If you loved Pizza Bagels as a kid, then you’re going to love this healthy riff off my childhood favorite. These Zucchini Pizza Bites are gluten-free, packed with veggies, and are a snack that both your kids and your inner child will absolutely love. Run, don’t walk, to make these, and don’t say I didn’t warn you when you want to eat the whole pan!
I don’t know one person who doesn’t love, or have fond memories of, pizza. Especially growing up in the United States, pizza is a childhood staple for many. Anytime I’d go to a birthday party for one of my friends, pizza was almost always served. And now that I have kids of my own, I’m getting to relive the pizza glory-days by watching them eat pizza with a smile on their face and sticky fingers.
But while that pizza may be nostalgic, I think it’s safe to say that it wasn’t always the best. The traditional pizza that we know and love is usually made with a glutenous crust, stringy cheese, and a sugary sweet tomato sauce. Now don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with this pizza- it is delicious after all! But, I think we can all agree that it’s not exactly the healthiest food in the world. But that’s why I’m here, and that’s why you’re reading this post, because we are going to change that!
Introducing my Zucchini Pizza Bites, which are a healthier take on traditional pizza bites. In this recipe, we’re swapping out the glutinous crust for a zucchini crust (trust me, you’re going to LOVE it), and loading it up with our favorite pizza sauce and cheese. And if zucchini pizza “crust” doesn’t sound appealing, believe me when I say that it adds a light, refreshing bite to your pizza! Life is all about balance, so in no way is this a “replacement” for traditional pizza crust. Instead, it’s like pizza’s healthier twin sister- still delicious, yet unique in its own way.
For this recipe, I’m using a regular store-bought pizza sauce and real dairy cheese, but you do you, boo! If you want to go all-out and make a homemade sauce, go for it! Or, if you want to swap out the dairy cheese for a dairy-free alternative, that’s okay too! The beauty of making pizza is that it’s highly customizable, so feel free to alter this recipe to meet your dietary needs; there are no rules here!
What you need to make these zucchini pizza bites
This recipe calls for only seven easy ingredients, which is a win in my book! I love providing recipes that are simple, easy, and light on the ingredients. Not only does it make the recipe easier, but it also makes it easier for those who meal-prep or are on a grocery budget!
- Zucchini: This will become our pizza crust! Zucchini is light, refreshing, and rich in antioxidants.
- Pizza Sauce: As I mentioned above, any pizza sauce will do! I personally like the Rao’s brand.
- Italian Seasoning: A little pinch of Italian seasoning goes a long way!
- Mozzarella Cheese: I try to opt for grass-fed and organic dairy whenever possible, as it’s gentler on my stomach and better for the environment!
- Parmesan Cheese: If you can splurge a little more for a fresh block of parmesan, do it. Pre-grated parmesan lacks flavor, and often has additives to prevent caking.
- Pepperoni: Any pepperoni will do, or you can skip it to make it vegetarian!
- Basil: Fresh basil on pizza is like a glass of wine on a Friday night- it makes everything better!
How to make these zucchini pizza bites
In a few simple steps, these zucchini pizza bites can be yours. This recipe is so simple and easy, you’ll want to make it all the time!
- Preheat the oven to 450° F.
- Start by spraying a baking sheet with a non-stick spray; I recommend a coconut oil one.
- Slice your zucchini into 1/4 inch thick slices.
- Use a spoon to cover the zucchini slices generously in the pizza sauce.
- Sprinkle your Italian seasoning over top of the pizza sauce.
- Cover your pizza bites with cheese.
- Slice your pepperoni into small pieces and place on top of the cheese.
- Bake for 5 minutes or until the zucchini is tender, then broil for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Sprinkle with your finely chopped basil, and enjoy!
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Ingredients
- 2 large Zucchini
- ½ cup Pizza Sauce
- 1 teaspoon-ish Italian Seasoning
- 1 /12 cups Mozzarella Cheese, finely shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup Pepperoni, finely chopped
- 1 handful Fresh Basil, finely copped, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450° F.
- Spray one baking sheet with non-stick spray (coconut oil spray).
- Slice zucchini into 1/4 inch thick slices.
- Use a spoon to add pizza sauce to all of them.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over all of them.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and the parmesan cheese.
- Top with chopped pepperoni.
- Bake for 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender. Then broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh basil and enjoy!
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