Zucchini pizza bites are a fun and easy appetizer to prepare. They're a healthier alternative to traditional pizza, yet still packed with classic flavors. Succulent slices of zucchini are used as a base in place of dough, topped with tangy marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, then broiled to perfection.
Most of the ingredients for these zucchini pizza bites are common household items. However, if you don't have marinara sauce at home, it can be easily found in the pasta aisle of your supermarket. Additionally, if you prefer a specific type of mozzarella - whether it's shredded, fresh, or buffalo - feel free to use that.
Ingredients for Zucchini Pizza Bites
Zucchini: Zucchini is used as the base for our pizza bites. It's a summer squash that's high in antioxidants and hydration.
Olive oil spray: Used for lightly coating the zucchini before broiling. This helps it get a nice char.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the zucchini.
Marinara Sauce: The pizza sauce for our bites. It's a tangy tomato-based sauce with Italian seasonings.
Mozzarella: The cheese topping for our pizzas. It melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the marinara sauce.
One reader, Hildagarde Cottrell says:
These zucchini pizza bites are a game-changer! They're a healthier alternative to traditional pizza and taste amazing. The zucchini is perfectly grilled, and the combination of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella is simply divine. It's a guilt-free snack that satisfies my pizza cravings. Highly recommend trying this recipe!
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Zucchini Pizza Bites
How to broil or grill the zucchini: This technique involves cooking the zucchini slices under direct heat, either in the broiler or on a grill, to achieve a slightly charred and smoky flavor.
How to top with sauce and cheese: This step involves spreading marinara sauce and sprinkling mozzarella cheese evenly over the grilled zucchini slices before returning them to the broiler for a final melt and melding of flavors.
How To Make Zucchini Pizza Bites
These pizza bites makes a healthy version of pizza using zucchini slices! Cook up these tasty snacks topped with cheese and tomato sauce in 10 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4large zucchini slices,¼-inch thick, or 1 medium zucchini cut on diagonal
- olive oil spray
- salt and pepper
- 2tbspmarinara sauce
- ¼cupmozzarella,part skim, shredded
Instructions
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Spray both sides of the zucchini lightly with oil, then season with salt and pepper.
-
Broil or grill the zucchini for about 2 minute on each side.
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Top with sauce and cheese, then broil for an additional 1 minute or 2, being careful not to burn cheese.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 149.23kcal
- Fat: 11.42g
- Saturated Fat: 4.41g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.90g
- Carbohydrates: 4.86g
- Fiber: 1.18g
- Sugar: 3.34g
- Protein: 7.31g
- Cholesterol: 22.78mg
- Sodium: 317.95mg
- Calcium: 159.80mg
- Potassium: 260.38mg
- Iron: 0.62mg
- Vitamin A: 66.05µg
- Vitamin C: 9.52mg
Expert Tip for Crafting Zucchini Pizza Bites
To ensure your zucchini slices cook evenly and don't become too soft or mushy, try to cut them into uniform thickness. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve this. Also, when broiling, keep a close eye on the zucchini as it can quickly go from perfectly cooked to overdone.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Zucchini Pizza Bites
Prep ahead: Chop and store zucchini slices in an airtight container in the fridge to save time when you're ready to make the pizza bites.
Use pre-made sauce: Opt for store-bought marinara sauce to cut down on prep time and simplify the recipe.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of zucchini pizza bites and freeze them for quick and easy snacks or appetizers.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Pizza Bites Recipe
zucchini slices - Substitute with eggplant slices: Eggplant has a similar texture and can be used as a tasty alternative for the zucchini slices in this recipe.
marinara sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto sauce provides a flavorful and aromatic alternative to marinara, adding a different dimension to the zucchini pizza bites.
Creative Ways to Serve Zucchini Pizza Bites
Elevate the zucchini: Arrange the zucchini pizza bites on a sleek, minimalist plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle delicate basil leaves over the zucchini pizza bites to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Incorporate a dipping sauce: Present the zucchini pizza bites with a side of rich, homemade garlic aioli for an extra layer of flavor and sophistication.
Utilize elegant plating techniques: Arrange the zucchini pizza bites in a symmetrical pattern on the plate, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Add a touch of flair with edible flowers: Garnish the plate with a few edible nasturtium blossoms to add a touch of elegance and a subtle peppery note.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Zucchini Pizza Bites
- Cutting board: A flat board on which food is cut.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food.
- Grill: A device used for cooking food over an open flame or heat source.
- Cheese grater: A kitchen tool used to grate cheese into fine pieces.
- Broiler: A section of an oven used for cooking food with high, direct heat.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to measure ingredients accurately.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for lifting and flipping food.
- Olive oil spray: A cooking spray used to lightly coat food with olive oil.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to chop, blend, and puree ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Baking dish: A dish used for baking and serving food.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle used for making sauces and heating liquids.
Storing and Freezing Zucchini Pizza Bites for Later
- Allow the zucchini pizza bites to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled zucchini pizza bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the zucchini pizza bites:
- Arrange the cooled bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the bites are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen zucchini pizza bites to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen zucchini pizza bites:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the frozen bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Note: You can also reheat the bites in a microwave, but the zucchini may become slightly soggy.
How To Reheat Zucchini Pizza Bites
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zucchini pizza bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the zucchini is heated through. This method will help maintain the crispiness of the zucchini while ensuring the toppings are hot and bubbly.
For a quicker option, use your microwave. Place the zucchini pizza bites on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-45 seconds. Check the temperature and continue heating in 15-second intervals until the desired temperature is reached. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat your zucchini pizza bites while maintaining their crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover bites in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the zucchini is heated through. This method will provide a crispy exterior and a hot, gooey interior.
For a stovetop option, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the zucchini pizza bites in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the zucchini is heated through. This method will help maintain the texture of the zucchini while ensuring the toppings are hot and bubbly.
Interesting Trivia About Zucchini Pizza Bites
Zucchini pizza bites are a great way to enjoy a healthier version of pizza. They are low in carbs and high in nutrients, making them a great option for those looking to cut down on calories. Zucchini is also a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. Plus, this recipe is a fun and creative way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. So, next time you're craving pizza, consider making these zucchini pizza bites for a guilt-free and delicious snack or appetizer.
Is Making Zucchini Pizza Bites at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this zucchini pizza bites recipe is quite high. Zucchini is an affordable and versatile vegetable, and the additional ingredients are also budget-friendly. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer.
Are Zucchini Pizza Bites Healthy?
The zucchini pizza bites recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional pizza, as it uses nutrient-dense zucchini as the base instead of refined flour crust. Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious choice. The recipe also uses a moderate amount of cheese and marinara sauce, which can provide some protein, calcium, and lycopene. However, the overall healthiness of the recipe depends on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
To make this recipe even healthier:
- Use a whole-grain or cauliflower-based marinara sauce to increase the fiber content and reduce added sugars
- Opt for low-fat or part-skim mozzarella cheese to decrease the saturated fat content
- Add more vegetables as toppings, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient density
- Use a high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil spray to provide healthy monounsaturated fats
- Be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy the zucchini pizza bites as part of a balanced meal that includes lean proteins and other vegetables
Editor's Opinion on This Zucchini Appetizer
This zucchini pizza bites recipe is a delightful and healthy twist on traditional pizza. The zucchini slices are a perfect low-carb alternative to a regular pizza crust, and the combination of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese creates a burst of flavor in every bite. The quick broiling method ensures that the zucchini maintains its crispness while the cheese melts to perfection. It's a simple yet satisfying appetizer or snack that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy these zucchini pizza bites as a guilt-free treat that's both delicious and nutritious.
Why trust this Zucchini Pizza Bites Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with zucchini as the star ingredient. The marinara sauce adds a burst of flavor, while the gooey mozzarella creates a perfect finish. The use of olive oil enhances the natural flavors, and the careful broiling process ensures a crispy texture. Trust this recipe for a mouthwatering pizza experience that will leave you craving for more.
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