Culinary Excellence: 5-Point Cauliflower Crust Pizza with White Sauce, Chicken, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Olives

Embark on a gastronomic adventure with our 5-Point Cauliflower Crust Pizza, a masterpiece of culinary artistry crafted by a pizza aficionado—your very own husband. This meticulously designed recipe marries the health-conscious choice of cauliflower crust with a symphony of flavors, including a velvety white sauce, succulent chicken, earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and briny olives. Each bite transcends the ordinary, delivering a satisfying pizza experience at just 5 SmartPoints per serving. Join us as we delve into the nuances of this culinary creation, from the careful selection of ingredients to the step-by-step instructions that bring this pizza masterpiece to life.

Ingredients:

For the Cauliflower Crust:

  • 4 cups cauliflower rice (approximately 1 medium-sized cauliflower head)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the White Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives

For Garnish:

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Cauliflower Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grate or process the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice. Place the cauliflower rice in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out any excess moisture.

In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower rice, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until a cohesive dough forms.

On a parchment-lined baking sheet, press the dough into a thin, even layer, shaping it into a round or rectangular crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and firm.

Step 2: Crafting the White Sauce

While the crust is baking, prepare the white sauce. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux.

Gradually pour in the almond milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and white pepper, creating a velvety white sauce. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

Once the cauliflower crust is baked, spread the white sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.

Evenly distribute the shredded chicken, sliced mushrooms, fresh spinach, and black olives over the white sauce.

Step 4: Final Baking and Garnish

Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the toppings are heated through and the crust edges are golden.

Garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Step 5: Serving and Savoring

Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Each slice is a culinary masterpiece, delivering the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 1/6th of the pizza
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 18g

Smart Weight Watchers Points:

  • Each serving, constituting 1/6th of the pizza, is equivalent to 5 SmartPoints, making this a delightful and satiating option for those following the Weight Watchers program.

Tips and Serving Suggestions:

  1. Cauliflower Prep: Ensure thorough drying of cauliflower rice to achieve a crispy crust. A cheesecloth or kitchen towel works well for removing excess moisture.
  2. Creative Toppings: Feel free to customize the pizza with your favorite low-point vegetables or lean protein options to suit your taste preferences.
  3. Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven for a crispier crust.

Conclusion:

Our 5-Point Cauliflower Crust Pizza with White Sauce, Chicken, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Olives is a testament to the fusion of culinary ingenuity and health-conscious choices. This pizza creation not only satisfies the palate but does so without compromising on nutritional values. Elevate your pizza night with this flavorful masterpiece, celebrating the art of savoring food that aligns with your wellness journey. Whether shared with loved ones or savored solo, this pizza embodies the idea that indulgence can coexist harmoniously with mindful choices.