Zucchini Squash Cheese Pizza is surprisingly satisfying. It can be easily altered to your liking, the ingredients are affordable, it’s easy to make and most importantly, it’s delicious. This is a great meal for a group of six to eight because it’s made in a big casserole dish, meaning this healthy comfort food serves big, filling portions.

The crust is made with shredded zucchini and squash, plus as much cheese as you can handle. Don’t let all the vegetables in this recipe scare you off– the flavor may be different than a traditional bread crust, but the texture and flavor are just as satisfying.

I’ve made this multiple times and I always top it with ground beef, because that’s what my family loves, but you can add whatever toppings you typically order on take-out pizzas. As long as you like cheese, this recipe will be a success for you, your friends and family. What’s so appealing about this recipe is that it is incredibly easy to adapt to vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free diets.

The first time I made this recipe, I made my own pizza sauce, but feel free to use your favorite store bought brand, as I’ve done before, and it still turns out delicious.

Fall is ending, so hurry to a farmer’s market before they end for the season. Buy some zucchini, squash and a few other ingredients from the store, and you should be on your way to making this delicious pizza.

Prep Time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 35 minutes.

Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 2 cups grated butternut squash
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano (optional)
• 1 teaspoon basil (optional)
• 1 pound ground hamburger (optional)
• Any other desires pizza toppings: pepperoni, sausage crumbles, olives, peppers etc.
• 1 jar pizza sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9×13 glass dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Grind the hamburger. Set aside.
3. Place tea towel or pad of paper towels in a large bowl, leaving extra towels or cloth draping over the edges. Grate zucchini and set in the towel(s). Sprinkle salt over the zucchini. Lightly stir and let sit for ten minutes. Meanwhile, grate squash and measure out two cups. Set aside.
4. Using the towel(s), ring out the zucchini to remove any excess water (Really squeeze here. Be prepared to use some elbow grease). Drain the bowl of excess water.
5. In that large bowl, combine the squash with the zucchini. Add eggs, one cup mozzarella cheese, one cup cheddar cheese, all parmesan cheese, black pepper, ground oregano and basil (if using). Stir to combine and spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until edges are starting to look brown and crispy.
7. Remove crust from oven and top with pizza sauce, hamburger, remaining one cup mozzarella cheese, remaining one cup cheddar cheese, and any other desired toppings.
8. Return to oven and bake 8-12 more minutes. Remove, and let cool 5 minutes before cutting and serving.