These low-carb cauliflower pizza bites are cheesy, healthy, and made with six simple ingredients. Each crispy cauliflower base is topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. They are nutritious, keto, kid-friendly, and irresistibly delicious!
The best cauliflower bites
These are not regular cauliflower bites... they're cheesy pizza cauliflower bites! Seriously, these low-carb pizza bites are my latest obsession, and my family is totally on board. They're loaded with extra cheese, still on the healthy side, low-cal, and the sneaky way to get in some veggies. The ultimate finger-food game changer!
Making this dish is a breeze. The cheesy cauliflower bites are ready in under 30 minutes and will surely be a crowd-pleaser, even with picky eaters and kids. Each cauliflower disc is topped with pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan, bursting with flavor. They're so tasty that stopping at just one is a challenge. But here's the best part – you can enjoy the entire batch without any guilt.
This recipe is my go-to when entertaining--next to these air fryer pasta chips and these homemade mozzarella sticks. Best of all, this recipe is super customizable to different flavor preferences. Pick your pasta sauce, choose your cheese, and throw in toppings like pepperoni, bacon crumbles, veggies, or fresh basil. It's a flavor playground!
These cauliflower bites are the ultimate go-to for appetizers or snacks. After sharing these cauliflower bites with my friends for a taste test, there's no doubt – they've become a weekly tradition for our Game Day gatherings. I cannot wait to hear your thoughts about this secretly healthy keto recipe.
Why you'll love this recipe:
- Crispy Perfection: Achieve a delightful crispy texture with perfectly roasted cauliflower.
- Keto-Friendly: These fun pizza bites are low-carb and perfect for the keto diet!
- Healthy Alternative: This is the perfect nutritious snack or appetizer made with healthy ingredients.
- Hidden Veggies: The perfect way to sneak in some cauliflower hidden by pizza flavors.
- Kid-Approved: Kids love these simple pizza bites with a hidden cauliflower base.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable Toppings: Create your personalized pizza bites with any toppings with bacon crumbles, chicken sausage, pepperoni, veggies, basil, and the list goes on.
- Try these delicious Air Fryer Tortilla Pizzas or these Homemade Mozzarella Sticks next!
Ingredients needed for cauliflower pizza bites
This mini cauliflower pizza bites calls for 6 simple and healthy ingredients. You need cauliflower, olive oil, marinara sauce, cheese, and seasonings. This recipe is gluten-free with a dairy-free, vegan option. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Cauliflower: The main ingredient, providing a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crust and a nutritious base for the bites.
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: This helps get the cauliflower bites nice and crispy.
- Garlic Powder: To season the cauliflower bites.
- Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite marinara, garlic, vodka, or Arrabiata sauce. Any good pasta sauce will work here.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to create a gooey, cheesy topping, a classic element in pizza recipes.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and savory flavor, complementing the mozzarella and enhancing the overall cheesiness.
- Salt & Pepper: For flavor.
- Optional Toppings: mini pepperoni, bacon bits, ham, pineapple, basil, etc.
Kitchen tools needed
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make these low-carb cauliflower bites. It's single-serve!
- Baking Tray
- Parchment Paper
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Oven
How to make cauliflower pizza bites
These cauliflower pizza bites are easy to make and perfect finger food. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.
Step 1:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Prepare the cauliflower by removing the stem, slicing it in half, and then cutting it into bite-sized flat discs. Do this by laying each cauliflower half flat on a cutting board and slicing it horizontally into ½ inch, round-ish discs, similar to traditional pizza crust. LOOK AT THE PICTURES!
Step 3:
Evenly, space out the cauliflower discs on the lined baking sheet, brush or spray both sides with avocado oil, and season the cauliflower with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4:
Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping the cauliflower pieces halfway through until they are golden and crispy.
Step 5:
While the cauliflower is roasting, heat the marinara sauce on the stovetop or microwave until warm.
Step 6:
Once the cauliflower is ready, please remove it from the oven and place a spoonful of marinara sauce on each disc. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Add mini cut-up pepperoni, bacon bits, ham, pineapple, or whatever you want if desired!
Step 7:
Finally, place the baking sheet back in the oven on the broil setting at 500°F (260°C) for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with fresh basil and enjoy!
Expert recipe tips
- Dry the Cauliflower: After cutting the cauliflower into discs, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring the cauliflower roasts and crisps up nicely.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese instead of mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to make this cauliflower pizza bites vegan!
- Uniform Sizing: Try to cut the cauliflower into uniform-sized discs. This ensures even cooking, so all pieces are done simultaneously.
- Customizable Toppings: Encourage creativity with toppings. Set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their cauliflower bites with their favorite ingredients.
- Watch Closely Under Broil: When using the broil setting to melt the cheese, keep a close eye on the bites to prevent burning. The broiling process happens quickly.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Prepare a simple dipping sauce like garlic aioli, ranch, or a balsamic reduction to serve alongside the cauliflower bites for added flavor.
Topping & variations for cauliflower pizza bites:
Here are some delicious flavor variations and mix-ins to elevate your single-serve banana bread:
- Mini Pepperoni
- Fresh Basil
- Colorful Bell Peppers (diced)
- Diced Onion
- Cherry Tomatoes:
- Bacon Bits
- Cooked Sausage
- Grilled Chicken
- Kalamata Olives
- Feta Cheese Crumbles
- Jalapeño Slices
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Hot Sauce Drizzle
- Use pesto instead of red sauce
- Use alfredo instead of red sauce
Easy ingredient substitutions:
- Cauliflower: Substituting cauliflower with broccoli can provide a different flavor profile.
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Melted butter or ghee can be used as alternatives for a richer flavor. Try vegetable oil or canola oil, which can be used if you prefer a neutral oil.
- Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic is a great substitute for garlic powder. You can also try onion powder or a combination of both, adding a different flavor depth.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use any melty cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, Mexican blend, Swiss, gruyere, or a blend. I love sharp cheddar.
- Dairy-Free Cheese: Consider non-dairy alternatives like vegan mozzarella if you want a dairy-free option.
- Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are good alternatives to Parmesan. Try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that adds a cheesy flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: Experiment with different pasta sauces, such as pesto, Vodka, or Alfredo, for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bagged cauliflower florets?
Yes! You can cut up an entire head of cauliflower or slice bagged cauliflower florets. Both options are great!
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Fresh cauliflower is recommended for the best, crispy texture. I don't recommend using frozen cauliflower for this recipe.
Are they keto?
Absolutely, these cauliflower pizza bites are indeed keto-friendly. They contain 1 gram of carbs and 0.5 grams of fiber, resulting in 0.5 grams of net carbs per serving.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free. Ensure that the marinara sauce and any additional toppings you use are gluten-free.
What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
You can use pesto, Alfredo sauce, or any preferred tomato-based sauce as a substitute for marinara.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Making cauliflower pizza bites vegan is a great idea, and you can easily swap out the mozzarella cheese with plant-based melting cheese and the parmesan with nutritional yeast.
How do I prevent the cauliflower from becoming soggy?
Ensure the cauliflower is dry before roasting. Avoid overcrowding on the baking tray, and flip the discs during roasting for even crisping.
How to store and reheat cauliflower bites:
Storing: To store cauliflower bites, allow them to cool to room temperature and then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate the bites for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: When reheating, place them in an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer at 300°F to maintain crispiness. Microwaving will cause the bites to become too soft.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Gluten Free Tater Tots
- Air Fryer Pasta Chips
- Crispiest Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Homemade Bagel Bites
- Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks
- Buffalo Chicken Flatbread
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Cauliflower Pizza Bites
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup marinara or your favorite red sauce
- ⅓ - ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cauliflower by removing the stem, slicing it in half, and then cutting it into bite-sized flat discs. Do this by, laying each cauliflower half flat on a cutting board and slicing it horizontally into ½-inch, round-ish discs, similar in shape to traditional pizza crust. LOOK AT THE PICTURES!
- Evenly space out the cauliflower discs on the lined baking sheet and brush or spray both sides with avocado oil.
- Season the cauliflower with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping the cauliflower pieces halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- While the cauliflower is roasting, heat the marinara sauce on the stovetop or microwave until warm.
- Once the cauliflower is ready, remove it from the oven and place a spoonful of marinara sauce on each disc. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. If desired, add mini cut-up pepperoni, bacon bits, ham, pineapple, or whatever you want!
- Place the baking sheet back in the oven on the broil setting at 500°F (260°C) for 1-2 minutes until the the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with fresh basil and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
Sharing is caring!
Valeria Hirsch says
the best substitute for pizza!!
Katherine says
Super easy and super delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
Tati Chermayeff says
Awe thank you, Katherine!
Isabella says
This is just so fun! I made a batch for my boyfriend and me and it was so delicious. Tastes like pizza with zero guilt! Great recipe. I used tomato basil sauce.
Tati Chermayeff says
Awe, yesss!!! I love the hear it 🙂
Shelly Kemp says
Wow. This is the perfect side dish. I made it for my family on Sunday and served it with some grilled chicken and it was perfect.
Tati Chermayeff says
Shelly, Yay!!! Made my day hearing this.