Zucchini-Crusted Pizza
A healthy, flavorful zucchini crust topped with cheese and fresh basil, perfect for a light, customizable pizza that suits all taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly salt sliced zucchini and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Squeeze out all excess moisture from the zucchini.
- Combine all crust ingredients and spread into an oiled 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the surface is dry and firm.
- Brush the top with oil and broil under moderate heat for 5 minutes.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings (such as tomato sauce, olives, sautéed mushrooms, strips of peppers, and cheese).
- Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, cut into squares, with a big tossed salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, use a kitchen towel to thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Fresh basil can be replaced with dried herbs like oregano or thyme if fresh isn't available. Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the zucchini-crusted pizza hot, cut into squares, alongside a big tossed salad for a refreshing balance. It pairs beautifully with Easy Romaine Salad for a light meal. Consider offering a side of Hot Dipping Pizza Sauce for added flavor and dipping fun.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini-Crusted Pizza contains roughly 14 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables for the crust?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for the crust. Just ensure they are well-drained and have a similar moisture content to zucchini for the best results.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, ensure to salt the zucchini and let it sit to draw out moisture. Additionally, baking the crust until it's firm before adding toppings is crucial for a crisp foundation.
What toppings work best with this pizza?
Feel free to get creative with toppings! Classic choices include tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, but you can also use vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, or even make it a vegetarian delight with a variety of fresh veggies.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).