Gluten-Free Zucchini Crust Pizza: A Healthy Delight
Good people, lend me your ears for a moment! Today, I come bearing good news for those who seek to eat healthfully even while enjoying their favorite dishes. My dear food enthusiasts, I present to you a recipe that is sure to catch your attention – the gluten-free zucchini crust pizza!
As a nutritionist cum food blogger, it is my duty to help you discover new and exciting ways to nourish your body. This pizza recipe is the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. The crust is made with shredded zucchini and coconut flour, making it not only gluten-free but also low-carb and grain-free. Moreover, it can be adapted easily to suit any dietary preferences including vegan and paleo.
This amazing recipe will surely change the way you look at pizza forever. Imagine biting into a delicious pizza that’s also good for your body! Trust me when I say that this recipe is bursting with flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
So whether you’re someone on a strict diet or just looking for some scrumptious yet healthy options for dinner, this gluten-free zucchini crust pizza will surely leave you satisfied. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get our aprons on and start cooking this amazing dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, hear me out! This gluten-free zucchini crust pizza is not just any ordinary pizza recipe you can find anywhere. This one will surely capture your heart with its perfectly crispy and delicious crust! For all my dairy-free and gluten-free friends out there, this recipe is a game-changer. No more regrets after indulging in your favorite comfort food!
The best part about this recipe? You can finally enjoy a pizza without the guilt of too many carbohydrates from traditional wheat crusts. Thanks to the clever use of shredded zucchini and coconut flour, you can achieve a low-carb yet satisfyingly chewy texture in every bite.
Aside from being diet-friendly, this recipe also highlights healthy ingredients such as eggs, green peppers, onions, and tomatoes that are essential for a balanced meal. Moreover, imagine how much money you could save not having to order from your favorite pizza chain because you can now make it at home!
Believe me when I say that the savory fusion of dried basil, dried oregano, and parmesan cheese on top of the zucchini pizza crust is an explosion of flavors in your mouth. It’s like having a party in your taste buds!
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself in the kitchen and try this delicious gluten-free zucchini crust pizza recipe. You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here is what you will need to make this delicious gluten-free zucchini crust pizza:
- 3 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 medium sized)
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
- 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup tomatoes, chopped
Note: For a vegan and dairy-free version of the pizza, use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to turn them into a delicious gluten-free zucchini crust pizza! Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a large bowl, add 3 cups of shredded zucchini and lightly squeeze to get rid of excess water. Then, mix in 2 large eggs, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of coconut flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch each of dried basil and oregano. Combine until everything is well mixed.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you let the crust mixture sit for a few minutes. This will help the ingredients bind together.
Then, transfer the crust mixture on to a lined baking sheet and flatten it into a circle or rectangle shape with the thickness of about 1/4-inch (0.6 cm). You can use your hands or a spatula to do this. Make sure that there are no holes in the crust.
Bake this crust for 25-30 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Step 3: Add Your Toppings
When your crust is almost done baking, you can prepare your toppings. Cut up your desired toppings such as tomatoes, onion, green pepper, and cheese into small pieces.
After your crust has baked for the required time, take it out of the oven and add your toppings evenly over it. We recommend adding shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, some extra Parmesan cheese, and a pinch more dried herbs if you like.
Step 4: Bake Your Pizza
Bake your pizza for another 10-15 minutes or cook until cheese is melted.
As soon as you have removed from oven, cut it into slices or wedges with a sharp knife.
Now, your gluten-free zucchini crust pizza is ready to eat!
Substitutions and Variations
Hark! The great thing about zucchini crust pizza is the array of substitutions and variations that can be made to this delightful dish. Yea, verily, there are many different ingredients and toppings you can try out that will tantalize your taste buds.
For those who cannot tolerate dairy, one can easily make a vegan version of this gluten-free zucchini crust pizza by substituting part-skim mozzarella cheese with vegan cheese or omitting the cheese altogether. One can also experiment with other vegan cheese substitutes that work for them.
For those who are on a low-carb or keto diet, instead of using gluten-free flour, you can use almond flour or coconut flour in the crust recipe to make it a keto-friendly treat. However, do keep in mind that these flours have different characteristics than gluten-free flour and may require some adjustment in the recipe.
If you want to add more vegetables to your pizza and make it even healthier, there are plenty of options to choose from. One could add toppings like green peppers, tomatoes or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Finally, if one wants to mix things up a bit and try something different, substituting zucchini crust for cauliflower crust is another option. Cauliflower pizza crust is also naturally gluten-free and low carb and provides a different taste and texture experience that will change up your usual routine.
Thus, whether you’re looking for something specific like avoiding grains or dairy or simply want to try something new, experimenting with different ingredient combinations will give you endless possibilities and ultimately lead to finding the perfect combination for your unique palate.
Serving and Pairing
Let me tell you, my dearest readers, this gluten-free zucchini crust pizza is a true masterpiece of flavor and nutrition! Now that you have created this delicious recipe, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair it for an unforgettable experience.
Firstly, let me suggest enjoying the pizza straight out of the oven with some fresh basil leaves on top. The aroma of the herbs will enhance the zucchini’s natural taste while bringing out the cheese’s creamy notes. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also an impressive dish to serve your family or guests.
If you’re thinking about night snacks or casual dinners, pair your pizza with a crisp green salad or some oven-roasted vegetables such as tomatoes, onions or green peppers. The savory flavors of the vegetables will complement and balance the zucchini crust’s sweetness making for a well-rounded meal.
For wine enthusiasts, white wine with herbal notes would be my suggestion for this recipe. A crisp white Sauvignon Blanc with its acidity and a hint of lemon would be perfect to balance the richness of the cheese and herbs. For those looking for alcohol-free options, try a freshly squeezed lemonade with mint and strawberries or simply infused lemon water to cleanse your palate between bites.
In conclusion, there are endless ways to enjoy this gluten-free zucchini crust pizza recipe. Whether it is an impressive dinner party centerpiece or casual snacking paired with a glass of wine or refreshing beverage- it’s bound to please everyone. Explore new possibilities in serving and pairing this healthy dish for yourself and loved ones!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hark! Once the zucchini crust pizza is cooked, thou art presented with a delectable delight that can be stored and reheated for future indulgence. Allow me to share with thee the secrets of preserving this scrumptious dish.
If thou art planning ahead for a gathering or a busy weeknight, fret not! The zucchini crust pizza can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the desired amount of pizza slices onto a baking sheet and bake in pre-heated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy again.
Additionally, if thou art craving some zucchini crust pizza but dost not wish to go through the hassle of making it fresh every time, thou canst even make it ahead and freeze it. Canst thou believe it? Yea, verily! This pizza can last up to one month when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Then, when the cravings strike, simply thaw the frozen pizza in refrigerator overnight before reheating as per instructions above.
Remember, though, that as the days go by, the zucchini crust may soften from absorbing moisture from the toppings. To avoid this, ensure that all excess water is squeezed out of the shredded zucchini before mixing it into the crust recipe to create a firm base for your pizza.
Whether thou art preparing in advance or looking to preserve leftovers, rest assured that thy beloved gluten-free zucchini crust pizza shall remain delicious even days after its creation!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect gluten-free zucchini crust pizza, there are some tips that can come in handy. One of the most important things is to make sure that you squeeze out excess water from the zucchini after shredding it. This will prevent your pizza crust from getting soggy.
Another tip is to ensure that you pre-bake the crust before adding the toppings to get a crispy texture. This will not only enhance the taste but will also make your pizza more presentable.
Additionally, you should spread a layer of tomato sauce over the pre-baked crust before adding other toppings. This helps in holding everything together and also adds flavor to your pizza.
When it comes to toppings, choose fresh ingredients like onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and part-skim mozzarella cheese for healthier options. Also, try to avoid overloading your pizza with too many toppings as this can lead to a soggy crust.
To add some extra flavor to your gluten-free zucchini crust pizza, you can sprinkle some dried basil or oregano and parmesan cheese on top. These can add a savory touch and take your pizza to a whole new level.
Lastly, make sure to allow your pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. This will not only prevent any accidents but will also help the toppings set and stay in place.
With these tips, you are sure to have a delicious and perfect gluten-free zucchini crust pizza every time!
Bottom Line
And thus, my dear readers, I present to you the delicious gluten-free zucchini crust pizza recipe that is easy to make and incredibly healthy! With every bite, you can savor the crispy texture of the crust made from shredded zucchini mixed with coconut flour and eggs lightly beaten together to form a perfect base.
Not only is this recipe low in carbs, but it is also naturally gluten-free and free of grains. And if you’re looking for a vegan option, simply substitute the eggs and mozzarella cheese with vegan alternatives.
You can feel good about indulging in this pizza as it is packed with nutrients like Vitamin C found in tomatoes and green peppers. The low-fat part-skim mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese boost the protein content while offering that classic cheesy flavor we all love.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and surprise your taste buds with the savory zucchini crust. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or hosting a party, this delicious gluten-free zucchini crust pizza recipe is sure to impress your guests. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Gluten Free Zucchini Crust Pizza (Delicious!) Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded zucchini, squeezed to get water out
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup gluten-free flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 2 small tomatoes, halved and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup julienned green pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°. In a bowl, combine zucchini, eggs and Parmesan cheese; mix well.
- Add flour and salt; stir well.
- Spread onto the bottom of a 12-in. pizza pan (or a jelly roll pan) coated with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake for 8-13 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°.
- Remove pizza and sprinkle with mozzarella, tomatoes, onion, green pepper, oregano, basil and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until onion is tender and cheese is melted.