Zucchini Pizza Casserole 🍳🧀
This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a game-changer for pizza lovers who want something healthier, tastier, and easier to make at home. Packed with the flavors of traditional pizza but made with wholesome ingredients like zucchini, oat flour, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is a guilt-free alternative that’s just as satisfying (if not more!) than delivery pizza. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable!
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, healthier-than-pizza casserole step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative : Low-carb, gluten-free (with oat flour), and packed with veggies.
- Customizable : Add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or veggies.
- Quick & Easy : Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Family-Friendly : A fun twist on pizza that kids and adults will love.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Perfect for meal prep or freezing leftovers for later.
Ingredients
(Serves 2–3)
- 1 medium zucchini , grated 🥒
- 4 tablespoons oat flour (or almond flour for a low-carb option ) 🥣
- 100g grated mozzarella cheese , divided 🧀
- 2 eggs , lightly beaten 🥚
- Salt and black pepper , to taste 🧂⚫
- Optional: Pizza toppings like marinara sauce, pepperoni slices, cooked sausage, mushrooms, or fresh basil leaves.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Tip : You can also press the grated zucchini between paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Step 2: Mix the Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, oat flour , 2/3 of the grated mozzarella cheese , and eggs . Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a small baking dish or pie pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Spread the zucchini mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Press it down gently with a spatula to create a flat, even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Optional : Add your favorite pizza toppings like marinara sauce, sliced pepperoni, cooked sausage, or sautéed mushrooms.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes , or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy.
- Tip : For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of marinara sauce if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your healthier-than-pizza creation!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients : Freshly grated zucchini and high-quality mozzarella cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Experiment with Toppings : Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like olives, bell peppers, spinach, or caramelized onions.
- Make It Gluten-Free : Use almond flour or gluten-free oat flour instead of regular oat flour.
- Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days . Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Freeze for Later : Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month . Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Perfect Pairings
This Zucchini Pizza Casserole pairs beautifully with:
- Side Salad : Serve with a crisp garden salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
- Garlic Bread : Pair with homemade garlic bread or breadsticks for extra indulgence.
- Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a glass of red wine for balance.
- Dipping Sauces : Offer marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or pesto for dipping.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 3 servings, without additional toppings)
- Calories : ~180 kcal
- Protein : ~12g
- Carbohydrates : ~8g
- Fat : ~12g
- Fiber : ~2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or fun. With its cheesy goodness, customizable toppings, and veggie-packed base, it’s a satisfying alternative to traditional pizza that’s just as tasty—if not more! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a family-friendly recipe, or a way to sneak more veggies into your diet, this casserole is sure to please.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the toppings, adjust the seasonings, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your zucchini, whip up that base, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
