Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices are a delightful way to satisfy your pizza cravings while keeping it healthy. This recipe is perfect for those oversized zucchinis that tend to appear in fall gardens. With their unique texture and flavor, these zucchini pizzas make an excellent appetizer or light meal that everyone can enjoy. They are versatile enough to cater to various tastes, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Alternative: Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices offer a nutritious twist on traditional pizza, lowering carbs and calories.
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 14 minutes of grilling, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable Toppings: Use your favorite toppings to personalize each slice. From veggies to different cheeses, the choice is yours!
- Great for Meal Prep: These slices can be made ahead and served as a snack or meal throughout the week.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Impress your guests with this creative dish at parties or family gatherings; it’s sure to be a hit!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices, gather the essential tools that will make your cooking experience seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Grill brush
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: The star of the show! It gives the zucchini slices that perfect smoky flavor and crispy texture.
- Grill Brush: Keeps your grill clean, ensuring no leftover flavors affect your delicious zucchini pizzas.
- Cutting Board: A stable surface for cutting the zucchini safely and efficiently.
Ingredients
For these tasty Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices, you will need:
- 8 large round zucchini slices (about 3-4 inches across and 3/4 inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 tablespoons Rao’s Pizza Sauce
- 12 tablespoons grated Mozzarella cheese
- 32 slices pepperoni
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
- Oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in olive oil.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
- Cut your large zucchini into thick slices about 3/4 inch thick.
- If using oversized zucchini, avoid ones with large seeds; instead, opt for firm ones.
Step 3: Grill the Zucchini Slices
- Place the zucchini slices on the grill and cook for about 7 minutes until grill marks form on one side.
- If one side is larger, start grilling that side first.
Step 4: Add Toppings
- Remove zucchini from grill and place grilled-side up on a cutting board.
- Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each zucchini slice.
- Top with about 1 tablespoon of Mozzarella cheese followed by four slices of pepperoni.
- Add a pinch more cheese over the pepperoni if desired.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
- Return loaded zucchini slices back onto the grill with the lid closed.
- Cook for an additional 7 minutes until cheese is melted and toppings are lightly browned.
Step 6: Serve Hot
- Carefully remove the grilled zucchini pizzas from the grill.
- Serve immediately for best flavor! Enjoy!
These Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices are not only delicious but also an exciting way to incorporate more veggies into your meals!
How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices
Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices make a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. They’re versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different tastes. Here are some great serving suggestions.
As an Appetizer
- Start your meal with these tasty slices. They are perfect for sharing and will impress your guests at any gathering.
With Fresh Herbs
- Top each slice with fresh basil or oregano after grilling for a burst of flavor. This addition brings a fresh garden taste that enhances the dish.
Paired with Dipping Sauces
- Serve alongside marinara or ranch dressing for dipping. This gives an extra layer of flavor and makes it even more fun to eat.
As a Main Dish
- Enjoy them on their own as a low-carb main course. Add a side salad for a complete meal that satisfies your pizza cravings without the carbs.
Topped with Veggies
- Customize your zucchini slices with additional veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds color and texture.
With Cheese Variations
- Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for unique flavors. Each cheese will provide a different twist to this delicious dish.
How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices
Making Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices is easy, but there are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Choose the right zucchini: Select firm, medium-sized zucchini for the best texture. Overly large zucchinis may contain large seeds that affect taste.
- Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the zucchini slices. This helps achieve those desirable grill marks.
- Oil the grates: Lightly oiling the grill grates prevents sticking and ensures that your zucchini slices come off easily.
- Monitor cooking time: Keep an eye on the zucchini while grilling. Cooking times may vary based on thickness and grill heat.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings beyond pepperoni, such as olives, spinach, or grilled chicken for added protein.
- Serve immediately: For the best taste, serve your Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices right off the grill while they are still warm.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices
Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices pair well with a variety of side dishes that complement their flavors and textures. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese on the pizza slices.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds a classic touch and is great for soaking up any sauce served alongside.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender can enhance the meal’s overall healthiness.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides crunch and tanginess, making it a great contrast to the warm zucchini slices.
- Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad with herbs offers protein and fiber, making it an ideal companion dish.
- Caprese Skewers: These skewers combine mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil—perfect for an appetizer that matches well in flavor profile.
- Fruit Salad: A fruit salad adds sweetness and freshness, balancing out savory flavors beautifully.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a delicious contrast in taste and texture, making them an appealing side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Overcooking the zucchini: If you grill the zucchini too long, it can become mushy. Aim for about 7 minutes total until tender but firm.
Using the wrong size zucchini: Large zucchinis work best for this recipe. Smaller or overly large zucchinis with big seeds can affect the texture and flavor.
Skipping the oil on the grill grates: Not oiling the grill can lead to sticking. Always oil your grill grates before preheating.
Adding too many toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on ingredients, too many toppings can make the slices soggy. Stick to a tablespoon of sauce and cheese for balance.
Forgetting to check the cheese: The cheese needs to melt without burning. Keep an eye on it while grilling to achieve that perfect golden brown.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices
- For longer storage, freeze the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different sauces for Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices?
Yes! While Rao’s Pizza Sauce is delicious, feel free to experiment with pesto, Alfredo, or your favorite marinara sauce.
What toppings work best on Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices?
You can top these slices with any of your favorite pizza toppings. Consider bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for added flavor.
How do I know when the zucchini is done grilling?
Look for grill marks and tender texture. About 7 minutes should suffice, but adjust based on your grill’s heat level.
Can I make Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the zucchini and toppings in advance and assemble them just before grilling.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices offer a delightful twist on traditional pizza that’s both healthy and satisfying. This versatile dish can be customized with various toppings and sauces to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these zucchini pizzas are sure to impress. Give them a try today!
Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices
Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices are a deliciously healthy twist on traditional pizza, perfect for satisfying cravings without the carbs. This recipe is ideal for utilizing those oversized zucchinis that flourish in fall gardens, transforming them into crispy, flavorful pizzas. With a delightful smoky flavor from the grill and customizable toppings like cheese and pepperoni, these zucchini slices make an excellent appetizer or light meal. Ready in just under 30 minutes, they are perfect for quick weeknight dinners or as a creative dish to impress guests at gatherings. Enjoy this veggie-packed delight with fresh herbs or dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor.
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 large round zucchini slices (3–4 inches across, 3/4 inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 tablespoons Rao's Pizza Sauce
- 12 tablespoons grated Mozzarella cheese
- 32 slices pepperoni
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Cut zucchini into thick slices, avoiding oversized ones with large seeds.
- Grill each slice for about 7 minutes until grill marks appear.
- Remove from the grill, add sauce, cheese, and pepperoni to each slice.
- Return to the grill, cooking for another 7 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 80g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Choose firm zucchinis for optimal texture. Experiment with different toppings like bell peppers or olives. Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.