Zucchini Pizza Bites

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Looking for a fun, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza? These Zucchini Pizza Bites are your answer! Perfect for a quick snack or a party appetizer, they offer all the pizza flavors you love without the guilt.

Ingredients for Zucchini Pizza Bites

Zucchinis: These act as the base for your pizza bites. Their mild flavor and firm texture make them perfect for holding toppings.

Marinara sauce: Adds that classic tomato flavor that we all associate with pizza.

Mozzarella cheese: The cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that binds everything together.

Pepperoni: A classic pizza topping that brings a salty, savory punch. Feel free to swap with mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers if you prefer.

Oregano and garlic powder: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor, giving the bites an authentic pizza taste.

Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the best in the zucchini and other ingredients.

Fresh basil leaves: A fresh, aromatic garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mandoline slicer for even zucchini slices, ensuring uniform cooking.
  • Pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel before baking to prevent sogginess.
  • If you don't have marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning work well too.
  • For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These bites are delightful on their own, but for a heartier meal, serve them alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. They're also fantastic with a side of garlic bread or a light soup, like a minestrone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini slices with sauce and toppings, then refrigerate them. Bake when ready to serve.
What other toppings can I use?
You can use any pizza toppings you like, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even cooked sausage.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Zucchini Pizza Bites Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. While the oven heats, wash the zucchinis thoroughly and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This thickness ensures they cook evenly.

Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly season them with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. This simple seasoning elevates the zucchini, making it more flavorful.

Next, spoon a small amount of marinara sauce onto each slice. You want just enough to cover the top without it spilling over. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Cheese lovers can add a bit more if they like.

Top each slice with a slice of pepperoni or your favorite toppings. Be creative here, but don't overload them, or they'll become difficult to handle.

Bake the zucchini rounds in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they're done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a slight golden hue.

Once out of the oven, let them cool for a minute or two before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. This final touch adds a beautiful aroma and flavor, making them irresistible.

Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
  • A healthier, low-carb option compared to regular pizza.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings.
  • Kid-friendly and perfect for getting them to eat more veggies.
  • Great for parties or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup sliced pepperoni or preferred toppings
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash the zucchinis and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. Arrange the zucchini slices on the prepared baking sheet and lightly season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
4. Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce onto each zucchini slice.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
6. Add a slice of pepperoni or other preferred toppings on each zucchini round.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
9. Serve immediately for the best taste.

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