Description
Zucchini Pizza Casserole combines tender zucchini slices, savory smoked turkey slices, and creamy plant-based cheese (plant-based) with fresh herbs and natural tomato sauce (natural). This flavorful and wholesome baked dish is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect as a nutritious one-pan meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- Fresh oregano leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
Protein & Dairy Alternatives
- 8–10 slices smoked turkey
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded or dolloped
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 cups tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Binding Agent
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons water (for dissolving gelling agent)
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and thinly slice the zucchinis into rounds. Lightly sprinkle with salt and place in a colander to rest for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, pat the slices dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Sauté Aromatics and Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the tomato sauce (natural), fresh basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for a few minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil. Spread a few spoonfuls of the prepared tomato sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of zucchini slices, then smoked turkey slices, followed by dollops or a sprinkle of plant-based cheese (plant-based). Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of plant-based cheese on top.
- Add the Natural Gelling Agent: Dissolve the natural gelling agent in water. Gently incorporate it into the top layer or drizzle evenly over the assembled casserole to help bind the layers as it bakes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Slice zucchini evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout the casserole.
- Removing excess moisture from zucchini prevents a watery casserole.
- Alternate layers evenly with sauce, zucchini, turkey, and cheese for balanced flavor.
- Use fresh basil and oregano for the best aroma and taste.
- Allow casserole to rest a few minutes after baking to set perfectly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of casserole)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: zucchini, casserole, plant-based cheese (plant-based), smoked turkey, tomato sauce (natural), gluten free, easy dinner, baked casserole