Put Down the Dough – Try These Pizza Crust Variations

Did you know that 94% of Americans eat pizza regularly? Americans eat approximately 100 acres of pizza a day, or about 350 slices per second. That’s a lot of pizza! If you’re like most Americans, you love a good pizza party. Don’t do the same old pepperoni pizza every time, switch it up with these fun variations.

Cauliflower Crust

Ingredients:

• 2-1/2 cups cauliflower
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Put your cauliflower into a food processor until finely chopped and then transfer into a large bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave for eight minutes. Remove and let cool.
3. Mix in the lightly beaten egg, mozzarella, parmesan, oregano and garlic powder with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to the cauliflower.
4. Take the mixture and pat it into a 10 inch round shape (approximately) and put onto the baking sheet with some nonstock spray.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Add your pizza sauce and topping, bake until cheese is melted (about 10 minutes) and enjoy!

Polenta Pizza Crust

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup coarsely ground yellow cornmeal
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 cup parmesan

Instructions:

1. Brush a layer of olive oil onto a baking sheet.
2. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine milk, water and a sprinkle of salt. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium.
3. Slowly whisk in cornmeal.
4. Turn heat to low and simmer the mixture while whisking frequently until thick, which should take 10-15 minutes. You want the consistency to be about the same as a thick oatmeal.
5. Remove from heat, stir in one tablespoon of olive oil, beaten egg and parmesan cheese.
6. Spread the polenta onto the baking sheet, about 1/2 inch thick. Work quickly so the polenta does not harden. Brush the polenta dough with olive oil.
7. Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place baking sheet with polenta on it into the oven for 30 minutes.
8. Remove, add sauce, your favorite toppings and cheese.
9. Place back in oven for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!