Low-Calorie Zucchini Pizza Bites have always had a special place in my kitchen. My story with this recipe began one crisp autumn afternoon in my grandmother’s garden. The zucchinis were fresh, plump, and practically begging to be picked. I remember helping her slice them into rounds, layering on simple toppings, and watching them bubble up in the oven. The smell of melted cheese and herbs filled the air. We’d snack on them while watching the leaves fall, warm from the oven and perfect for chilly evenings. That memory inspired me to recreate this dish with a healthier twist for modern home cooks.
These low-calorie zucchini pizza bites are everything we love about pizza, cheesy, saucy, and satisfying, but without the guilt. They’re light enough to enjoy as a snack or appetizer and easy enough for weeknight dinners. With just a handful of ingredients, they come together quickly and disappear just as fast. Best of all, they fit into nearly every diet, from gluten-free to low-carb.
In today’s post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: ingredients, how to make them step-by-step, tips for getting the perfect crisp, easy variations, and storage advice. By the end, you’ll be ready to make a batch (or two) of these Low-Calorie Zucchini Pizza Bites to share, or keep all to yourself.
Print
Low-Calorie Zucchini Pizza Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Low-Calorie Zucchini Pizza Bites are a healthier twist on classic pizza snacks. Cheesy, saucy, and easy to make, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy appetizers.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
- Toppings: mini turkey pepperoni, olives, chopped bell peppers, or mushrooms
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Cut zucchini into thick rounds, about ½ inch. Lay them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the zucchini slices with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Bake for 6–8 minutes until slightly softened.
- Remove from oven and top each slice with a spoonful of pizza sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, then add your toppings.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let them cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra crispy bites, pre-bake the zucchini slices and place them on a wire rack while baking. Keep toppings light to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these zucchini pizza bites, you’ll only need a few pantry staples and fresh zucchini. Here’s your go-to list:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ½ cup pizza sauce (or try this pizza sauce from tomato paste)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
- Toppings: mini turkey pepperoni, olives, chopped bell peppers, or mushrooms
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Pro Tip: Choose medium-sized zucchinis. Larger ones tend to be too watery and don’t crisp up as well.
If you’re looking for more zucchini-based ideas, you might enjoy these zucchini with pasta and tomatoes or our chocolatey zucchini brownies recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
These low-calorie zucchini pizza bites come together in under 25 minutes. Let’s break it down:
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray with olive oil.
2. Slice the zucchini
Cut zucchini into thick rounds, about ½ inch. Lay them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
3. Season and bake
Lightly spray the zucchini slices with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Bake for 6–8 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add sauce and cheese
Remove from oven and top each slice with a spoonful of pizza sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, then add your toppings.
5. Final bake
Return to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve
Let them cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
For a deeper dive into all things pizza, check out our pizza pasta recipes guide, you might find a few more fun twists to try!
Tips for Success
Don’t skip pre-baking the zucchini
It helps draw out excess moisture and creates a firmer base so your bites don’t turn soggy.
Watch your cheese
Use just enough mozzarella to cover the top, but not so much that it slides off the sides during baking.
Get creative with toppings
Try adding mini mushrooms, jalapeño slices, or turkey bacon bits. Keep portions small so they don’t weigh the zucchini down.
Make it crispy
If you want extra crispy bottoms, place your zucchini rounds on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow better airflow.
Use fresh sauce when possible
If you have time, a quick homemade pizza sauce or tomato-based blend adds more depth than store-bought.
Variations You’ll Love
These bites are super flexible, making them ideal for different preferences and dietary needs.
1. Gluten-Free
Naturally gluten-free, these bites skip the crust and use fresh veggies instead.
2. Keto/Low-Carb
Skip the sugary sauce or opt for low-carb versions to keep them keto-friendly.
3. Vegetarian
Top with chopped peppers, olives, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes for a hearty vegetarian version. Pair it with vegetarian feta potato salad for a light meal.
4. Dairy-Free
Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese and add roasted red peppers for flavor.
5. Kid-Friendly
Let kids customize their toppings! Offer bowls of different options and let them build their own. It’s like pizza night, but healthier.
You might also enjoy exploring other veggie-forward recipes like banana zucchini bread for a healthy dessert option.
Storage & Reheating
Storing:
Keep leftover zucchini pizza bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to keep the texture crisp. You can also use an air fryer for 2–3 minutes. Avoid the microwave, it makes them soggy.
Freezing tip:
These are best fresh, but if you must freeze them, pre-bake the zucchini slices, cool, and freeze them plain. When ready, add toppings and bake.
Final Thoughts
Low-Calorie Zucchini Pizza Bites are more than just a healthy snack, they’re a way to bring comfort food into your daily routine without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re meal-prepping, looking for a family-friendly appetizer, or just craving something cheesy without the carbs, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Need more zucchini inspiration? Try our chocolate zucchini bread recipe or classic zucchini bread variations. You’ll be surprised how versatile this veggie can be!
FAQ – Low-Calorie Zucchini Pizza Bites
1. Can I make zucchini pizza bites in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes, then top and return for 3–4 more minutes.
2. How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the zucchini slices and pat them dry before adding sauce.
3. What sauce works best?
A thick pizza sauce or marinara works best. Try making your own from scratch or using this pizza sauce from tomato paste.
4. Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes. Pre-slice and bake the zucchini, store it in the fridge, and add toppings just before serving.