Vegan Cauliflower Crust BBQ “Chicken” Pizza with Homemade Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce

Servings: 3

Ingredients:

For the Toppings:

• 2 Jalapeños, sliced
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• 3 Large Tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 Package Lightlife
• Plant-Based “Chicken” Tenders

For the Cauliflower Crust (makes 3 small crusts):

• 1 Head Cauliflower, riced
• 1/4 Cup Nutritional Yeast
• 3 Tablespoons Flaxseed Meal (mixed with 8 tablespoons water as an egg substitute)
• 2 Tablespoons Almond Flour
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Thyme (or dried)
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Oregano (or dried)
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Pepper

For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:

• 2 (15 oz) Cans Tomato Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Chipotle Seasoning
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Pepper
• 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 3 Tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 Yellow Onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika

For the Cashew Cheese:

• 1 1/2 Cups Cashews (soaked in boiling water for 15 minutes)
• 3/4 Cup Water
• 5 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
• 2 Tablespoons Almond Flour
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F.
   • Mix flaxseed meal with water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
   • Blend all crust ingredients in a blender until combined into a mushy dough. Add extra flaxseed meal if too dry.
   • Divide the dough into thirds, spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and shape each into a circle. Bake for 20-25 minutes, adding extra time for crispiness.
2. Make the BBQ Sauce:
   • Sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add remaining sauce ingredients to a pot and simmer on medium-low heat for 45-60 minutes until thickened.
3. Create the Cashew Cheese:
   • Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth, adjusting thickness with water if necessary.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Spread a generous amount of BBQ sauce over each crust. Top with Lightlife chicken, cashew cheese, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
   • Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until toppings are heated through and cheese is bubbly.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy this vegan delight featuring a rich, smoky BBQ flavor and a hearty cauliflower crust, perfect for a plant-based festive meal or a casual dining experience.