Marcos pizza offers a cauliflower pizza crust as a gluten-free alternative to their traditional pizza crust. This cauliflower crust allows people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease to still enjoy pizza from Marcos. The cauliflower crust is made with just a few simple ingredients, but manages to achieve the taste and texture of an authentic pizza crust without the gluten.
For those wondering what exactly is in Marcos cauliflower pizza crust, this article will break it down and outline the ingredients. We’ll also look at some nutrition information and how the cauliflower crust compares to a traditional pizza crust. Whether you need to eat gluten-free or are just looking for a lighter crust option, read on to learn everything you need to know about Marcos cauliflower pizza crust.
Ingredients in Marcos Cauliflower Pizza Crust
According to the Marcos website, here are the main ingredients used to make their cauliflower pizza crust:
- Cauliflower – The main ingredient. Cauliflower florets are processed and turned into a dough-like batter.
- Eggs – Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Mozzarella cheese – Grated mozzarella gives the crust flavor and helps it brown when baked.
- Italian seasoning – Adds traditional pizza flavor.
- Garlic powder – Extra flavor booster.
The full list of ingredients is:
Cauliflower, eggs, mozzarella cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes), water, modified food starch, spices, yeast, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme), salt.
As you can see, the ingredients are simple and straightforward. There are no preservatives or artificial ingredients. The base is made from cauliflower and eggs, and then cheese, seasonings, and yeast are added for flavor.
Nutrition Information
So how does the cauliflower pizza crust stack up nutrition-wise? Here is the nutrition information for a 1/4 piece of a large Marcos cauliflower pizza crust:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 165mg |
| Sodium | 820mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 16g |
As you can see, the cauliflower crust is high in protein and low in carbs compared to a traditional pizza crust. It also contains 2 grams of fiber. However, it is fairly high in saturated fat and sodium because of the cheese content.
So while not the most low-calorie option, the cauliflower crust makes for a more nutrient-dense, high protein gluten-free alternative to regular pizza crust. It packs 16 grams of protein per serving.
How It Compares to Traditional Pizza Crust
To get an idea of how Marcos’ cauliflower crust compares nutritionally to traditional pizza crust, let’s look at the nutrition facts for an average slice of cheese pizza on a regular crust:
| Nutrient | Cauliflower Crust | Regular Crust |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 260 | 285 |
| Fat | 16g | 12g |
| Carbs | 12g | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g | 1g |
| Protein | 16g | 15g |
As shown in the table, the cauliflower crust is lower in carbs and calories compared to a regular pizza crust. It’s also higher in fiber and protein. However, it is higher in total fat.
So overall, the cauliflower crust makes a good gluten-free, low-carb alternative to regular crust, with the added bonus of more protein and fiber. The increase in fat and sodium is simply due to the cheese and seasoning content.
The Benefits of Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Switching to a cauliflower crust has several benefits:
It’s gluten-free
The biggest benefit is that Marcos’ cauliflower crust contains no gluten. This allows people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to still enjoy pizza from Marcos. Cauliflower naturally has no gluten.
Higher protein than regular crust
With 16 grams of protein per serving, you get more protein from the cauliflower crust compared to a typical pizza crust, which only provides around 5 grams. The eggs and cheese in Marcos’ recipe boost the protein content.
Lower in carbohydrates
At only 12 grams of net carbs per serving, the cauliflower crust is an excellent low-carb option for those on diets like Keto. You can reduce the carb content even further by loading up your pizza with low-carb toppings like meat and veggies rather than high-carb toppings.
Contains fiber
The 2 grams of fiber provide an added nutritional benefit you won’t find in traditional white flour pizza crust. The fiber comes from the cauliflower.
Adds nutritional variety
Getting more cauliflower in your diet provides a health boost as cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower are linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease. The cauliflower crust lets you sneak in some extra nutrients.
Customizable crust
You can customize Marcos’ cauliflower crust to suit your own tastes and dietary needs by asking for lighter cheese or no garlic powder if you don’t like those flavors. The crust can be adapted to many preferences.
Tips for Enjoying Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Here are some tips to get the best results when eating or making cauliflower pizza crust:
Opt for lighter, low-moisture toppings
Since cauliflower crust has a softer texture, heavier wet toppings like raw tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms tend to make it soggy. Choose lower moisture toppings like turkey pepperoni, dried herbs, caramelized onions, or pineapple.
Pre-bake the crust before adding toppings
Partially pre-bake the cauliflower crust for 5-10 minutes before adding sauce and toppings. This helps remove some moisture and firms it up.
Brush crust with oil or sauce
Coating the parbaked crust with olive oil or pizza sauce creates a barrier that prevents sogginess.
Don’t overload the toppings
Excessive toppings weigh down the crust, so practice moderation. Load up veggies on half the pizza and meat lovers on the other for balance.
Add flavor boosters
Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes to give your cauliflower crust an extra flavor punch if needed.
Make ahead for meal prep
Shape and pre-bake batches of cauliflower dough ahead of time. Freeze for up to 3 months and use as needed for quick gluten-free pizzas all week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Marcos’ cauliflower pizza crust:
Does it taste like regular pizza crust?
It comes very close! When baked, the cauliflower crust has a similar texture and density to a thin, crispy pizza crust. The cheese and seasonings provide authentic pizza flavor. It’s hard to tell the difference.
Is it crunchy?
Yes, the cauliflower crust bakes up nice and crunchy, especially on the edges. The key is pre-baking it before adding toppings to drive off moisture and achieve crispiness.
Can you pick it up like regular pizza?
It may droop slightly when picking up a slice, but it still holds its shape reasonably well. The crust has enough structure thanks to the cheese binder, but does bend more than regular crust.
Does it get soggy easily?
It can tend to get a little soggy in the center if you overload it with wet toppings or don’t pre-bake first. Follow the tips above to keep it nice and crisp.
How long does it keep in the fridge or freezer?
It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container. You can freeze parbaked crust or dough for up to 3 months.
Can you request it without garlic or cheese?
Yes, you can request plain cauliflower crust without the standard garlic and cheese if you have an allergy or dietary preferences. The crust holds together fine without the cheese binder when pre-baked.
Conclusion
Marcos’ cauliflower pizza crust provides a delicious gluten-free, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crust. Made primarily from riced cauliflower and eggs, it packs extra protein and fiber compared to regular crust.
While not exactly the same as regular crust, it comes surprisingly close with its crunchy texture and authentic pizza flavor courtesy of cheese and Italian seasoning. Following baking tips like pre-baking and lighter toppings prevents sogginess.
So for those on gluten-free, Keto, or carb conscious diets, Marcos’ cauliflower crust allows you to keep enjoying pizza night! It provides a more nutrient-dense option that doesn’t force you to miss out. Give this unique crust a try on your next pizza from Marcos.