Garden Fresh Zucchini & Tomato Fontina Pizza
Celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer gardens with this delightful pizza featuring thinly sliced zucchini and ripe fresh tomatoes, layered with aromatic fennel and fragrant basil. Topped with creamy Fontina cheese, this delicious dish not only highlights the bounty of the season but also offers a satisfying and healthy twist on traditional pizza. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this pizza is sure to impress with its rich flavors and colorful presentation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
2 (thinly sliced)
garlic
3 (cloves, minced)
salt
2 (teaspoons)
olive oil
2 (teaspoons)
ground fennel
2 (teaspoons)
zucchini
4 (cups, sliced quarter lengthwise, then sliced crosswise into bite-size pieces)
fresh tomatoes
4 (cups, chopped)
fresh basil
1/4 (cup, chopped)
pizza dough
to taste (homemade or storebought)
Fontina cheese
2 (cups, grated (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 7 to 10 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
2
Stir in the salt and ground fennel, cooking for an additional minute to release their aromatic flavors.
3
Add the quartered zucchini to the skillet, cooking for about 3 to 5 minutes until the zucchini begins to soften but still retains some crunch.
4
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the chopped fresh tomatoes and basil, allowing the heat to meld the flavors together.
5
Let the mixture cool slightly and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy crust.
6
Preheat your oven according to the pizza dough instructions, and prepare your pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
7
Spread the zucchini and tomato mixture evenly across the pizza crust. If desired, sprinkle the grated Fontina cheese generously over the top.
8
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for the time specified for the dough, typically 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
9
Remove from the oven, allow to cool for a few minutes, slice, and enjoy your delicious garden fresh pizza!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main highlight of the Garden Fresh Zucchini & Tomato Fontina Pizza?
This pizza celebrates summer garden flavors with zucchini, ripe tomatoes, fennel, and basil.
How many onions are required for the recipe?
You will need two thinly sliced onions for this recipe.
How much garlic is used in this pizza recipe?
The recipe calls for three minced cloves of garlic.
What is the recommended amount of salt?
You should use two teaspoons of salt.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe requires two teaspoons of olive oil.
What amount of ground fennel is necessary?
You will need two teaspoons of ground fennel to release its aromatic flavors.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be sliced quarter lengthwise, then sliced crosswise into bite-size pieces to make four cups.
How many tomatoes are needed for the topping?
You will need four cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.
How much fresh basil should be added?
The recipe uses one-quarter cup of chopped fresh basil.
What type of pizza dough can I use?
You can use either homemade or store-bought pizza dough.
How much Fontina cheese is used?
The recipe suggests two cups of grated Fontina cheese, though it is optional.
How long should the onions and garlic be sautéed?
Sauté the onions and garlic for 7 to 10 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
When should the ground fennel be added to the skillet?
Stir in the ground fennel after the onions are soft and cook for an additional minute.
How long do you cook the zucchini in the skillet?
Cook the zucchini for about 3 to 5 minutes until it begins to soften but still has some crunch.
When are the tomatoes and basil added to the mix?
Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the chopped fresh tomatoes and basil.
Why is it important to drain the vegetable mixture?
Draining excess liquid prevents the pizza crust from becoming soggy.
How should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven according to the specific instructions provided with your pizza dough.
How do you assemble the pizza toppings?
Spread the zucchini and tomato mixture evenly across the crust and sprinkle with cheese.
What is the typical baking time for this pizza?
The pizza is typically baked for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden.
How do you know when the pizza is finished baking?
The pizza is done when the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe featuring fresh garden vegetables.
What are the search tags for this recipe?
Tags include pizza, vegetable, zucchini, tomato, fontina, fresh herbs, garden recipe, and summer dish.
Can I serve this pizza for a gathering?
Yes, it is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
Use medium heat to warm the oil and sauté the vegetables.
Should the pizza cool before slicing?
Yes, allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Does the zucchini need to be peeled?
The recipe does not require peeling, just slicing the zucchini into bite-size pieces.
Is the Fontina cheese mandatory for this dish?
No, the grated Fontina cheese is listed as an optional ingredient.
What flavor does the fennel add to the pizza?
Ground fennel adds an aromatic flavor that complements the fresh garden vegetables.
Can I use other types of cheese besides Fontina?
While Fontina is recommended for its creaminess, you can experiment with other cheeses if you prefer.
What makes this pizza a healthy choice?
It offers a healthy twist on traditional pizza by focusing on high volumes of fresh zucchini and tomatoes.