How to Make the Perfect Zucchini Pizza Bites
Italian-American · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
Thick rounds of zucchini act as the perfect mini pizza crust base, topped with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fun toppings that kids get to choose themselves. It is a brilliant way to get children excited about eating vegetables while enjoying all the flavors they already love.
Why this recipe works
This Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 115 calories with 7g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 large zucchini cut into half inch rounds
- 0.5 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 cup mini pepperoni slices
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the zucchini into rounds about half an inch thick and pat each piece very dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
Step 2: Season and Arrange
Place the zucchini rounds in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the tops of all the rounds before adding any toppings.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto each zucchini round and spread it to the edges. Top each one with a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella and a few mini pepperoni slices.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with golden edges. Let them cool for two minutes on the pan before transferring to a serving plate.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- mini pepperoni → diced bell peppers or sliced olives for a vegetarian topping
- mozzarella cheese → dairy-free shredded cheese for a lactose-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not drying the zucchini slices before baking which releases water and makes the toppings slide off
- Cutting zucchini rounds too thin which causes them to become limp and soggy under the sauce weight
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 115 calories, 7g protein, 7g carbs, 6g fat, 2g fiber.
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