Vegan Zucchini Pizza Casserole has a very savory and comforting texture. We made this casserole with zucchini, yellow onion, garlic, vegan pizza sauce, seasoning, vegan cheese, olive oil, vegan pepperoni slices, and herbs. It contains 180 calories and 7 grams of protein in each serving. This dish becomes ready to serve in just 50 minutes. Store this Vegan Zucchini Pizza Casserole for four days in the refrigerator. You may serve this casserole with a classic vegan Caesar salad, vegan garlic knots, crusty French baguette slices, roasted garlic parmesan broccoli, or sparkling lemonade.
STATS:
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Calories: 185
- Serving size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Diet: Vegan
- Course: Main
- Serving: 6
- Cuisine: Italian
EQUIPMENT:
- Knife
- Mixing bowls
- Grater
- Cutting board
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large skillet
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 medium zucchini
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Half cup grated vegan parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups vegan pizza sauce
- Half cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup shredded vegan mozzarella cheese
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- Half tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Half cup vegan pepperoni slices
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Quarter cup basil leaves
- 1 tsp dried basil
INGREDIENT NOTES:
ZUCCHINI:
We use this instead of heavy pizza dough to add moisture to the recipe. It provides a tender bite when we soak in the pizza sauce. You may utilize yellow squash as per your preference.
VEGAN MOZZARELLA CHEESE:
Cheese provides a gooey and melted pizza texture to the casserole. It includes creamy richness and binds the layers together. You may use homemade cashew cream as another choice.
PIZZA SAUCE:
Pizza sauce includes a traditional tangy pizza base taste. It connects the zucchini layers and makes the meal delicious. You may use plain marinara sauce as an alternative.
VEGAN PEPPERONI SLICES:
These slices give a classic and meaty bite to the recipe. You may utilize crumbled vegan sausage as another idea.
OLIVE OIL:
This oil cooks the onions and garlic perfectly. It keeps the ingredients from sticking to the pan and includes healthy fats. Include melted vegan butter if olive oil is not available.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, warm the oven to 375°F and slice the zucchini into round pieces.
- Salt the slices lightly and leave for ten minutes, then dry them with paper towels.
- Warm the olive oil in the skillet, then cook the onion for 3 minutes.
- Cook the garlic in the skillet for 60 seconds, then add vegan pizza sauce, herbs, and seasoning.
- Simmer the ingredients for two minutes, then arrange half of the zucchini slices in the dish.
- Add half of the sauce mixture over the zucchini and include a layer of pepperoni slices, then vegan mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the casserole for 35 minutes, then remove the dish from the oven.
- Lastly, cool the meal for 5 minutes and garnish it with fresh basil leaves.
TIPS:
- You should include the dry zucchini slices for less watery casserole.
- Cool the dish for some time after baking so the layers set perfectly.
- Do not miss the salting step for the zucchini, as it removes the extra moisture.
- Cover the dish with foil for twenty minutes so the top does not get brown quickly.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Add the cooled casserole to a closed box, then store it for four days.
FREEZER:
- Freeze the casserole in separate portions for two months.
FAQs:
Can I make this casserole earlier?
- Yes, you may prepare the dish one day in advance and bake before serving.
How to keep the dish from getting watery?
- Salt the zucchini slices for ten minutes and bake the casserole without covering.
Is it good to freeze this casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze the casserole baked or unbaked, as per your choice.
What should we include if vegan pepperoni is not available?
- You can use smoked tofu cubes as an alternative.
Are extra vegetables good to include in the recipe?
- Yes, you may make the casserole with your preferred vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or black olives.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 185
Calcium: 120 mg
Net carbs: 9 g
Iron: 1.2 mg
Sodium: 480 mg
Total carbs: 14 g
Vitamin A: 900 IU
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 7 g
Potassium: 450 mg
