| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 12 mins – 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 138 | 9.2g | 4.3g | 7.4g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3.2g | 1.4g | 8.7g | 0.48g |
Every now and then, a recipe comes along that feels like the perfect embodiment of everything you champion as a food enthusiast. For me, that recipe is Zucchini Pizza Bites. This dish beautifully encapsulates the freshness of Californian produce while also delivering on the comfort that is quintessential to American cuisine.
The Essence of California In A Bite
The roots of the Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe are firmly planted in the sunny valleys of my home state, California. Our climate blesses us with fresh and flavorful fruits and vegetables year-round, which I believe should be celebrated in every dish we prepare. And zucchini, with its light, delicate flavor and versatility, is one of my go-to ingredients.
A Health-Conscious Comfort Food
Beneath the stringy mozzarella and zesty pizza sauce of the Zucchini Pizza Bites lies the zucchini, turning this comfort food into a guilt-free treat. Zucchinis, after all, are a powerhouse of nutrients, boasting high levels of fiber, vitamins, and anti-oxidants. They are also low in calories and carbs, making them a choice ingredient for those monitoring their weight. Here is more on the nutrition benefits of zucchini
Complementing and Complementing
While the Zucchini Pizza Bites can certainly stand on their own as a full meal due to their nutrient-rich ingredients, they also make excellent companions to other dishes. Try them alongside a fresh salad with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, or pair them with a classic Caesar salad. They can also make an enticing appetizer for a larger Italian feast, complete with pasta and a glass of wine.
As the mother of three adopted children, I can also attest to the kid-friendly allure of these Zucchini Pizza Bites. Their pizza-like appearance and taste make them an easy sell, and it’s a sneaky way to get in some valuable vegetable servings.
Whether you’re trying to sneak more vegetables into your meals, looking for healthier alternatives, or merely craving something uniquely delicious, this Zucchini Pizza Bites recipe has you covered. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 2 large zucchini, around 1 and a half pounds each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni pieces
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the zucchini from sticking during baking.
Step Two
Slice the two large zucchinis into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of the zucchini slices with olive oil and season them with salt and ground black pepper.
Step Three
After seasoning, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the zucchini slices for 10 minutes.
Step Four
Once the slices have baked, remove them from the oven but keep the oven on. Next, spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto each zucchini slice, then top each one evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step Five
The fun part: toppings! Add the mini pepperoni pieces, finely chopped bell pepper, finely chopped onion, sliced olives, and sliced mushrooms onto each zucchini slice. Feel free to mix and match based on your preference!
Step Six
When all the zucchini slices have been topped, place the baking sheet back in the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy your Zucchini Pizza Bites!
