Craving pizza but looking for a healthier, veggie-packed alternative? These Mini Pizzas with Baked Zucchini Crust are the perfect solution! By swapping out traditional dough for a zucchini crust, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors of pizza with a nutritious, low-carb base. Topped with a homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and mini pepperoni slices, these mini pizzas are both satisfying and guilt-free. Perfect for weeknight dinners, snacks, or even as a fun appetizer, they offer a creative way to get your pizza fix without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Crust:
- 2 large zucchinis, grated
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp organic Italian seasoning
For the Homemade Sauce:
- ½ can (8 oz) organic tomato sauce
- 1 can (12 oz) of BLENDABELLA Rustic Tuscan, featuring a mix of diced Portabella mushrooms, vegetables, and herbs
For the Toppings:
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Mini pepperoni slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Crust
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Grate the zucchinis into a large bowl, and sprinkle with sea salt. Let the zucchini sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- After 10 minutes, place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Once drained, return the zucchini to the bowl and mix in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Scoop out small portions of the zucchini mixture (about ¼ cup each) and form them into mini pizza crusts on the prepared baking sheet, flattening them out into rounds about 4 inches in diameter.
- Bake the zucchini crusts for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Homemade Sauce
- While the zucchini crusts bake, prepare the sauce by combining the organic tomato sauce and the BLENDABELLA Rustic Tuscan blend in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Once heated through, remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Mini Pizzas
- Once the zucchini crusts are baked, spoon a small amount of the homemade sauce onto each crust, spreading it evenly over the surface.
- Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add mini pepperoni slices or any other toppings of your choice.
Step 4: Bake the Mini Pizzas
- Place the assembled mini pizzas back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the pizzas cool slightly before serving.
Conclusion
These Mini Pizzas with Baked Zucchini Crust offer all the satisfying flavors of pizza, with a healthy twist. The crispy zucchini crust pairs perfectly with the rich, flavorful homemade sauce and melted mozzarella. Whether you’re trying to incorporate more veggies into your diet or just looking for a creative, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, these mini pizzas are a winner. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy this guilt-free, delicious meal!