Looking for a fun way to use up those extra zucchini from your garden? These zucchini pizza bites have become my go-to solution for busy weeknights. They’re perfect when I’m craving pizza but want something a bit lighter. I started making these last summer when my kids were complaining about having zucchini at every meal (you know how garden harvests go!).
The best part about these little bites is how simple they are to put together. Just slice, top, and bake – that’s it! I like to prep a big batch while I’m making dinner and pop them in the oven when everyone starts getting hungry. My kids actually ask for these now, which feels like a major win for any veggie-based snack.
Want to know what makes these really special? You can top them any way you like – just like a regular pizza. Sometimes we make it an activity where everyone gets to decorate their own pieces. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters tend to come around when they get to be the chef!
Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Pizza Bites
- Low-carb alternative – These pizza bites swap traditional crust for zucchini rounds, making them perfect for anyone watching their carb intake or following a keto diet.
- Quick preparation – Ready in under 30 minutes, these bites are perfect for when you’re craving pizza but don’t want to wait for delivery or spend time making dough.
- Kid-friendly snack – The familiar pizza toppings make these a hit with kids, while sneaking in some extra vegetables they might normally avoid.
- Customizable toppings – Just like regular pizza, you can switch up the toppings to match your preferences or use whatever you have in your fridge.
- Perfect party food – These bite-sized treats are easy to serve at gatherings and can be eaten with your hands – no plates or utensils needed.
What Kind of Zucchini Should I Use?
For these pizza bites, you’ll want to look for medium to large zucchini that are straight and uniform in shape – this helps create even-sized rounds that’ll cook consistently. The best zucchini for this recipe should feel firm and heavy for their size, with smooth, unblemished dark green skin. Try to pick ones that are about 6-8 inches long and 2-3 inches in diameter, as super large zucchini tend to be more watery and have larger seeds. Before slicing, there’s no need to peel the zucchini – the skin adds nice color and helps the rounds hold their shape while cooking.
Options for Substitutions
These pizza bites are super adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Zucchini: If you’re out of zucchini, you can use eggplant rounds or even thick-sliced yellow summer squash. Just make sure to salt them first to remove excess moisture.
- Marinara sauce: No marinara? Regular pizza sauce works great, or you can even use pesto for a different twist. In a pinch, crushed tomatoes mixed with Italian herbs will do the job.
- Mini pepperoni: Regular-sized pepperoni cut into smaller pieces works just fine. For a different taste, try using crumbled Italian sausage, diced ham, or keep it vegetarian with mushrooms.
- Mozzarella cheese: While mozzarella gives that classic pizza pull, other melting cheeses like provolone or Italian cheese blend work well too. Just avoid hard cheeses as they won’t melt as nicely.
- Italian herbs: Out of Italian seasoning? Mix equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Fresh herbs work great too – just double the amount.
- Black olives: Not an olive fan? Skip them entirely or swap with other toppings like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when making zucchini pizza bites is dealing with excess moisture – skipping the crucial step of patting your zucchini slices dry with paper towels can leave you with a watery mess instead of crispy bites. A game-changing tip is to sprinkle the zucchini rounds with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes before patting dry, which helps draw out even more moisture. Another common mistake is overloading the toppings, which can prevent proper cooking – stick to a thin layer of sauce and a modest amount of cheese to ensure the zucchini cooks evenly. For the best texture, broil the bites for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to achieve that perfect golden-brown cheese without burning. Remember to let them cool for a few minutes after cooking – they’ll be easier to handle and the cheese won’t slide off when you bite into them.
What to Serve With Zucchini Pizza Bites?
These zucchini pizza bites make a fantastic appetizer or snack, but you can totally turn them into a complete meal with the right sides! A simple green salad with Italian dressing keeps things light while matching those pizza flavors. If you’re serving these as part of a bigger spread, try pairing them with some garlic knots or breadsticks for that true pizzeria feel. For a low-carb meal, serve them alongside some Italian-seasoned chicken breast or turkey meatballs to add extra protein while keeping with the Italian theme.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These zucchini pizza bites are best enjoyed right after making them, but if you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know that the zucchini might release some moisture during storage, making them a bit less crispy.
Make Ahead: Want to prep these ahead? You can slice the zucchini and prepare your toppings up to a day in advance. Store everything separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat. This makes party prep so much easier!
Warm Up: To enjoy leftover pizza bites, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until the cheese melts again. I don’t recommend microwaving them as they can get pretty soggy. A toaster oven works great too!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 13-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 23-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 30-35 g
- Fat: 40-45 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 g
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini (sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Appliance
For air frying, there’s no need to preheat your air fryer.
However, if you’re using the oven, preheat it to 400°F.
Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Assemble the Zucchini Pizza Bites
Lay out your zucchini slices on a working surface.
Spread about a teaspoon of marinara sauce over each zucchini slice.
Then, top each slice with a few pepperoni slices and a couple of black olives for added flavor.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasonings
For the air fryer method, place the prepared zucchini slices in the basket of your air fryer.
If baking, place them on the lined baking sheet.
Add a generous amount of cheese on top of each slice.
Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste.
Step 4: Cook the Zucchini Pizza Bites
If using an air fryer, set it to 400°F and cook the zucchini pizza bites for about 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
For the oven method, bake the zucchini bites for 8 minutes, then broil them for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, carefully remove the zucchini pizza bites from your air fryer basket or baking sheet.
Serve them immediately while they’re hot and enjoy these delightful, bite-sized snacks!
