The knife skittered right off that slick green skin. My finger, thankfully, still attached. Zucchini, sometimes they fight back. This always happens when I’m rushing, usually with a hungry stomach nudging me. And of course, the dog, Buster, sniffing around my feet, hoping a stray piece of anything falls his way. He’s not getting pizza, though, even these healthy ones.
My hands were already covered in finely chopped garlic from the last recipe, so the olive oil bottle felt greasy. A quick wipe on the apron, already sporting a tomato sauce stain from breakfast. That’s real cooking for you. If you need something light while these bake, try my 5-minute salmon bites. I also found inspiration for these from a helpful zucchini guide to get the ratios just right.
Why You’ll Love These Keto Zucchini Pizza Bites
These aren’t your typical heavy, get-stuck-in-your-teeth kind of pizza. This recipe is for those days when you want that pizza taste but without all the everything else.
They’re just good and a nice change from the usual snacks. If you’re trying to keep things low-carb, these Keto Zucchini Pizza Bites fit right in. No fuss, just flavor.
This is a good one to have in your back pocket. For an afternoon craving, or when guests show up unannounced. Nobody’s going to turn down a healthy pizza bite.
Ingredients for Keto Zucchini Pizza Bites
Simple stuff. You likely have most of this already. That’s the beauty of it.
Produce
1 large zucchini. You need one. Choose a firm one.
Pantry
1/4 cup olive oil. Good olive oil. Don’t skimp here.
1/2 cup marinara sauce. Grab a jar. Just check the sugar on the label.
Dairy & Cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Shredded works fine. Or a block you can shred yourself.
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of this really makes the low carb pizza bites pop.
Seasoning
Salt to taste. Coarse sea salt is my choice.
Pepper. Freshly ground always. It’s not optional.
How to Make Keto Zucchini Pizza Bites
It’s not rocket science. It’s just cooking. And it’s pretty quick.
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
First, get your oven hot. Preheat to 425 degrees. High heat is important for getting the zucchini just right.
While the oven warms, slice your zucchini. Not too thin, not too thick. About 1/4 inch rounds. Lay them out on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: First Bake
Into the hot oven they go. Bake for two minutes. Pull them out, flip each round, and brush the other side with a bit more olive oil.
Season again with salt and pepper. Pop them back in for another minute or two. We are setting them up, not cooking them through yet.
Step 3: Top and Finish
Take the tray out. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce to each round. Don’t go too heavy, or it will get watery.
Divide that mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it on top. Then, a little Parmesan for that salty kick. Turn the oven to broil and watch them until the cheese is hot, bubbly, and slightly browned.
Tips for Perfect Keto Zucchini Pizza Bites
Don’t ignore the prep. Pat those zucchini slices dry with a paper towel after you cut them. Excess water makes for sad, soggy pizza bites.
Don’t overload with toppings. A little sauce, a little cheese. That’s it. Watch the broiler like a hawk because it goes from bubbly to burnt in seconds.
If you need a savory side, my crowd-pleasing buffalo dip is a fantastic match for these bites.
More Keto Recipes to Try
Trying to stick to this way of eating means always looking for new ideas. It can get boring if you just eat the same things. These keto zucchini pizza bites break up the monotony perfectly.
Easy Zucchini Pizza Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Slice the zucchini into 1/4 inch rounds and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased aluminum foil.
- Brush the top side of each zucchini round with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 2 minutes, then flip each round, brush with more olive oil, season, and bake for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove the tray from the oven and add a spoonful of marinara sauce on top of each zucchini round.
- Divide the mozzarella cheese evenly among the zucchini rounds and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Turn the oven to broil and place the tray under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese is hot and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Keto Zucchini Pizza Bites good for a low-carb diet?
Yes, these pizza bites are an excellent option for a low-carb diet as they are made with zucchini instead of traditional pizza dough.
Can I customize the toppings for Keto Zucchini Pizza Bites?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite keto-friendly toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
How do I prevent the zucchini from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy zucchini, pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel before adding toppings to remove excess moisture.
Can I prepare Keto Zucchini Pizza Bites ahead of time?
You can prepare the zucchini slices and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake the bites just before serving for optimal freshness.
What is the best way to store leftover Keto Zucchini Pizza Bites?
Store any leftover pizza bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.
