| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins – 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 18g | 7g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 15g | 0.72g |
As a professional food blogger with a love for culinary fusion, one recipe that never fails to excite my taste buds is the Grilled Summer Squash Pizza. This delicious concoction is a perfect blend of rustic charm and gourmet flavors. A true testament to the versatility of fresh summer squashes, showcasing their capacity to transform into the star ingredient in an indulgent, cheesy, yet surprisingly light summer feast.
A Little Bit of History
One might wonder, how does a Louisiana lady with a penchant for decadent French and rich Creole desserts fall in love with a vegetable-based pizza? It’s simple – pizza, like a lot of open-minded culinary creations, radiates comfort, versatility, and an invitation for innovation. Much like my admiration for beignets and éclairs, this Grilled Summer Squash Pizza celebrates the marriage of simplicity and refinement. It’s my artisanal rendition of a classic Provencal Pissaladiere, an iconic open-faced pastry often served as an appetizer in the South of France.
The Gem of Savor & Health
What I adore most about this recipe is its seamless blend of taste and nutrition. The summer squash brings in its rich depot of vitamins A and C, along with magnesium and dietary fiber, without being overpowering on the palette. Combined with the heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil and the protein-packed trio of mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan, this pizza is not just a treat to your tastebuds but also your body.
And let’s not forget the toppings – the sweet cherry tomatoes and the sharp red onions elevate the flavor profile. The generous sprinkle of fresh basil leaves lends a tantalizing aroma, reminiscent of safe backyard barbecues and serene summer evenings. It’s a slice of joy that brings me back to my childhood days spent in the vibrant bayous and charming kitchens of Louisiana.
The Perfect Plate Companion
A slice or two of this Grilled Summer Squash Pizza can be enjoyed on its own, or you might prefer pairing it with a fresh Provencal Green Bean Salad or a nice Gazpacho. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, the combination of the lightly charred summer squashes blanketed with melted cheesy goodness, crowned with vibrant toppings, will satisfy both your gourmet cravings and your need for hearty, home-cooked meals. It’s a must-try pizza that’s fitting for a casual family dinner, an outdoor summer picnic, or a fine-dine at home!
What You’ll Need
- 2 medium-sized summer squashes
- 1 pizza dough recipe – enough for a 14-inch pizza
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup of fontina cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, slice your summer squashes into 1/2 inch thick rounds. Drizzle the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Step Two
Once the grill is hot, grill the squash rounds for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are nicely charred and softened. Remove from the grill and set aside.
Step Three
Roll out your pizza dough to a size of 14 inches. Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza stone or directly onto the grill. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly charred. Flip the dough over.
Step Four
Brush the cooked side of the pizza dough with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Spread the minced garlic evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella, fontina, and parmesan cheeses evenly over the garlic.
Step Five
Arrange the grilled squash rounds over the cheese, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes, and the thinly sliced red onion. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper.
Step Six
Close the lid of the grill and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bottom of the dough is charred. If using an oven instead, bake at 500 degrees for about 10 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Step Seven
Once cooked, remove the pizza from the grill or oven. Allow to cool slightly before topping with the thinly sliced fresh basil. Slice and serve your Grilled Summer Squash Pizza while warm. Enjoy!
