Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb & Healthy : Zucchini replaces the crust for a lighter, veggie-packed meal.
- Better Than Pizza : Packed with gooey cheese, zesty marinara, and your favorite toppings—it tastes like pizza but feels like a wholesome casserole.
- Quick & Easy : Ready in under 45 minutes with simple steps and pantry staples.
- Customizable : Add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Crowd-Pleasing : Perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prep, or sneaking veggies into picky eaters’ diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 4–6
For the Base:
- 2 medium zucchinis , grated (about 4 cups)
- 1 tsp salt (for drawing out moisture)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced cooked sausage, bacon, or veggies (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
- Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini. This step ensures the casserole isn’t watery.
Step 3: Make the Zucchini Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
- Press the zucchini mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the “crust.”