Description
Cheesy Pepperoni Zucchini Pizza Bites are a delicious and guilt-free treat that combines the flavors of pizza with healthy zucchini.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup mini pepperoni slices, or regular pepperoni cut into quarters
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Wash and dry the zucchini, then slice into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange the zucchini rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 5 minutes to soften the slices slightly and help reduce excess moisture.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon approximately ½–1 teaspoon of pizza sauce onto each zucchini round, spreading it evenly without overfilling.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over each round, followed by a few mini pepperoni pieces. Finish with a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 8–12 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden, lightly browned cheese topping, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Allow the bites to cool for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the pepperoni.
- Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite pizza ingredients.
- These bites can be made ahead and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg