Zucchini Delight Pizza Bake
Experience a unique twist on traditional pizza with this Zucchini Delight Pizza Bake! By eliminating the crust and using shredded zucchini as the base, this recipe infuses your meal with a healthy dose of vegetables while still delivering all the satisfying flavors of pizza. Topped with a savory tomato sauce, fresh veggies, and melty mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this dish is perfect for anyone seeking a lighter, gluten-free option. Whether enjoyed as a main or a side, it's a delightful addition to any table and sure to impress both family and friends!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
grated raw zucchini
2 cups (grated)
salt
1 teaspoon (for draining zucchini)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
yellow onion
1 medium (chopped fine)
green pepper
1 medium (diced)
fresh mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
tomato paste
1 (16 ounce) can (for sauce)
green chili pepper
1/2 cup (chopped, fresh or canned)
eggs
2 (well-beaten)
fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon (chopped)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
mozzarella cheese
12 ounces (shredded)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup
flour
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the grated zucchini in a strainer and sprinkling it with salt. Allow it to sit for 45 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2
After 45 minutes, rinse the zucchini under cold water to remove the salt. Drain it thoroughly and set aside.
3
In a frying pan over medium heat, combine the minced garlic, chopped onion, diced green pepper, sliced mushrooms, and olive oil. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Once cooked, strain the sautéed vegetables to discard any excess liquid.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the strained vegetables with the tomato paste and chopped green chili pepper. Set this mixture aside.
6
Preheat your oven's broiler and lightly grease a 10-inch pie pan.
7
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with the chopped basil, oregano, half of the mozzarella, half of the parmesan, and flour.
8
Add the drained zucchini to the egg mixture and mix until well combined.
9
Spread the zucchini mixture evenly in the prepared pie pan and pat it down to cover the base evenly.
10
Place the crust under the broiler for approximately 10 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
11
Once browned, remove it from the broiler and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
12
Spread the reserved tomato sauce mixture over the zucchini base, and top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
13
Bake in the oven for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
14
Allow the Zucchini Delight Pizza Bake to cool on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zucchini Delight Pizza Bake?
It is a crustless pizza alternative that uses shredded zucchini as a base, topped with savory tomato sauce, vegetables, and melted cheeses.
How do I prepare the zucchini for the base?
Grate the raw zucchini, sprinkle it with salt, and let it sit in a strainer for 45 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Why do I need to salt the zucchini?
Salting helps remove excess water, which prevents the pizza base from becoming soggy during the baking process.
Do I need to rinse the zucchini after salting?
Yes, after 45 minutes, rinse the zucchini under cold water to remove the salt and then drain it thoroughly.
What vegetables are included in the topping?
The recipe includes garlic, yellow onion, green pepper, fresh mushrooms, and green chili peppers.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the garlic, onion, green pepper, and mushrooms in olive oil for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
Should I drain the sautéed vegetables?
Yes, once cooked, strain the vegetables to discard any excess liquid before mixing them with the sauce.
What makes the pizza sauce in this recipe?
The sauce is a combination of tomato paste, chopped green chili peppers, and the sautéed vegetable mixture.
How is the zucchini crust formed?
The crust is made by mixing beaten eggs, basil, oregano, flour, and half of the mozzarella and parmesan with the drained zucchini.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
While it uses a vegetable base, the recipe contains 2 tablespoons of flour. To make it strictly gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour substitute.
What size pan is recommended?
A 10-inch pie pan is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, lightly grease the 10-inch pie pan before adding the zucchini mixture.
How do I cook the crust before adding toppings?
Spread the zucchini mixture in the pan and place it under the broiler for approximately 10 minutes until golden brown.
What is the oven temperature for the final bake?
After broiling the crust, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for the final baking stage.
How long does the final baking take?
Bake the assembled pizza for an additional 10 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the pizza bake is done?
The dish is ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and has turned a golden color.
Should I let the dish cool before eating?
Yes, allow it to cool on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes to help the slices hold their shape.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What types of cheese are used?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Can I use canned mushrooms?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of fresh sliced mushrooms, but canned mushrooms can be used if drained well.
Are the green chili peppers hot?
It depends on the variety you choose; you can use mild or hot green chilies based on your preference.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Fresh chopped basil and dried oregano are used to provide traditional pizza flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetable-based dish that does not contain meat.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add cooked pepperoni, sausage, or ground beef as additional toppings if desired.
How much zucchini is required?
You will need 2 cups of grated raw zucchini.
What is the primary fat source in this recipe?
Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables.
Can I make this low-carb?
Yes, by using a very small amount of flour or a low-carb flour substitute, this recipe is naturally lower in carbs than traditional pizza.
What is the role of the eggs?
The eggs act as a binder to hold the zucchini and cheese together to form the crust.
Can I use a different onion?
While yellow onion is specified for its mild flavor, red or white onions can be used as well.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.