Description
These Zucchini Pizza Bites are a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, featuring fresh zucchini rounds topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and optional pepperoni. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or snack, they’re easy to prepare and baked to bubbly perfection with Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Base
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
Toppings
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature for melting the cheese and cooking the zucchini evenly.
- Arrange Zucchini Slices: Lay out the zucchini rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Season the Zucchini: Lightly sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the zucchini rounds to enhance their natural flavor before adding toppings.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce evenly onto each zucchini slice to mimic the pizza sauce base.
- Top with Cheese and Pepperoni: Generously cover each slice with shredded mozzarella cheese, and optionally add pepperoni slices or any other preferred pizza toppings for a classic pizza taste.
- Sprinkle Oregano: Lightly dust dried oregano over the cheese to add an earthy, aromatic flavor that complements the other toppings.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the zucchini is tender but not soggy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of brightness and serve warm as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, pat zucchini slices dry with paper towels before seasoning to remove excess moisture.
- Feel free to customize toppings by adding mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers to suit your taste.
- These bites can be prepared vegetarian by omitting pepperoni or using plant-based alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
