Description
Zucchini Pizza Bites bring Italian-inspired simplicity to quick appetizers. Crisp zucchini rounds topped with marinara, melted cheese, and pepperoni create perfect party snacks you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large zucchini
- ½ cup (120 ml) cherry tomatoes
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) mozzarella cheese (dairy-free if desired)
Sauce and Herbs:
- ½ cup (120 ml) marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped parsley
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Wash and trim the zucchini ends, then slice into uniform 1/4-inch (6 millimeters) thick rounds, ensuring each piece is similar in size for consistent cooking.
- Arrange zucchini rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each slice to promote even roasting.
- Lightly brush each zucchini round with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Roast the zucchini slices in the preheated oven for 5-6 minutes to remove excess moisture and create a slightly firmer base for toppings.
- While zucchini roasts, heat a small skillet with olive oil and gently sauté cherry tomatoes over medium heat until they become slightly softened and release their natural juices.
- Remove zucchini from the oven and carefully spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each round, ensuring complete but not overwhelming coverage.
- Sprinkle crumbled mozzarella or parmesan cheese over the marinara-covered zucchini rounds, distributing evenly.
- Top each bite with 1-2 sautéed cherry tomatoes for additional flavor and visual appeal.
- Return the prepared zucchini bites to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and edges start to turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to set slightly.
- Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor.
- Serve immediately as a light appetizer or snack, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Zucchini rounds transform into crispy pizza bases with minimal effort and zero traditional pizza dough.
- Customize toppings based on your favorite pizza flavors, making these bites a versatile snack or appetizer.
- Perfectly portioned for kids’ parties, game nights, or quick low-carb meal alternatives.
- Cheese selection matters – try mozzarella for classic taste or experiment with feta for tangy Mediterranean vibes.
- Preheating the baking sheet ensures zucchini gets crispy edges and maintains a firm texture during cooking.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness and elevate the overall flavor profile of these mini pizza bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: <5mg