Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices

Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices are a delicious and healthier way to satisfy your pizza cravings. This unique twist on traditional pizza uses zucchini as the base, making it perfect for those looking to reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor. Ideal for summer gatherings, family dinners, or even a quick weeknight meal, these zucchini pizza slices are sure to impress! With their vibrant colors and customizable toppings, they make for an appealing dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the satisfying taste of pizza while keeping it low-carb and nutritious with fresh zucchini.
• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 14 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up this dish in under half an hour!
• Versatile Toppings: Customize these grilled zucchini pizza slices with your favorite toppings—vegetables, cheeses, or meats—to suit any palate.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Great for barbecues or casual get-togethers, these slices are easy to serve and share among friends and family.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this fun take on pizza; it’s a great way to introduce more vegetables into their diet.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and ensures delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Grill brush
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: The key to achieving perfectly charred zucchini slices that add flavor to your dish.
• Grill brush: Helps maintain a clean grill surface, which is essential for even cooking and preventing sticking.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing your zucchini evenly, ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Sharp knife: A must-have for cutting through thick zucchini with ease.

Ingredients

Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices require simple ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Zucchini Base

• 8 large round zucchini slices (about 3-4 inches across and 3/4 inch thick)
• 3 T olive oil

For the Toppings

• 8 T Rao’s Pizza Sauce
• 12 T grated Mozzarella cheese
• 32 slices pepperoni (see notes)

How to Make Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

1. Oil the grill grates using a bit of oil on a paper towel.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini Slices

1. Cut a large zucchini into thick slices about 3/4 inch thick.
2. If using large late-season zucchini, aim for round slices about 4 inches across. Avoid overly large zucchinis with big seeds.

Step 3: Grill the Zucchini

1. Grill the zucchini slices for a total of 7 minutes or until grill marks appear on one side and they start to soften.
2. Start grilling the side that is slightly larger first so it will be the “top.”

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

1. Remove grilled zucchini from the grill and place them grilled-side up on a cutting board.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of sauce to each slice.
3. Top each slice with one tablespoon of grated Mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Add Toppings

1. Place four slices of pepperoni over the cheese on each zucchini slice (or use other desired toppings).
2. Add a tiny sprinkle more cheese over the pepperoni.

Step 6: Finish Cooking on the Grill

1. Return loaded zucchini slices back onto the grill.
2. Cook for another 7 minutes with the grill lid closed.
3. Check periodically until cheese is melted and toppings are lightly browned.

Step 7: Serve

1. Remove zucchini pizzas from the grill.
2. Serve hot and enjoy! If there are leftovers, let us know how reheating works out!

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Course: Grilling
Keywords: Zucchini Pizza

How to Serve Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices

Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices are a delightful twist on traditional pizza. They can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil and Oregano: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano on top for an aromatic touch.
• Chopped Parsley: Add chopped parsley to brighten the flavors and give a fresh finish.

Pair with Dips

• Marinara Sauce: Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, adding a classic Italian flavor.
• Garlic Aioli: This creamy dip pairs wonderfully and adds a rich taste.

As an Appetizer

• Small Portions: Cut the slices into smaller pieces for easy sharing at parties or gatherings.
• Garnish with Cheese: Top them with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving for extra flavor.

On a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Serve over a bed of mixed greens for added crunch and freshness.
• Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze complements the zucchini’s flavor beautifully.

How to Perfect Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices

To make your Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices even more delicious, follow these helpful tips.

• Marinade: Marinating zucchini slices in olive oil, garlic, and herbs enhances their flavor before grilling.
• Uniform Thickness: Ensure all zucchini slices are cut evenly for consistent cooking and tenderness.
• Preheat Grill Properly: A well-heated grill prevents sticking and gives nice grill marks on your zucchini.
• Watch Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the grilling time to avoid overcooking, which can lead to mushy slices.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like veggies or different cheeses for variety.
• Serve Immediately: These pizza slices are best enjoyed hot off the grill for optimum taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices

Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that adds crunch and a comforting flavor alongside the pizza slices.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a light and refreshing contrast.
3. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds texture and balances the dish’s richness nicely.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables enhance the meal while keeping it healthy.
5. Caesar Salad: This hearty salad brings creaminess that goes well with the grilled zucchini pizzas.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad can make your meal more filling without being heavy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls to ensure delicious results.

• Using the wrong zucchini size: Make sure to choose large zucchini. Smaller ones may not hold toppings well, leading to soggy slices.
• Skipping the oiling step: Always oil the grill grates before cooking. This prevents sticking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
• Not preheating the grill: Preheat your grill properly. A medium-high temperature ensures even cooking and caramelization of your zucchini.
• Overloading on toppings: Keep it simple! Too many toppings can make the zucchini soggy and difficult to handle.
• Ignoring grilling time: Pay attention to the grilling time. Undercooking or overcooking can affect the texture of your pizza slices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices in an airtight container.
• They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices

• You can freeze these pizza slices for longer storage.
• Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use the microwave for a quick reheat. Heat slices for about 30 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
• Stovetop: Warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices.

Can I use other cheeses for Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or feta for varied flavors.

What toppings can I add to my Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices?

You can personalize your pizza slices by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even using different meats like sausage.

How do I ensure my Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices are crispy?

Make sure to grill them long enough on both sides. The right temperature is key to achieving that perfect crispiness.

Are Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices suitable for a keto diet?

Absolutely! These pizza slices are low-carb and fit perfectly into a ketogenic meal plan.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Zucchini Pizza Slices are not just a healthier alternative; they are also versatile and customizable. Whether you prefer classic pepperoni or a medley of veggies, this recipe allows you to satisfy your cravings without guilt. Give these delightful zucchini pizzas a try today!