking.
* *Optional: For a crispier edge, gently press down the edges of the crust to create a slight rim.*

**6. Bake the Crust:**

* Bake the crust for 20-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the thickness of the crust.
* Check the crust periodically during baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

**7. Add Toppings and Bake Again:**

* Remove the crust from the oven.
* Add your favorite pizza toppings! Some popular choices include:
* Tomato sauce
* Mozzarella cheese
* Pepperoni
* Sausage
* Mushrooms
* Onions
* Peppers
* Olives
* Spinach
* Artichoke hearts
* Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the toppings are heated through.

**8. Serve and Enjoy!**

* Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.
* Enjoy your healthy and delicious broccoli pizza!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Broccoli Pizza Crust

* **Don’t skip the moisture removal step!** This is the most important factor in achieving a crispy crust. Squeeze the broccoli as dry as possible.
* **Use parchment paper:** This will prevent the crust from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet:** If you’re making multiple crusts, bake them in batches.
* **Adjust the baking time as needed:** Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the crust and adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Experiment with different cheeses:** Try using Parmesan, cheddar, or a combination of cheeses.
* **Add herbs and spices to the crust:** Get creative with your flavor combinations! Try adding Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
* **Use pre-riced broccoli:** If you’re short on time, you can use pre-riced broccoli from the grocery store. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture.
* **Make it vegan:** Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) and use vegan cheese.
* **Add Some Garlic:** Mixing roasted garlic into the broccoli mixture before baking adds another layer of rich flavor.

## Topping Ideas for Your Broccoli Pizza Crust

The beauty of pizza is its versatility. Here are some topping ideas to get you started:

* **Classic Margherita:** Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
* **Pepperoni:** Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
* **Vegetarian:** Tomato sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, and spinach.
* **Meat Lovers:** Tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham.
* **BBQ Chicken:** BBQ sauce, mozzarella, grilled chicken, red onion, and cilantro.
* **Pesto and Roasted Vegetables:** Pesto sauce, mozzarella, roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
* **White Pizza (Bianca):** Olive oil, garlic, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
* **Buffalo Chicken:** Buffalo sauce, mozzarella, shredded chicken, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

## Troubleshooting Your Broccoli Pizza Crust

* **Crust is Soggy:** You didn’t remove enough moisture from the broccoli. Make sure to squeeze it as dry as possible before mixing the ingredients.
* **Crust is Crumbly:** You may have used too little egg or cheese. Add a little more egg or cheese to help bind the ingredients together.
* **Crust is Burning:** Your oven may be too hot. Reduce the oven temperature slightly and tent the crust with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
* **Crust is Not Crispy:** Make sure you’re baking the crust long enough. You may need to increase the baking time slightly to achieve your desired level of crispiness. Also ensure even spreading of the mixture for even baking.

## Variations and Additions

* **Spicy Broccoli Pizza Crust:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broccoli mixture.
* **Cheesy Broccoli Pizza Crust:** Add more cheese to the broccoli mixture, such as cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyere.
* **Herbaceous Broccoli Pizza Crust:** Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the broccoli mixture.
* **Garlic Broccoli Pizza Crust:** Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the broccoli mixture.
* **Cauliflower and Broccoli Mix:** Replace half the broccoli with cauliflower for a slightly milder flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Broccoli pizza crust is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

* **As a main course:** Serve it as a pizza night alternative for a healthy and satisfying meal.
* **As an appetizer:** Cut it into smaller squares and serve it as a party appetizer.
* **As a snack:** Enjoy a slice as a healthy and filling snack.
* **With a side salad:** Pair it with a fresh side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
* **With a dipping sauce:** Serve it with a side of marinara sauce, pesto, or ranch dressing.

## Storage Instructions

* **Baked Broccoli Pizza Crust:** Store leftover baked broccoli pizza crust in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **Unbaked Broccoli Pizza Crust:** It’s best to bake the crust immediately after preparing it. However, you can store the unbaked broccoli mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You may need to squeeze out any excess moisture before baking.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Per slice (1/8 of the pizza):*

* Calories: 150-200
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Protein: 8-12g
* Fat: 8-12g
* Fiber: 3-5g

*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and toppings used.*

## Conclusion

Broccoli pizza crust is a delicious, healthy, and versatile alternative to traditional pizza crust. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a low-carb meal, or a way to sneak more vegetables into your diet, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, ditch the processed crust and give broccoli pizza crust a try – you won’t be disappointed! Experiment with different toppings, flavors, and serving suggestions to create your own unique and healthy pizza masterpiece. Enjoy!