Description
Hearty low carb roasted vegetable pizza delivers Mediterranean flavors without heavy carbohydrates. Crisp cauliflower crust provides perfect base for health-conscious chefs who crave delicious alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (454 g) mushrooms, sliced into large chunks
- 3 small crowns broccoli, sliced into large florets
- 2 zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 2 bell peppers, sliced into strips and halved
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb option)
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian blend seasonings
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
- Chili pepper flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F and coat a large rimmed baking sheet with olive oil spray for optimal roasting surface.
- Vegetable Arrangement: Spread zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and broccoli florets across the baking sheet in an even, slightly overlapping layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Initial Seasoning: Drizzle vegetables with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper, creating a robust flavor foundation for roasting.
- First Roasting Phase: Roast vegetables for 20 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop caramelized edges while releasing natural moisture.
- Moisture Management: Gently toss vegetables and use paper towels to absorb excess liquid, maintaining a crisp texture and preventing sogginess.
- Flavor Layering: Evenly distribute marinara sauce across the vegetable base, creating a rich, cohesive foundation for subsequent toppings.
- Parmesan Coating: Prepare a savory mixture of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle uniformly over the marinara-coated vegetables.
- Texture Enhancement: Strategically place cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion across the surface, adding depth and visual appeal to the dish.
- Cheese Application: Generously distribute shredded mozzarella over the vegetable base, ensuring comprehensive coverage for maximum melting potential.
- Final Touches: Drizzle with olive oil to promote golden browning, then return to the oven for 18-20 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly with crisp edges.
- Garnishing: Remove from oven and embellish with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of chili pepper flakes for a vibrant flavor finish.
- Serving: Slice the roasted vegetable creation immediately, presenting a hot, aromatic dish bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Optimize Vegetable Spacing: Spread vegetables evenly without overcrowding to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Moisture Management: Use paper towels to absorb excess liquid, guaranteeing a crisp and not soggy vegetable base.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Distribute mozzarella generously and bake until golden and bubbly for maximum flavor and texture.
- Fresh Finishing Touches: Add chopped basil and chili flakes right before serving to elevate the dish’s aroma and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 38-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg