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Family-Favorite Zucchini Pizza Casserole – Alrightwithme Recipe

Family-Favorite Zucchini Pizza Casserole - Alrightwithme Recipe

4.8 from 16 reviews

Family-Favorite Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a delicious and wholesome twist on traditional pizza, featuring a zucchini crust topped with savory sauce, gooey cheese, and classic pizza toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini Crust:

  • 4 cups grated zucchini (drained if frozen)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs

Toppings:

  • 32 ounces hearty spaghetti sauce*
  • 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 ounces pepperoni slices
  • Green bell pepper, sliced
  • Onions, sliced
  • Mushrooms, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Drain the Zucchini: If using frozen zucchini, place it in a colander and allow it to drain for several hours to remove excess moisture. For fresh zucchini, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the zucchini, stir, and let it sit in a colander for 20 minutes. After the draining process, use a clean lint-free kitchen towel to squeeze out any remaining liquid.
  2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Ensure the pan is evenly coated for the best results.
  3. Mix the Zucchini Crust Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with eggs, cheeses, salt, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and evenly distributed. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly to form a crust.
  4. Bake the Zucchini Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until it becomes lightly browned. This initial baking step helps to set the crust and prevent it from becoming soggy under the toppings.
  5. Add Sauce and Toppings: Once the crust is baked, spread your meat sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the sauce layer. Finish with a topping of sliced pepperoni, green bell pepper, onions, and mushrooms.
  6. Final Bake and Serve: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the pizza is heated through and the cheese is melted. For a slightly browned top, place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning. Allow the finished casserole to sit for 3 minutes before slicing and serving, which helps the layers set slightly and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences, such as adding olives, sausage, or extra vegetables.
  • This casserole reheats well and makes for a great leftover meal.
  • Ensure your zucchini is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

Nutrition

Keywords: Zucchini Pizza Casserole, Zucchini Crust, Pizza Casserole Recipe