Cheesy Grated Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Zesty layers of grated zucchini pizza casserole promise a delightful twist on traditional comfort food.

Crisp vegetables mingle with melted cheese in this hearty dish.

Weeknight dinners demand quick and satisfying solutions that pack maximum flavor.

Our simple recipe turns ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Mediterranean influences shine through each bubbling, golden-brown bite.

Cheese lovers and veggie enthusiasts will absolutely adore this creative combination.

You won’t believe how easily these ingredients come together to create magic.

Companion Dishes for Grated Zucchini Pizza Casserole

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich sausage and tomato flavors, cutting through the cheesy zucchini base with its bright acidity.
• Herbaceous Side Salad: Craft a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the casserole's hearty profile, adding a fresh, light counterpoint to the warm dish.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare crusty garlic bread with a blend of parsley and olive oil to soak up the savory tomato sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience with a crunchy texture.
• Palate-Cleansing Beverage: Opt for a cold, sparkling Italian soda or crisp pilsner beer to refresh the palate between bites, cutting through the richness of the cheesy, meaty casserole.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole Edits

• Vegetarian Zucchini Pizza Casserole: Replace sausage with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or vegetarian sausage crumbles. Keep all other ingredients the same for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Parmesan cheese and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The zucchini crust naturally provides a grain-free base for those avoiding wheat.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Skip the tomatoes and use a higher fat content cheese. Increase the amount of sausage and add extra herbs for flavor intensity. Choose full-fat cheeses to boost the ketogenic macronutrient profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Swap Italian sausage for ground lamb. Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano. Include diced bell peppers for extra Mediterranean flair and nutritional complexity.

FAQs

• Is zucchini a good low-carb pizza alternative?

Yes, this recipe replaces traditional high-carb pizza crust with grated zucchini, creating a nutritious and low-carbohydrate base that’s perfect for those watching their carb intake.

• How do I prevent the zucchini crust from being watery?

Salting the grated zucchini and letting it sit for 10 minutes helps draw out excess moisture. After sitting, squeeze the zucchini thoroughly to remove water, ensuring a firmer, less soggy crust.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, vegetarian sausage, or additional mushrooms to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this casserole.

• What makes the zucchini crust hold together?

The eggs and cheese act as binding agents, helping the grated zucchini stick together and form a stable, cohesive crust that can support the toppings.

Grated Zucchini Pizza Casserole With Cheesy Veggie Layers

• Boost Vegetable Intake: Transform zucchini into a delicious pizza-inspired casserole, sneaking extra nutrients into a comfort food classic without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick Weeknight Meal: Prepare this satisfying dish in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking a hearty and nutritious dinner solution that comes together effortlessly.
• Low-Carb Pizza Alternative: Replace traditional pizza crust with a zucchini base, creating a lighter, gluten-free option that delivers all the cheesy, savory satisfaction of classic pizza without extra carbohydrates.
• One-Pan Convenience: Streamline cooking by using a single skillet for sautéing ingredients and minimizing cleanup, making this recipe a time-saving and efficient meal preparation strategy.

The Mix Used In Zucchini Pizza Casserole

• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that forms the core of the casserole, providing moisture and texture. Best when grated and squeezed to remove excess water.
• Parmesan Cheese, Italian Blend Cheese: Add rich, savory flavor and help bind the casserole. Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides more intense taste.
• Eggs: Crucial for holding the casserole together and creating a cohesive texture. Large eggs work best for consistent binding.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the ingredients. Use kosher or sea salt for more depth.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F and get ready for some culinary magic.

Step 2: Transform Zucchini

• Zucchini
• Salt

Grab your grater and shred the zucchini.

Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Give those zucchini shreds a good squeeze to remove all the extra moisture – we want a crispy base!

Step 3: Create the Zucchini Crust

• Grated zucchini
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian blend cheese

Mix the zucchini with eggs, Parmesan, and Italian cheese.

Press this mixture into a greased baking dish, forming a tempting crust.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Slide the crust into the oven and bake for 20 minutes until it’s set and has a gorgeous golden color.

Step 5: Cook the Sausage

Brown the sausage in a skillet until it’s perfectly cooked.

Set it aside for later.

Step 6: Sauté the Veggies

• Onions
• Mushrooms
• Garlic
• Roma tomatoes
• Italian seasoning

In the same skillet, sauté onions until they’re see-through.

Add mushrooms and cook until tender.

Toss in garlic, roma tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.

Let it dance for 2 minutes.

Step 7: Build the Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Cooked sausage
• Black pepper

Combine crushed tomatoes, cooked sausage, and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Let it simmer and get all saucy for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Layer and Top

Spread the saucy sausage mixture over the baked zucchini crust.

Sprinkle with Colby Jack and remaining Italian blend cheese.

Step 9: Final Bake

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Shower the casserole with chopped parsley and get ready to dive in!

Smart Advice for Grated Zucchini Pizza Casserole

• Remove as much moisture as possible to prevent a soggy crust by salting and squeezing out liquid with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
• Swap sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and add variety.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or kale to the tomato sauce mixture for more flavor and nutrients.
• Let the cheese brown slightly during the final baking stage to achieve a deliciously crispy and golden cheese layer that adds texture.
• Replace regular cheese with low-fat options and use lean protein to transform this recipe into a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal that's still satisfying.

Store Grated Zucchini Pizza Casserole The Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Warm pizza casserole at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent cheese from burning and retain moisture.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even warming and prevent rubbery texture.
• Wrap portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or wrap, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Grated Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Grated zucchini pizza casserole brings Italian-inspired comfort to weeknight dinners with its cheesy, veggie-packed goodness. Hearty layers of zucchini, marinara, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchini, grated (approximately 4 cups / 960 milliliters)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded Italian blend cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the zucchini base by grating the vegetable and extracting excess moisture through a salting technique to prevent a soggy foundation.
2. Create a cohesive crust mixture by blending grated zucchini with eggs and cheeses, ensuring a uniform consistency that will hold together during baking.
3. Transform the zucchini mixture into a sturdy crust by pressing it evenly into a greased baking dish and baking until it becomes golden and set.
4. Develop a rich sauce by browning sausage in a skillet, rendering its flavorful oils and creating a robust meat component for the casserole.
5. Enhance the sauce’s depth by sautéing aromatic vegetables like onions and mushrooms, releasing their natural sugars and creating a complex flavor profile.
6. Incorporate roma tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning into the skillet, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective taste.
7. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, reunite the cooked sausage with the vegetable mixture, and allow the sauce to simmer and concentrate its flavors.
8. Assemble the casserole by spreading the hearty sausage and tomato sauce evenly across the pre-baked zucchini crust.
9. Finish the dish by generously covering the sauce with a blend of Colby Jack and Italian cheeses, creating a molten, golden topping.
10. Return the casserole to the oven, baking until the cheese melts completely and develops a bubbling, appetizing surface.
11. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the casserole, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the rich dish.

Notes

• Thoroughly drain zucchini to prevent a soggy crust, which can ruin the texture of your pizza casserole.
• Swap out cheeses based on preference or dietary needs without compromising the dish’s overall flavor profile.
• This recipe naturally provides a vegetable-based alternative to traditional pizza crust, making it ideal for low-carb or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Easily substitute sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein crumbles for different dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg