Since my low-carb cauliflower tortillas were such a success, I thought I’d play around a bit more with the whole low-carb bread substitute thing. Don’t get me wrong, I love bread and I certainly won’t be cutting it out of my life any time soon, but I also love experimenting in the kitchen and trying new things. This time, I decided that since cauliflower makes such a great bread substitute, broccoli probably would as well – and I was right! (oh, how I love it when I’m right.) This low-carb broccoli pizza crust was great – perfectly crispy around the edges, and a great vehicle for all that mozzarella (insert heart-eyed emoji here).
For me, a good pizza is all about the cheeeeese – you could top just about anything with some mozzarella and tomato, and I would happily call it pizza (in fact I have done just that on several occasions). So I thought this broccoli pizza crust worked beautifully – the simple broccoli mixture gives a solid base for your cheese and whatever toppings you fancy. Actually, I just this second realised that I didn’t add any sauce – what is wrong with me that I’ve only just noticed that? Anyway, you could totally add a small amount of tomato sauce too if you like (I’d probably just make sure the crust is extra crispy before adding the sauce, to make sure it doesn’t end up soggy).
This broccoli pizza crust isn’t quite as stable as the usual bready version – you can pick up the slices with your hands, but you do need to be a little careful about it. I’d probably avoid any super heavy toppings, but since the crust doesn’t have a huge amount of flavour in itself, your toppings can use whatever flavour combinations you like, and it should all work just fine. I kept it simple with sliced tomato and olives (and apparently no sauce).
The broccoli pizza crust is really easy to make, just blitz up a head of broccoli and add a few eggs and some seasonings, then bake! You don’t need to pre-cook the broccoli or anything. By the way: Do as I say, not as I do. I’d run out of baking paper, so I baked my broccoli pizza crust straight on the baking tray, and it did stick a bit. Use paper.
And that’s all there is to it! It’s really easy – in my opinion, easier than making a bread crust from scratch (I’m irrationally afraid of cooking with yeast). I’m now wondering what other vegetables you could use to make low-carb bread substitutes – any bright ideas? If not, my low-carb broccoli pizza crust is a pretty good place to start.
Low-carb broccoli pizza crust
Ingredients
- 1 medium head broccoli (~ 350g)
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion granules
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 150 g grated cheese (~ 1 1/4 cups) - I used mozzarella and cheddar
- Your choice of toppings - I used sliced tomato and black olives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas Mark 4 / 350°F).
- Cut the broccoli into several rough chunks, and add to a food processor. Blitz until no lumps remain. Transfer the broccoli to a large mixing bowl, and add the eggs, garlic powder, onion granules, and plenty of salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Line two baking trays with non-stick paper, and thoroughly spray with oil, then divide the broccoli mixture onto the two trays. Use the back of a spoon to carefully spread the broccoli mixture into the shape of two pizza crusts, smoothing over any holes that appear.
- Bake the broccoli pizza crusts for around 25-30 minutes, or until firm and starting to turn golden brown (the exact timings will depend on how thin you made your pizza crusts).
- Use a spatula to make sure the crust isn't stuck to the paper. Then, add some grated cheese and your choice of toppings. Return to the oven for a further 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly crispy.
Note: Nutritional information is approximate, and will depend on exactly what ingredients you choose.
Varsha verma
Tuesday 17th of April 2018
You are a genius cook really, loves these new ideas of cooking.Great way to get the kids to eat veg
Dewdrop
Wednesday 18th of October 2017
I have to tell you my story. First off, wonderful crust. I used 3 eggs instead of 2 as many recipes called for. My Dad came in and was looking all over the house. He finally asked me: "What is that smell? Did the dog poop. I've looked all over and I cant find any." ....So make then when it's just the family. :) I used artichokes hearts, yellow peppers and crab since I cant digest tomatoes. Your crust held together great!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche
Monday 23rd of October 2017
Haha oh dear, not exactly a compliment, but I hope it tasted good!
Cassandra
Tuesday 3rd of January 2017
Has anyone tried making it with frozen broccoli? This looks amazing and I want to try it, but I'd prefer to use what I have before going out to buy more.
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche
Tuesday 3rd of January 2017
I haven't tried it with frozen broccoli, my only reservation would be that it might go a bit soggy? I imagine you'd need to cook the broccoli and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before making the crust. Let me know if you try it :)
Mali Klauseth
Thursday 8th of September 2016
I tried this recipe today, super easy, I should have let them become browner though, they were more like tortillas than pizza crust ;) I didn't have a lot to put on it, ended up with ham, tomato and parmesan cheese, with garlic dressing :)
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche
Friday 9th of September 2016
Sounds great, glad you enjoyed! :)
Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet
Saturday 27th of August 2016
Not having to cook the broccoli saves tonnes of time and faff. Hmmm, have to try it some time!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche
Saturday 27th of August 2016
I can't be doing with faff :)