Description
This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a fresh, wholesome, and tasty dish that combines garden-fresh zucchini, savory tomato sauce (natural), and gooey plant-based cheese (plant-based) for a veggie-forward comfort meal. Easy to make and customizable, it’s perfect for family dinners and offers all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a light, satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Base and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (natural), thick consistency
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese and Flavorings
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded or sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste (for salting zucchini slices)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice fresh zucchini into thin rounds to ensure even cooking. Dice onions and bell peppers, then sauté them in olive oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant, forming a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and spread a thin layer of tomato sauce (natural) mixed with the natural gelling agent evenly on the bottom. Arrange the zucchini slices evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle the sautéed onions and bell peppers on top. Add a layer of plant-based cheese (plant-based) ensuring every portion will be cheesy.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes over the layered vegetables and cheese to create a classic pizza flavor profile. Mix the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce into the tomato sauce (natural) before spreading, if desired, to deepen the richness.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the zucchini is tender yet firm.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. This resting period firms up the casserole for easy slicing and serving without falling apart.
Notes
- Salt the zucchini slices and let them rest for 10 minutes to draw out moisture and avoid a soggy casserole.
- Use fresh herbs like oregano or basil for enhanced flavor.
- Layer vegetables and cheese evenly for the best taste and texture in every bite.
- Choose a thick tomato sauce (natural) to prevent watery casserole.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to firm up the texture for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: zucchini casserole, plant-based cheese, vegetable casserole, gluten free, healthy dinner, pizza casserole
