These zucchini pizza bites are such a delicious way to enjoy the flavor of pizza while using a tasty vegetable instead of a starchy base!
Ready in just 30 minutes, they make a wonderful snack, a tasty side dish, or even a main course when accompanied by a simple tossed salad.
Zucchini is such a versatile vegetable. I love using it in recipes such as zucchini lasagna, grilled zucchini, zucchini chips, and zucchini noodles.
These zucchini pizza bites are especially good. How wonderful it is to be able to enjoy the best parts of pizza - the sauce, cheese, and toppings - while using a vegetable base.
Jump to:
Ingredients
You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:
- Fresh zucchini: Try to find firm zucchini with smooth, dark green skins. Large zucchini works better in this recipe but is not mandatory.
- Olive oil spray: I love this delicious oil. But if you're unsure about cooking with it because of its low smoke point, you can use avocado oil instead.
- To season: I keep it simple and use Kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pizza sauce: It's best to use a sugar-free pizza sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella: You can also use one of the bagged pre-shredded cheeses labeled as "Italian blend." Provolone is good too.
- Toppings: I like to use thinly sliced chorizo or pepperoni. If you want this dish to be meatless, you can use olives and diced red onions instead.
Variations
- You can use avocado oil instead of olive oil. Olive oil tastes better, but avocado oil has a higher smoke point.
- Sometimes I use shredded provolone instead of mozzarella. Even cheddar can work if that's all you have on hand.
- It's fun to use different toppings, such as olives and onions. I especially like to top the zucchini rounds with sliced black olives.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne. You can sprinkle it on the pizza sauce before adding the cheese and toppings.
Zucchini Pizza Bites Instructions
Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:
- Broil the zucchini. Your first step is to slice the zucchini, season the slices, then broil them. (Photos 1-2).
- Add pizza toppings. Next, top each zucchini slice with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni (I like to leave some of them plain). (Photos 3-4).
- Melt the cheese. Place the pizza bites in the oven briefly, just until the cheese is melted. (Photos 5-6).
Expert Tip
Some zucchini slices might brown faster than others under the broiler. Simply remove them to a plate and keep broiling the rest.
Recipe FAQs
It's often a good idea to salt zucchini prior to using it in recipes. Salting helps draw moisture out, preventing sogginess. I do it when I make zucchini chips and roasted zucchini.
But in this case, high-heat broiling works well to dry out the slices, so there's no need for the extra step of salting.
Yes. You will need to bake them in a very hot oven (450°F) for 5-10 minutes per side, depending on how hot your oven runs. Then top them with pizza toppings and return them to the hot oven just to melt the cheese - a matter of seconds.
No. You should leave it unpeeled. Zucchini skin is edible and tasty, so there's no good reason to remove it.
Serving Suggestions
These tasty bites make a great appetizer or a delicious side dish. When I make them as a side dish, I like to serve them with a main dish that I can cook on the stovetop, such as:
- Stovetop London Broil
- Gluten-free chicken tenders
- Pan-fried salmon
- Spicy shrimp
- Ham steak
- Keto sloppy joes
They also pair well with simple salads such as arugula salad, tomato salad, and cucumber salad.
Storing Leftovers
You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to three days.
Place them on paper towels to absorb extra moisture, and reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power.
More Pizza Recipes
👩🏻🍳 I aim to publish a new recipe once or twice a month. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe today! You can unsubscribe at any time.
Recipe Card
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Ingredients
- 1 extra-large zucchini total weight about 1 lb., unpeeled
- Olive oil spray or avocado oil
- ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
- 2 oz mozzarella shredded
- 1 oz uncured pepperoni 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 simply 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 pepperoni. Return to the broiler just until cheese is melted, 30-60 more seconds. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Use avocado oil instead of olive oil. Olive oil tastes better, but avocado oil has a higher smoke point.
- Use a different cheese, such as provolone. Even cheddar could work if that's all you have.
- Use different toppings, including olives and onions. Or omit the toppings completely.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition per Serving
❤️ Let's connect! Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, or Twitter.
Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. 
Leave a Reply