Posts tagged pepperoni

As a normal human being, I LOVE PIZZA. I would eat pizza every. single. day. if I knew it wouldn’t land me a spot on The Biggest Loser. I make tortilla pizzas at least once a week helping to curb my pizza craving, which usually works. I tried to add veggies to my pizzas but often just resort to a handful of spinach.

When I saw these cauliflower pizza bites my search was over. The majority of the “bite” is cauliflower that is flavored with pizza-like herbs and spices AND I get to eat pepperonis?!? I bow down to thee. 

Cauliflower Pizza Bites

Revised from Dashing Dish

Makes 14-16 bites

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cauliflower (about 1/2 head)
• 1 large egg white, lightly beat
• 2 tablespoons low-fat Greek Yogurt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon pizza/Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup mini turkey pepperonis, chopped
• pinch of salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup pizza sauce for dipping

Method:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray your mini muffin pan liberally with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Wash cauliflower, and cut in half. Break cauliflower into segments, and place in food processor. Pulse until it reaches a rice-like texture. You could also use a cheese grater. 

Place cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes, uncovered with no water.

Remove cauliflower from microwave and add the rest of the ingredients. Stir to combine. Place back in the microwave for 2 minutes and mix again.

Use a heaping tablespoon to scoop cauliflower mixture into muffin tins. Fill to the top and press down to compact the cup. I added a single mini pepperoni on the top of each.

Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tops become golden brown.

Remove from oven and let cool completely. Serve with warm pizza sauce.

I was wary that these would taste too vegetable-y. Nope. The garlic, pizza seasoning and red pepper flakes really transform (mask) the cauliflower, and of course the pepperonis make me think I am eating a real pizza. The edges are crunchy just like the crust. They are like pizza bagel bites without the guilt! If I would have only known about this in high school. These would be fun to bring to a party or for a kid’s snack after school.

And as if I didn’t love these ANY MORE… this entire recipe, all 14-16 bites with the pizza sauce is LESS THAN 350 CALORIES (13g fat, 36g protein, 7g fiber). As if it was even a question. YES. I ate all 15 of them. I suppose you could share if your roommate or hubby was home, but then I suggest doubling or tripling the recipe.

Bye.

I was hungry for lunch, craving some carbs, and didn’t want to wait too long. I found simple ingredients in my refrigerator and put this together. The pepperoni and red pepper flakes are what made all the difference in the dish. It gives it the kick of flavor it needs.

Pizza Pasta

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups short cut whole wheat pasta (rigatoni, penne, bow-tie, radiators)
• 1 bag washed baby spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup turkey pepperoni, cut in half
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup asiago or Parmesan cheese

Method:

Cook the pasta according to the package. When there are two minutes left to cook the pasta, add in the spinach to cook. Drain the pasta and spinach and add it back to the pot. Add in the pasta sauce and pepperonis to the pot and mix together. Place in a baking dish, top with the cheeses and place under the broiler until the cheese is brown and bubbly. 

Happy Cooking!