Description
Zucchini Pizza Casserole blends the comforting flavors of classic pizza with fresh zucchini for a lighter, nutritious, and family-friendly meal. Packed with melty mozzarella, savory tomato sauce, pepperoni or sausage, and Italian seasoning, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for quick dinners or fuss-free lunches. Adaptable for various dietary preferences, it’s a versatile dish that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 medium fresh zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably low-moisture)
- ½ cup pepperoni slices or cooked Italian sausage
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Wash and thinly slice the zucchinis into rounds. Lightly salt the slices and let them rest for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.
- Sauté garlic and zucchini: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the zucchini slices and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of sautéed zucchini, then sprinkle with mozzarella, pepperoni or sausage, and Italian seasoning. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until bubbly: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, lightly browned, and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Salt the zucchini to remove excess water and avoid a watery casserole.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese for best texture and to reduce liquid.
- Let the casserole rest before slicing to help it hold together.
- Customize with toppings like fresh basil, olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Homemade marinara can provide a fresher taste, but store-bought works well too.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Zucchini pizza casserole, healthy casserole, low-carb pizza dish, family-friendly dinner, gluten-free pizza casserole