Description
These Zucchini Pizza Bites are a low-carb, healthy alternative to traditional pizza. With zucchini slices as the base and all your favorite pizza toppings, they’re perfect for a snack, appetizer, or light meal!
Ingredients
- Zucchini (2 medium-sized, sliced into ¼-inch rounds): Zucchini serves as the base for these pizza bites, offering a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crust.
- Look for zucchinis that are firm and free of blemishes for the best results.
- Marinara Sauce (½ cup): A classic pizza sauce that adds tangy tomato flavor to the bites.
- You can use store-bought marinara or make your own homemade sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Mozzarella provides the melty, cheesy topping that makes these bites so delicious.
- Part-skim mozzarella works well for a lighter option.
- Pepperoni (¼ cup, sliced): Adds a savory, spicy flavor to the bites.
- Substitute with your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Olive oil helps the zucchini slices brown and adds richness to the dish.
- Use garlic-infused olive oil for extra flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the pizza flavor.
- You can also use dried oregano or basil individually.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of the zucchini and complement the other toppings.
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchinis into ¼-inch rounds and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pre-baking the zucchini helps remove excess moisture and prevents the bites from becoming soggy.
- Bake the Zucchini: Bake the zucchini slices in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, until just tender but still firm.
- Add the Toppings: Remove the zucchini from the oven and top each slice with a spoonful of marinara sauce, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and a slice of pepperoni.
- Broil the Pizza Bites: Return the zucchini to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the bites cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Notes
These Zucchini Pizza Bites are a quick, healthy alternative to traditional pizza that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings without the extra carbs. The zucchini provides a light, fresh base that pairs perfectly with the rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella. Customize your bites with your favorite pizza toppings, from pepperoni to mushrooms and olives, and enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. They’re great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for a few days, making them a convenient option for busy weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: snack
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 bites
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Zucchini Pizza Bites, Low-Carb Pizza Recipe, Healthy Pizza Bites, Easy Zucchini Bites