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Low Carb Zucchini Pizza Crust
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy pizza while cutting back on carbohydrates, this Low-Carb Zucchini Pizza Crust is worth trying! Made with shredded zucchini, cheese, egg, and almond flour, it’s an easy homemade alternative to traditional pizza dough.
This zucchini pizza crust is a great way to use fresh zucchini from your garden or take advantage of zucchini when it’s on sale at the grocery store. Almond flour is used instead of all-purpose flour to keep the crust lower in carbohydrates. Add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings to make a pizza that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
The secret to making a good zucchini pizza crust is removing as much excess moisture as possible before baking. Zucchini contains a lot of water, so taking a few extra minutes to squeeze it dry helps the crust hold together better.
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Pizza Crust
- Lower-carb option: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour to reduce the carbohydrates.
- A great way to use zucchini: This recipe is perfect when you have extra zucchini on hand.
- Easy ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make the crust.
- Customize it with your favorite toppings: Make a classic cheese pizza, add pepperoni, or pile on your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients for Low-Carb Zucchini Pizza Crust
Shredded zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the base of this recipe. After shredding it, you’ll need to remove the excess moisture so the crust doesn’t become soggy.
Flour: Use all-purpose flour for a traditional version or almond flour for a lower-carb option.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella helps bind the ingredients together and adds a cheesy flavor to the crust.
Parmesan cheese: This ingredient is optional, but it adds extra flavor.
Egg: The egg helps hold the zucchini and other ingredients together.
Italian seasoning: Adds a delicious blend of herbs to the crust.
How to Make Low-Carb Zucchini Pizza Crust
Step 1: Prepare the zucchini.
Preheat your oven to 500°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat the paper with nonstick cooking spray. Do not bake this crust directly on the pizza pan, or it will stick.
Place the shredded zucchini on a plate lined with several layers of paper towels. Sprinkle with one teaspoon of salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. The salt helps draw out excess moisture.
Wrap the zucchini in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is important for preventing a soggy crust.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients.
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, flour, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese (if using), egg, and Italian seasoning. Stir with a spoon until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Shape the crust.
Transfer the zucchini mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Press it into your desired pizza shape, keeping the crust approximately ¼ inch thick. Try to make the thickness as even as possible so it bakes uniformly.
Step 4: Bake the crust.
Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust looks set and the bottom begins to brown. Keep an eye on it because oven temperatures and crust thickness can affect the baking time.
Carefully remove the crust from the oven.
Step 5: Add your favorite pizza toppings.
Spread your favorite pizza sauce over the crust, then add shredded cheese and your preferred toppings.
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the pizza to rest for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Making the Best Zucchini Pizza Crust
Remove as much water as possible. This is the most important step in the recipe. After letting the zucchini sit with salt, squeeze it thoroughly in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels.
Don’t make the crust too thick. Keeping it around ¼ inch thick helps it bake more evenly and gives it a better texture.
Pre-bake before adding toppings. Baking the crust first helps it set before the sauce and toppings are added.
Go easy on the sauce. Too much sauce can make a zucchini crust soggy. Start with a thin layer and add more if needed.
Choose toppings that aren’t too wet. Fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, and other vegetables can release moisture as they cook. Use moderate amounts and drain or cook watery toppings beforehand when appropriate.
Low-Carb Zucchini Pizza Topping Ideas
One of the best things about homemade pizza is that you can change the toppings to suit your taste.
- Classic pepperoni: Pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.
- Cheese pizza: Pizza sauce with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Supreme pizza: Pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
- Vegetable pizza: Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives.
- Garlic and cheese: A little garlic seasoning, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
For a lower-carb meal, choose a pizza sauce without added sugar and keep an eye on the carbohydrate content of your toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is zucchini pizza crust low in carbs?
It can be! Using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour makes the crust lower in carbohydrates. The total carbohydrate count will depend on your ingredients, serving size, sauce, and toppings. For the lowest-carb version, check the labels on your flour and pizza sauce. The nutritional values in the recipe card are just for the crust and are based on using almond flour.
How do you keep zucchini pizza crust from getting soggy?
The key is removing excess water from the shredded zucchini before mixing the crust. Let the zucchini sit with salt for 10 minutes, then squeeze it thoroughly. Pre-baking the crust before adding toppings also helps it hold together.
Can I use almond flour instead of regular flour?
Yes. Almond flour is the suggested alternative for a lower-carb crust. Keep in mind that almond flour and all-purpose flour have different textures, so the finished crust may not be exactly the same.
Can I make zucchini pizza crust ahead of time?
You can prepare and bake the crust ahead of time, then cool it completely and refrigerate it in an airtight container. For the best texture, reheat the crust in the oven before adding your toppings.
What toppings work best on zucchini crust?
Mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and lower-carb vegetables such as bell peppers and mushrooms are all good choices. Avoid adding too much sauce or other wet ingredients, as they can soften the crust.
Can I freeze zucchini pizza crust?
You can try freezing the baked, untopped crust. Let it cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze it. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven before adding sauce and toppings. The texture may be softer after freezing than when freshly baked.
This Low-Carb Zucchini Pizza Crust is a simple alternative to traditional pizza dough and a handy recipe to have when you have extra zucchini to use. With cheese, Italian seasoning, and your favorite toppings, you can customize it to make a pizza that fits your preferences.
Remember to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before baking. That little bit of extra effort can make a big difference in how well your zucchini crust holds together!
Zucchini Pizza Crust
Ingredients
- 1½ cups shredded zucchini
- ⅓ cup almond flour (or all-purpose flour if you're not counting carbs)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 500F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray the paper with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place shredded zucchini on a plate lined with a few layers of paper towels. Sprinkle with one teaspoon of salt. Set aside for 10 minutes. Remove the excess moisture from the zucchini by wrapping it up in paper towels or a clean dish towel and squeezing it.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, flour, egg, cheese, and Italian seasoning. Combine mixture with a spoon until fully incorporated then transfer the mixture onto greased parchment paper. Press the dough into the desired shape and thickness (approx. 1/4'' thick) on the greased parchment paper.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until the crust looks set and the bottom is starting to brown. Carefully remove the pizza crust from the oven. Top with your favorite sauce, cheese, and pizza toppings. Return to oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition
- SET OF TWO 16-INCH NONSTICK PIZZA PANS: Air-insulated and perforated to reduce moisture while baking frozen or homemade pizzas or heating up leftover slices to promote a crispier crust for a fresh taste
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- ELEVATED BOTTOMS: Integrated molded feet on the bottoms keep the hot pans thoroughly elevated and off of countertops
- PREMIUM-GRADE CONSTRUCTION: Nonstick carbon steel offers an excellent mess-free release and resists warping for long-lasting durability
- 16" PERFORATED PIZZA PAN: Designed with a perforated edge and even heating technology, this pizza pan reduces moisture and ensures a perfectly crispy crust for your homemade pizza. Enjoy delicious results every time you bake.
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- NONSTICK COATING: This bakeware features a nonstick coating that provides excellent release to allow for easy serving and a quick cleanup.
- MADE OF DURABLE CARBON STEEL: Our round pizza pan is made of nonstick carbon steel for a premium-grade construction that resists warping to provide an effective baking experience for years to come.
- SLICE PIZZA LIKE A PRO: Pizza restaurants use a roller cutter like this one. The sharp blade makes a clean cut in any crust and, unlike using a knife, actually presses the crust and toppings together, keeping the toppings on your pizza.
- SUPER SHARP BLADE: The wheel is crafted from high-quality, premium 430 stainless steel that will stay sharp and resist rust. It is perfect for slicing pizza, waffles, pies, or cookie dough.
- ERGONOMIC HANDLE FOR COMFORT: The angled wheel allows optimal comfort and performance when slicing hot pizza straight out of the oven. The built-in finger guard protects your hands from both the blade and the heat.
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- LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY: This pizza wheel comes with a 1-year Hassle-Free replacement and lifetime limited.
- 【Modern Look, Practical Design】 Stylish and compact, this pizza cutter features a sophisticated black finish, adding a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Its streamlined size fits neatly into a drawer or cutlery organizer, blending modern style with everyday functionality.
- 【Precision Cutting Performance】 Made from high-quality stainless steel, this ultra-sharp pizza cutter wheel easily slices through thick crusts, sticky dough, and gooey cheese, providing clean, precise cuts without tearing or double-slicing.
- 【Ergonomic Comfort Design】 The soft rubber handle is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand, providing enhanced control and reducing stress, and the built-in finger guard adds extra safety and stability with every use.
- 【Versatile Kitchen Companion】 Not only can this cutter be used for pizza, it can also handle pies, pastries, waffles, cheese, cookie dough, and more. Lightweight and portable, it's perfect for home cooking and outdoor settings like picnics or camping trips.
- 【Easy to Clean and Maintain】 The seamless stainless steel construction resists residue and stains. Simply rinse under water or place in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Be sure to dry completely before storing for long-lasting use.
