Description
This zucchini-crusted marvel redefines pizza for health-conscious eaters. Crisp vegetable base topped with savory marinara and melted cheese creates a guilt-free Italian-inspired delight you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 2 zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 16 ounces (454 grams) mushrooms, sliced into large chunks
- 2 bell peppers, sliced into strips and halved
- 3 small crowns broccoli, sliced into large florets
Cheese and Seasoning Mixture:
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour)
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian blend seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Extras:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: fresh basil
- Chili pepper flakes
Instructions
- Arrange the sliced vegetables on a large rimmed baking sheet (38 x 25 centimeters or 15 x 10 inches), carefully overlapping them to create a cohesive base. Lightly coat with extra virgin olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Roast the vegetable base in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their natural moisture.
- While vegetables are roasting, prepare the Parmesan mixture by whisking the ingredients thoroughly in a medium mixing bowl until well combined and smooth.
- Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and gently blot excess liquid using clean paper towels. Carefully reshape the vegetables into a rectangular formation on the baking sheet.
- Spread marinara sauce evenly across the vegetable base, ensuring complete coverage. Distribute the prepared Parmesan mixture over the sauce.
- Strategically place halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and scattered mozzarella cheese over the top. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil across the surface.
- Return the prepared dish to the oven and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes slightly golden.
- Upon removing from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Meal prep champions can slice and roast vegetables a day ahead, storing them in an airtight container for maximum convenience.
- Swap mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese for vegan-friendly version without compromising delicious flavors.
- Fresh herbs make dramatic difference – experiment with oregano, thyme, or rosemary instead of traditional basil for unique taste profile.
- Select colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus to boost nutritional value and create visually stunning dish.
- Chili flakes can be replaced with smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for customized heat level matching personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg