Go Back
To make this tasty zucchini pizza casserole, gather the following items: - 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds - 1 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for drizzling - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your preferred toppings like cooked sausage or olives) - 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (choose a medley of colors for vibrancy) - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For the best results, I recommend using high-quality brands. Some great options for marinara sauce include Rao’s and Prego. For mozzarella, look for fresh or low-moisture varieties from Galbani or Sargento. If you want to switch up flavors, try adding cooked sausage or olives in place of pepperoni. You can also mix different types of cheese, like cheddar or provolone, to suit your taste. If you have dietary needs, you can easily adapt this recipe. For a gluten-free option, ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free. You can also swap regular cheese for dairy-free cheese or use a vegan Italian sausage. If you want to lower carbs, skip the marinara sauce and add more veggies instead. The beauty of this dish is its versatility, allowing you to make it fit your needs while keeping it delicious! First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This warms it just right for baking. Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray to stop sticking. This step saves you from a messy cleanup later. In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchinis with the marinara sauce. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix well until each zucchini slice is coated. This makes every bite rich with flavor. Start by spooning half of the zucchini mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. This forms the base. Next, add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Follow that with half of the pepperoni, diced bell peppers, and chopped red onion. Repeat this layering process using the rest of the zucchini mixture. Finish with the remaining cheese and toppings. Now, cover your dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese and a golden-brown crust. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. For a fresh taste, sprinkle torn basil leaves on top. You can also drizzle some extra marinara sauce for added flavor. Enjoy your tasty creation! For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. When making zucchini pizza casserole, avoid using too much water. Zucchini can release water when cooked. This can make your dish soggy. To prevent this, salt the zucchini rounds before mixing them in the sauce. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, then pat them dry. Another mistake is overbaking. Keep an eye on the cheese. You want it golden and bubbly, not burnt. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs like basil or oregano. These herbs add a bright taste. You can also mix in a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. If you want a smokier flavor, opt for smoked mozzarella cheese. For a twist, try adding chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the layers. They bring a unique taste and texture. For the best zucchini pizza casserole, bake it in a glass dish. Glass helps the heat spread evenly. Start by covering the dish with foil. This keeps moisture in during the first bake. After 25 minutes, remove the foil to let it crisp up. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. {{image_4}} You can easily make this casserole vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat and add more veggies. Use mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead of pepperoni. To make it vegan, swap the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese. Look for brands that melt well. You can also use silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast for a creamy texture. Get creative with your toppings! Instead of pepperoni, try cooked sausage or olives for a salty bite. You can also add fresh spinach or artichokes for a healthy touch. If you want a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Mix and match your favorites to find your perfect flavor combo. Cheese can change the whole dish. While mozzarella is classic, you can use provolone or gouda for a richer taste. If you like a sharper flavor, try cheddar or parmesan. For a creamier finish, blend in ricotta or cream cheese. Each cheese adds a unique twist to the casserole while keeping it tasty and fun. For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Enjoy your cooking! To keep your zucchini pizza casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools completely before sealing it. Place it in the fridge where it will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save space, you can also slice it into portions before storing. This way, you can grab a piece quickly when you're hungry. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes. This keeps the moisture in and warms it evenly. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also reheat individual pieces in the microwave. Just heat for about 1 to 2 minutes, checking to ensure it’s hot all the way through. If you want to keep your casserole for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, slice it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. Your casserole will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! Baking Zucchini Pizza Casserole takes about 40 minutes in total. First, you bake it covered for 25 minutes. Then you uncover it and bake for another 15 minutes. This method ensures the cheese melts well and the top gets crispy. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the point of baking. Cover it well and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This casserole pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a light soup. These sides balance the rich flavors of the casserole and add freshness to your meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. This blog post covered key ingredients, instructions, tips, and variations for a delicious Zucchini Pizza Casserole. I shared essential brands, substitutions, and steps for perfect results. Always avoid common mistakes and enhance flavors for the best taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and heat them for full flavor. Take this recipe and make it your own with fun variations. Enjoy cooking and experimenting in your kitchen. This dish can be a hit for everyone!

Quick Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Dive into this delicious Zesty Zucchini Pizza Casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner! Packed with fresh zucchini, gooey mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings, this dish offers all the flavors you love in a healthier, veggie-filled form. It's easy to make and sure to impress! Click through for the full recipe and tips on how to make this hearty casserole a hit at your next meal!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds

1 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for drizzling

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your preferred toppings like cooked sausage or olives)

1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (choose a medley of colors for vibrancy)

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a moment to lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Zucchini Mixture: In a generous mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchinis with the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until every zucchini round is beautifully coated in the flavorful sauce.

      First Layering: Spoon half of this delicious zucchini mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom to form a hearty base.

        Cheese and Toppings: Next, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over your first layer of zucchinis. Follow this with half of the pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, and finely chopped red onion, creating a delightful medley of flavors.

          Repeat the Layers: Carefully repeat the layering process by adding the remaining zucchini mixture on top, ensuring it’s spread evenly. Top this final layer with the rest of the mozzarella cheese, followed by the remaining pepperoni, bell peppers, and onions.

            Bake Covered: Take a piece of aluminum foil and cover your baking dish snugly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

              Bake Uncovered for Crispiness: After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and boasts a beautiful golden-brown hue.

                Final Touches: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. For a burst of freshness, garnish with torn fresh basil leaves just before serving, and drizzle a bit more marinara sauce on top if desired.

                  - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: For an inviting serving display, cut into squares and serve on a vibrant platter. Add a few extra basil leaves on top for a pop of color and aroma!