There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked cheese pizza wafting through the kitchen, and today, I’m thrilled to share my delightful twist on this classic: Best Zucchini Cheese Pizza! Not only does this pizza offer that cheesy goodness we all crave, but it also introduces a healthier, low-carb twist using zucchini as the crust. Trust me; this is one dish that is going to wow your family and friends! It’s perfect for those who want to indulge in pizza without sacrificing their health goals. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time of just 10 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
- A healthier, low-carb alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
- Customized to your taste with your favorite toppings – the possibilities are endless!
- Ideal for using up that excess zucchini from your garden.
Ingredients
- Grated zucchini – the star of this recipe! Squeeze out the excess moisture for a crispy crust.
- Large eggs – these bind all the ingredients together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour – just a touch to help stabilize the crust.
- Salt – to enhance all the delicious flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – adds a rich, savory dimension to the crust.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – an essential for that perfect cheesy stretch!
- Pizza sauce – your favorite brand or homemade works wonderfully.
- Cheddar cheese – for extra creaminess.
- Pepperoni and olives – classic toppings that everyone loves!
- Sliced mushrooms – add a nice earthy flavor.
- Dried oregano – a little sprinkle for that Italian flair.
- Fresh basil – a lovely garnish that brightens up the dish.
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into creating this Zucchini Cheese Pizza that I guarantee will become a family favorite!
First, preheat your oven to a hot 450 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating, grab a large mixing bowl and combine 2½ cups of grated zucchini – make sure to squeeze it dry to remove excess liquid! That’s the key to a crunchy crust. Next, add in 2 lightly beaten large eggs and ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons of salt into the mix, then toss in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix it all up until your ingredients are well incorporated. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little uneven – it will come together!
Now, take your pizza dish (around 12 inches) and spread the zucchini crust mixture into a round shape, aiming for about a 10-inch diameter. Bake this in the preheated oven for about 13-16 minutes until it turns golden brown and feels set.
Once your crust is baked, remove it from the oven and reduce your oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread ¼ cup of your favorite pizza sauce over the crust. Next, generously top it with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over that. Now it’s time for your toppings! Add ¼ cup of pepperoni, ¼ cup of sliced olives, and ½ cup of sliced mushrooms. For a final touch, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano over everything.
Return this cheesy masterpiece to the oven and bake for another 10-13 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. How exciting is that?
Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil on top for an aromatic finish, and your Zucchini Cheese Pizza is ready to be devoured!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Always make sure to squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchini as possible; this will ensure your crust is crispy and not soggy.
- For added flavor, feel free to spice up your pizza sauce with some garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you love more veggies, toss in some bell peppers or spinach as extra toppings.
- Don’t be shy! Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
How to Serve
Serve your Best Zucchini Cheese Pizza hot and fresh out of the oven. A simple side salad tossed with your favorite vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this dish. You can also offer some dipping sauces on the side, such as ranch or a spicy marinara, for a fun twist. Don’t forget to garnish each slice with extra basil or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for that gourmet touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prep the zucchini crust ahead of time! Just make it, bake it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before adding your toppings and baking it. Leftover slices can be placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven to keep that fresh-baked taste or enjoy cold for a quick snack! If you want to go the extra mile, you can freeze the baked crust. Just make sure it’s well wrapped, and it should keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw, add your toppings, and bake – it’s that easy!
Making this Best Zucchini Cheese Pizza has been one of the most enjoyable culinary experiences for me, and I promise it will be for you too. It’s healthy, versatile, and bursting with flavor. Happy cooking!
Best Zucchini Cheese Pizza
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
- Pizza Dish
Ingredients
Zucchini Crust
- 2.5 cups grated zucchini squeezed dry
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 0.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings
- 0.25 cups pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cups pepperoni
- 0.25 cups sliced olives
- 0.5 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- fresh chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Mix grated zucchini, eggs, flour, and salt in a bowl. Add parmesan and mozzarella cheese, mix well.
- Spread the mixture into a 10-inch circle on a pizza dish. Bake for 13-16 minutes until golden brown.
- Lower the oven temperature to 400°F. Top the crust with pizza sauce, cheeses, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, and oregano.
- Bake for an additional 10-13 minutes or until cheese melts.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired.