Zucchini Pizza Bites
User Reviews
5
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Description
Zucchini Pizza Bites are made by slicing zucchini into quarter-inch rounds which are then lightly sprayed with olive oil and seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The slices are broiled closely under high heat to develop a tender texture with lightly browned, crisp edges. After cooking, each zucchini round is topped with a spoonful of marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and optional pepperoni slices. A brief return to the broiler melts the cheese to complete the mini pizza-style bites.
The result is a bite-sized snack that balances fresh vegetable texture with the savory, cheesy notes of pizza toppings. The broiling method yields crisp edges while keeping the zucchini tender. This preparation offers a vegetable-forward alternative to traditional pizza crusts, suitable for quick preparation and easy customization.
These zucchini pizza rounds serve well as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch. They can be enjoyed immediately from the oven when cheese is melted and warm. The recipe allows for variations in toppings to suit personal preferences such as removing pepperoni or using different cheeses.
For storage, leftover bites can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. To prevent sogginess, place the slices on paper towels to absorb moisture before reheating in a microwave at half power or in a moderate oven. Baking instead of broiling is possible at a high temperature but requires longer cooking time per side before adding toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini extra-large, total weight about 1 pound
- olive oil extra-virgin; or avocado oil, spray form
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt Diamond Crystal brand
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
- 2 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 ounce pepperoni optional, slices
Instructions
- Slice the zucchini into ¼-inch-thick slices. You can leave them unpeeled.
- Preheat your broiler on high and position an oven rack 4 inches below the heating element (in most ovens, this is the top rack). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with olive oil.
- Arrange the zucchini slices on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Broil the zucchini slices until tender and lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them! Some might brown faster than others – remove them to a plate and keep broiling the rest.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Spoon a little marinara sauce on top of each zucchini slice. Top with cheese and (if desired) pepperoni.
- Return the pan to the broiler just until the cheese is melted, for 30-60 more seconds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Select firm zucchinis with smooth, dark green skin, preferably large but not mandatory.
- For baking, preheat oven to 450°F; bake slices 5-10 minutes per side before topping with marinara and cheese to melt.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; place on paper towels to absorb moisture before reheating.
- Reheat gently in microwave at 50% power or warm in a 350°F oven to maintain texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 124 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.25recipe | |
| Calories | 124kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 304mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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