Ready in: 35 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Baking · Storage: 3 days in the fridge
Quick Answer
For a delicious, healthy appetizer, slice zucchinis and bake them with marinara and cheese for a satisfying alternative to traditional pizza.
When it comes to finding a healthy alternative during the season of indulgence, I often turn to recipes that can easily fit into a holiday spread without sacrificing flavor. Living in New York City, I’ve seen how people love to gather around delicious food as the holidays approach. One such dish that has captivated not just my taste buds but also my guests’ is Zucchini Pizza. It’s an excellent way to include some veggies without anyone even noticing, which is perfect for those upcoming Thanksgiving gatherings or cozy Christmas parties!
A Festive Vegetarian Delight
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy alternative to traditional pizza that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- A great way to sneak in extra veggies at your holiday gatherings.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute entertaining.
- Versatile dish that can be customized with various toppings.
- Appeal to both vegetarians and meat lovers alike!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create delicious Zucchini Pizza:
Zucchini Base
- 2 medium-sized zucchinis (about 1 lb), sliced into thick rounds
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning
- ½ cup marinara sauce (no-sugar-added recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (fresh minced garlic works wonders too!)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Zucchini Pizza (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is straightforward and enjoyable to make, ensuring everyone will appreciate your culinary efforts!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). The aroma of the hot air circulating will get you excited for the delicious dish to come!
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Slice your zucchinis into thick rounds, about ½ inch thick. I like using a sharp knife for a clean cut, which really showcases the beautiful green color of the zucchini.
Step 3: Bake the Zucchini
Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. Bake for about 10 minutes, until they’re tender and a bit golden. The trick here is to not fully cook them, as they’ll continue baking with the toppings!
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Remove the zucchini from the oven. Spoon a dollop of marinara sauce on each round and sprinkle them with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. As you whip this up, the kitchen fills with the aromatic scent of bubbling cheese—it’s intoxicating!
Step 5: Season
Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top. This step adds an irresistible Italian flair that takes your zucchini pizza from simple to sensational.
Step 6: Final Bake
Return to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You should see the golden browning on the edges of the cheese, which is an indication of pizza perfection.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Allow the zucchini pizzas to cool for a couple of minutes, then top with fresh basil leaves before serving. The fragrant aroma of the basil elevates this dish to a new level—your guests won’t be able to resist!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Slicing the Zucchini Too Thin: Opt for thick rounds so they hold up under the weight of the toppings without becoming soggy.
- Skipping Pre-Baking: Don’t skip the initial baking step; it’s essential to extract some moisture from the zucchini.
- Overloading with Toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on the cheese, a modest amount will ensure each bite retains the perfect balance of flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a meaty variation, consider adding sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage on top before the final bake.
- Experiment with different toppings like olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms to cater to your guests’ preferences.
- If you have leftover zucchini, you can cut it into spears, coat with seasoning, and serve as a healthy appetizer with marinara for dipping.
Variations
- Swap mozzarella cheese for a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free option.
- Add fresh tomatoes or sundried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
- Top with arugula or spinach instead of basil for a different green topping.
How to Serve
- Serve as bite-sized appetizers at parties or gatherings.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light lunch option.
- Garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the zucchini and pre-bake them a day in advance, then add toppings before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as zucchini may become watery after freezing.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through my testing, I discovered how versatile zucchini can be as a base for pizza. It’s an excellent vehicle for flavor that both vegans and meat lovers can appreciate. This dish not only satisfies cravings but also makes me feel good about what I’m serving, a win-win for any festive gathering!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 2 zucchini rounds
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 8g protein · 10g carbs · 9g fat
Healthy Zucchini Pizza Bites for Holiday Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice your zucchinis into thick rounds, about ½ inch thick.
- Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Bake for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the zucchini from the oven. Spoon a dollop of marinara sauce on each round and sprinkle them with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the zucchini pizzas to cool for a couple of minutes, then top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional choices, you can experiment with other cheeses such as feta, goat cheese, or even cheddar for different flavor profiles.
Can I make Zucchini Pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini and toppings in advance and store them separately. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and taste.
Are there gluten-free options for the marinara sauce?
Yes, most marinara sauces are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the label for any added ingredients that might contain gluten.
