Cauliflower Pizza Bites
Cheesy, bite-sized, and packed with pepperoni, these cauliflower pizza bites are my answer to pizza cravings—minus the carb overload.
They’re just as fun for movie night as they are for lunchboxes. If you’re looking for a playful way to sneak in more veggies, you’ve found it.
Variations & Substitutions
Swap out the pepperoni for cooked crumbled sausage or diced ham for a meaty twist. Want more flavor? Toss in some chopped black olives or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
You can also use cheddar or provolone in place of mozzarella for a different cheesy vibe. For a gluten-free option, you’re already set—no breadcrumbs needed!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results
Squeezing out the cauliflower moisture is key—don’t skip it! Too much water and your bites will be mushy instead of crisp. Use a cookie scoop for even portions, so everything bakes at the same rate.
If you like extra crunch, broil the bites for the last 2 minutes. And don’t overcrowd the pan—give each bite some space to brown up nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pizza bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through.
They also reheat well in an air fryer for a quick, crispy snack. Freezing? Sure! Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag—just bake from frozen for 10–12 minutes.
Cauliflower Pizza Bites
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower about 4 cups florets
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni
- ½ cup pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cut cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it’s rice-like. Microwave cauliflower “rice” for 5 minutes, then cool slightly. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a large bowl, mix cauliflower, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in half the pepperoni.
- Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of mixture for each bite, shaping into balls or mini patties. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Top each bite with a few pieces of remaining pepperoni.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden and set.
- Cool slightly and serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
