🥒 Zucchini Pizza Casserole (Mediterranean Style)

If you love pizza but want something lighter, low-carb, and packed with vegetables, this Mediterranean Zucchini Pizza Casserole is your new favorite comfort dish. It has all the flavors of classic pizza—rich tomato sauce, herbs, olives, melty cheese—but swaps the heavy crust for tender baked zucchini. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

This version highlights fresh Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, oregano, olives, and feta for extra depth and authenticity.

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🌿 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Zucchini Base:

• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce Layer:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1½ cups crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ½ cup sliced black olives

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup sliced mushrooms

• 1 small red bell pepper, sliced

• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Zucchini

1. Lay zucchini slices on paper towels.

2. Sprinkle with salt and let sit 15–20 minutes to draw out moisture.

3. Pat dry thoroughly.

4. Toss with olive oil, oregano, and black pepper.

2️⃣ Pre-Bake the Base

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. Arrange zucchini in a lightly greased baking dish.

3. Bake for 15 minutes until slightly tender.

4. Drain any excess liquid.

3️⃣ Make the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.

2. Sauté onion until soft (about 3–4 minutes).

3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, chili flakes, salt & pepper.

5. Simmer 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread sauce evenly over zucchini.

2. Add mozzarella.

3. Scatter olives, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper.

4. Sprinkle feta on top.

5️⃣ Bake

Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil 2–3 minutes for golden top (optional).

6️⃣ Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp cucumber and arugula salad

• Serve with whole-grain pita for a more traditional Mediterranean touch

• Enjoy as a vegetarian main or side dish

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❓ Q & A

❓ How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Salt and pre-bake the zucchini first. Removing moisture is the key step.

❓ Can I add protein?

Yes! Add grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or chickpeas for a Mediterranean twist.

❓ Is this keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free.

❓ Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake before serving.

❓ Can I freeze it?

Yes, but zucchini releases water after freezing. For best texture, enjoy fresh.