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Golden, crispy cauliflower pizza steaks topped with melted mozzarella cheese, crispy mini pepperoni, and fresh basil leaves on a wooden serving board.

Chicken Cauliflower Pizza Steaks Recipe

A crispy, cheesy, and completely low-carb Mediterranean pizza alternative made with thick, oven-roasted cauliflower slabs topped with savory marinara, melted mozzarella, and turkey pepperoni.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 295
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head fresh cauliflower
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup mini turkey pepperoni slices or nitrate-free pepperoni
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves torn, for garnish
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. - step: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. - step: Trim the outer leaves of the cauliflower head, ensuring the central stem remains completely intact.
  3. - step: Using a sharp chef's knife, slice the cauliflower down the center into thick, 1-inch slabs. Keep the core attached to prevent the steaks from crumbling.
  4. - step: Arrange the intact steaks on your prepared sheet pan. Reserve any loose outer florets for future roasting.
  5. - step: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture generously onto both sides of each cauliflower steak.
  6. - step: Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, using a wide spatula to gently flip the steaks over halfway through. The cauliflower should be tender and show beautiful crispy, golden edges.
  7. - step: Remove the pan from the oven. Spread about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce evenly across the surface of each roasted slab.
  8. - step: Top generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese and scatter the mini pepperoni slices evenly across the top.
  9. - step: Return to the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Turn on the broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes to beautifully toast the cheese layer.
  10. - step: Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Allow to cool for 2 minutes, then serve hot using a wide spatula.

Notes

  • Pro-Tip: Do not trim away the central stem or core of the cauliflower before slicing; it acts as the anchor holding your steaks together.
  • Topping Variety: Feel free to swap or supplement the turkey pepperoni with sliced Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, or feta crumbles to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile without adding extra carbs.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) to restore the signature crispy edges. Avoid the microwave, which can make the cauliflower base watery.