Zucchini Pizza Bites

This Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe is the perfect healthy, vegetarian, keto, low carb, gluten-free and low-calorie twist on pizza!  Made with just a handful of ingredients including fresh zucchini, pasta sauce, spices, and mozzarella cheese, these irresistible bites are perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal! 

Zucchini Pizza Bites Recipe

If you love pizza, this Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe is for you.  Don't get me wrong... I'm a pizza lover.  I eat it once a week without shame on Sunday night when the Hubs and I rent a movie after the twins go to bed.  In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with a healthy love of carbs.  I'm not saying these bites are the same... but they really are surprisingly GOOD!

These Zucchini Pizza Bites are an unexpected way to enjoy pizza on other days.  I wasn't sure how good the zucchini rounds would taste with the pizza toppings, but GUYS it is downright irresistible.  These pizza bites totally hit that pizza craving and you can honestly eat as many as you'd like.   You can enjoy these as a snack, appetizer, or easily as a light meal with bread or a salad.

My family - including the Hub's - and the twins gobbled this entire recipe up in no time.  The twins asked for more "green pizza" so I'll consider that a life WIN.  You have to love a recipe that's love by both adults and kids.

These Zucchini Pizza Bites are Keto, Low Carb, Low Cal, and Gluten-Free!

This crazy simple Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe is made with just a handful of ingredients in less than 15 minutes including fresh sliced zucchini, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian spices.  You can easily add any of your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, but I kept it vegetarian by just adding some fresh basil from my garden.  You can make it without it BUT it really does add the POP these bites need to be memorable.

The best part about this yummy twist on pizza is it just so happens to be low carb (carbohydrates,) low cal, AND gluten-free!  I don't eat that way all the time, but if you are looking for a lighter dinner that still tastes indulgent... this is it.

Plus, how else can you enjoy pizza AND still get ALL your servings of veggies.

Ingredients:

• Zucchini: Look for a fresh green zucchini that's uniform in size so it makes even circles.  I like one that's at least an inch wide but not bigger than two.  The super large zucchini might seem like a good idea, but they can have a higher water content leading to a less tasty finished product.
• Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite pizza, tomato sauce or marinara sauce.  Jarred or homemade is fine! This is a great use of the leftover marinara sauce in the fridge. 🙂
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use your favorite shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese.  I used reduced fat cheese, but you can use whichever type fits your diet.  If you are keto and looking for more fat, use full fat.
• Italian Seasoning: I think some good Italian Seasoning goes a long way to bring that classic pizza flavor to this Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe.  I like to use my homemade version.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil goes a long way to bringing the flavors to life!

What is the best zucchini to use?

Green zucchini works best for this recipe, but you can also use yellow.  Look for a squash that's at least an inch around, but not too big.  The largest zucchini have much higher water content.

Health Benefits of Zucchini

Zucchini is a nutrient-dense food that has so many health benefits!  It's a high fiber, low-calorie food making it a great option for this recipe.  It's full of vitamin B6, potassium, folate, and antioxidants.

Instructions:

These Zucchini Pizza Bites come together in less than 20 minutes!

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Slice your zucchini into 24 slices that are ¼ inch thick.  You can either use a mandoline slicer to cut them or a sharp knife.  Just be sure the slices are uniform in size.
3. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.  Put the zucchini slices on the baking sheet and lightly spray them with olive oil spray.  Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and Italian Seasoning.
4. Carefully spoon the marinara sauce evenly on the zucchini slices. Sprinkle some cheese on top.  You can do more or less depending on how much you like cheese.  I like to sprinkle a touch of garlic salt on top of the cheese.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the zucchini is just turning tender and the cheese is melted.
6. Top with fresh basil and serve.

Do I need to salt the zucchini?

You can and it will help.  To help reduce the amount of moisture in the zucchini, sprinkle the slices of zucchini right after you cut them with salt.  Allow them to sit for 20 minutes.  Once that time has passed, blot the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel.  This will help reduce the risk of watery zucchini.

You can do this, and it will help, but if you are in a hurry you can skip it.  Your zucchini might be a touch watery... but it will still taste good.

How long to cook zucchini pizza bites?

These zucchini pizza bites cook in 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees.  If you cut your zucchini thicker or have larger slices, it could take a touch longer.  The zucchini bites will be done when the zucchini is fork-tender.

Variations & Pro Tips

• Add a touch of feta, ricotta, or goat cheese.
• If you eat meat, add mini pepperoni.  That's a great way to add extra protein to this dinner.
• Add any other fresh pizza veggies like diced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms.
• Make these Mexican-style with salsa and Mexican-style cheese!
• You can make a similar dish with eggplant.
• If you want to brown the crust, pop the oven up to broil and you'll quickly get a golden color.  Just watch them VERY carefully so they do not burn.

FAQ

How do you store the zucchini pizza bites?

Store these in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.  You can reheat these in the oven or in the microwave.

Can you make these ahead of time?

YES! You can make these zucchini pizza bites ahead of time and bake them when you are ready to eat.  Store them on the sheet pan in the fridge for up to a day.

Can you grill these?

Yes! Grill these over medium-high heat for around 10 minutes or until the zucchini is fork-tender.

I hope you'll enjoy these delicious Zucchini Pizza Bites as much as my family did!  They are husband and toddler tested and approved.  As always, I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below.

More Zucchini Recipes to Love:

• Oven Baked Parmeasn Zucchini Fries
• Vegetarian Zuchini Lasana
• Tomato Parmesan Zoodles
• 20 Minute Sheet Pan Shrimp & Zoodles
• Pistachio Pesto Zoodles

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating ★ below. Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook too!

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Julie Wunder

This Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe is the perfect healthy, vegetarian, keto, low carb, gluten-free and low-calorie twist on pizza!  Made with just a handful of ingredients including fresh zucchini, pasta sauce, spices, and mozzarella cheese, these irresistible bites are perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal! 

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dinner

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4

Calories 104 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 zucchini, 24 slices
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper
• spray olive oil
• optional: garlic salt
• Fresh Basil, chiffonade

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Slice your zucchini into 24 slices ¼ inch thick. You can use a mandoline or sharp knife.
• Optional: Sprinkle your zucchini slices with salt and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Once the time has passed, blot your zucchini slices dry with a paper towel.
• Put your zucchini slices on a baking sheet prepped with cooking spray. Spray the zucchini slices with a very small amount of olive oil. Sprinkle them with with salt, pepper and Italian Seasoning.
• Carefully spoon your Marinna sauce evenly on all 24 slices of the zucchini. Sprinkle the cheese on top. If you like garlic salt, very lightly sprinkle some on top of the cheese.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the zucchini is just turning tender and the cheese is melted.
• Just before serving top with fresh basil.

Notes

Try to find a zucchini that is evenly wide so your pieces will be the same size.  You'll want one that is a little larger.

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 9gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 504mgPotassium: 485mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 601IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 249mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Zucchini Pizza Bites

Tried this recipe?Mention @Julie_Wunder or tag #RunninginaSkirt!

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