Irresistible Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Crispy, cheesy zucchini pizza casserole brings an unexpected twist to classic comfort food.

Layers of summer vegetables merge perfectly with melted mozzarella and rich marinara sauce.

Fresh garden zucchini creates a surprising base that feels both light and indulgent.

Weeknight dinner challenges disappear when you can whip up this simple yet impressive dish.

Minimal ingredients combine into a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both picky eaters and adventurous palates.

Bubbling with flavor and packed with nutritious vegetables, this recipe promises to become a new household favorite.

You’ll want to bookmark this delightful casserole for your next family gathering.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole Loaded with Flavor and Cheese

• Sneak in Veggies Deliciously: Transform zucchini into a pizza-like dish that kids and adults will devour without realizing they're eating a nutritious vegetable.
• Simplify Pizza Night: Create a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza that cuts down on preparation time and delivers all the flavor with less guilt.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like pepperoni for ham, change up vegetable toppings, or make it vegetarian, giving you total flexibility for different tastes and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines the beloved flavors of pizza with a healthier twist, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Zucchini Pizza Casserole

• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that creates a low-carb pizza crust alternative.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the zucchini crust together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that provides melty texture and flavor to the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth and richness to the base.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Herb and spice mixture that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic pizza sauce that adds moisture and traditional pizza taste.
• Pepperoni, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Olives, Onions: Classic pizza toppings that provide variety and additional flavor.
• Dried Oregano: Herb that adds an authentic pizza-like flavor to the casserole.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Herb that provides a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Zucchini Pizza Casserole Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C).

Grab a baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Drain the Zucchini

Grate the zucchini and toss it into a colander.

Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Squeeze out every last drop of moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

This step is crucial for preventing a soggy casserole.

Step 3: Create the Zucchini Base

• Eggs
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Press this cheesy mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that will serve as your pizza-inspired crust.

Step 4: Bake the Zucchini Crust

Send the zucchini base into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown color that signals a perfectly crisp foundation.

Step 5: Add Pizza Toppings

Once the crust is ready, spread a layer of marinara sauce across the surface.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices
• Chopped bell peppers
• Sliced mushrooms
• Black olives
• Diced onions

Step 6: Final Bake and Finish

Sprinkle dried oregano over the top for an extra flavor punch.

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a molten, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Pull out your creation and dot the top with fresh basil leaves.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Pro Tips for Tasty and Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Casserole

• Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent a soggy base and ensure a crispy, firm crust.
• Mix and match your favorite pizza toppings like sausage, ham, or swap vegetables based on seasonal availability.
• Don't skimp on herbs and spices like Italian seasoning and garlic powder to boost the overall flavor profile.
• Replace traditional marinara with a low-carb tomato sauce and use part-skim mozzarella for a healthier version.
• Prepare the zucchini base and toppings separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Variations to Try with Zucchini Pizza Casserole

• Vegetarian Zucchini Pizza Casserole: Replace pepperoni with plant-based protein like tofu crumbles or chickpeas. Add extra vegetables like spinach and artichokes for more nutrition.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap out mozzarella for cauliflower base instead of zucchini. Use almond flour in the crust and add more high-fat cheese like cheddar.
• Mediterranean Inspired Variation: Substitute marinara with olive tapenade. Top with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Greek olives. Sprinkle za'atar seasoning for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Italian seasoning. Replace regular mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without traditional cheese.

Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Pizza Casserole

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop extra basil or parsley to add a burst of bright green color and zesty flavor right before serving.
• Pizza Party Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Dipping Delight: Prepare garlic aioli or marinara sauce on the side for guests who love extra sauce and dipping options.
• Crowd-Pleaser Presentation: Cut into neat squares and arrange on a large platter with small garnish of fresh herbs for a stunning potluck or family-style meal display.

Storage Tips for Zucchini Pizza Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, maintaining best flavor and texture.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing to prevent texture changes.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, ensuring cheese melts evenly.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat. Stop when warm and cheese is melted.

FAQs

• Is zucchini the main ingredient in this pizza casserole?

Yes, grated zucchini serves as the base of the casserole, replacing traditional pizza dough and creating a low-carb alternative with added nutrients.

• How do I prevent the zucchini from being watery?

Salt the grated zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture using a colander or clean kitchen towel to ensure a firm, crispy crust.

• Can I customize the toppings in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap pepperoni with sausage, change bell peppers, or add your favorite pizza toppings while keeping the zucchini base consistent.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty zucchini pizza casserole brings classic Italian flavors to a comforting midwestern dinner. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly for a crowd-pleasing meal you can enjoy with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchini, grated
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 12 teaspoon garlic powder
• 14 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the zucchini base by draining excess moisture through a salt-sprinkled colander for 10 minutes, then thoroughly squeeze out liquid.
2. Mix drained zucchini with eggs, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
4. Press the zucchini mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish, creating an even, compact layer.
5. Bake the zucchini crust for 20 minutes until it turns golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
6. Remove from oven and spread marinara sauce evenly across the surface of the crust.
7. Distribute mozzarella cheese generously over the marinara sauce.
8. Arrange pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and onions across the cheese layer for maximum flavor coverage.
9. Sprinkle dried oregano over the toppings to enhance the pizza-like essence.
10. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese melts completely and toppings are heated through.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Drain zucchini thoroughly to prevent a soggy crust by letting it sit with salt and then squeezing out maximum moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
• Customize toppings easily by swapping pepperoni with vegetarian alternatives like plant-based sausage, grilled tofu, or roasted vegetable medley for dietary preferences.
• Keep the casserole low-carb and gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients like marinara sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free and using zucchini as a nutritious base replacement for traditional pizza dough.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain crispy texture and prevent sogginess from microwave warming.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg