Easy 20-Minute Zucchini Pizza Bites

Looking for a fun way to use up those extra zucchini from the garden? I’ve been making these zucchini pizza bites for years, and they’re always a hit at our house. My kids actually ask for seconds – and we’re talking about vegetables here!

These little bites combine everything we love about pizza but swap the regular crust for fresh zucchini rounds. They’re perfect for those evenings when you want something quick and satisfying without turning on the big oven. I usually make a big batch while I’m prepping dinner and keep them in the fridge for easy snacking.

Whether you’re trying to add more veggies to your day or just want a tasty appetizer that won’t leave you feeling guilty, these pizza bites might become your new go-to. Plus, they’re so simple to make that even my youngest helps out in the kitchen – though I’ll admit, more toppings end up in her mouth than on the zucchini!

What Kind of Zucchini Should I Use?

For these pizza bites, medium-sized zucchini are your best bet since they’ll give you the perfect sized “mini pizza” base that’s not too big or too small. Look for zucchini that are about 6-8 inches long and feel firm and heavy for their size – avoid any that are soft or have wrinkled skin. Regular green zucchini work great here, though you could also use yellow summer squash if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to pick ones with a diameter around 2 inches so your slices will be the right size to hold your toppings without being awkward to eat.

Options for Substitutions

These pizza bites are super adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Zucchini: You can use yellow summer squash instead of zucchini – they have a similar texture and water content. Just make sure to slice them the same thickness.
• Pizza sauce: No pizza sauce? Try marinara sauce, or make a quick version by mixing tomato paste with a bit of water, Italian herbs, and garlic powder. Pesto works great too for a different flavor!
• Fresh mozzarella: While fresh mozzarella gives the best melt, you can use shredded mozzarella or even other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina. Just watch the cooking time as these might melt faster.
• Pepperoni: Skip the pepperoni for vegetarian version, or try other toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even pineapple bits. Canadian bacon or turkey pepperoni work well too.
• Fresh basil: If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil (just use less), or try fresh oregano or parsley. You can even skip the herbs if you don’t have any on hand.
• Olive oil: Any neutral cooking oil will work here – avocado oil or grapeseed oil are good alternatives.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making zucchini pizza bites is dealing with excess moisture, which can make your toppings slide right off – solve this by patting the zucchini slices dry with paper towels before cooking and avoiding overcrowding them on the baking sheet. A common error is adding too much pizza sauce, which can make the bites soggy, so stick to about ½ teaspoon per slice and consider giving the sauce a quick strain if it seems watery. For perfectly cooked zucchini that’s tender but not mushy, keep a close eye on the cooking time – they typically need just 3-4 minutes under the broiler, and remember to place the rack about 6 inches from the heat source. To get that lovely melted cheese without burning the other toppings, add the mozzarella during the last minute of cooking and watch it closely until it gets bubbly and slightly golden.

What to Serve With Zucchini Pizza Bites?

These zucchini pizza bites make a fantastic appetizer or light meal, and they pair really well with a few simple sides to round out the meal. A fresh green salad with Italian dressing is my go-to choice, keeping things light and complementing the Italian flavors. For a heartier meal, try serving them alongside some garlic knots or a bowl of marinara sauce for extra dipping. If you’re hosting a party, these bites work great as part of an appetizer spread – try adding some Italian-style meatballs, a cheese and crackers plate, or other veggie-based snacks to the mix.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These zucchini pizza bites are best enjoyed right after making them while the cheese is still melty and the zucchini is perfectly cooked. 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 water during storage.

Make Ahead: Want to prep these ahead for a party? You can slice the zucchini, cut the cheese, and measure out your toppings up to a day in advance. Store everything separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. This makes party prep so much easier!

Warm Up: If you want to enjoy leftover pizza bites, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until they’re heated through. The microwave works too, but the zucchini might get a bit softer than ideal. A toaster oven is perfect for smaller portions!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	8-10 minutes
Total Time	18-25 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 300-350
• Protein: 15-20 g
• Fat: 20-25 g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 g

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, cut into twenty-four 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup prepared pizza sauce (such as delallo foods)
• 24 slices pepperoni (omit for vegetarian option)
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 24 small pieces
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• Fresh tomato slices
• Fresh basil leaves

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Preheat the Broiler

Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside.

Preheat the broiler in your oven to high, so it’s hot and ready when it’s time to make the pizza bites.

Step 2: Slice and Brown the Zucchini

• 2 medium zucchini, cut into twenty-four 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 tsp olive oil

Trim the ends off the zucchini and slice each into 1/2- to 3/4-inch rounds, aiming for 24 pieces in total.

Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the zucchini rounds in a single layer and cook them on one side only for 4-5 minutes, until the undersides are nicely browned.

Step 3: Assemble the Zucchini Pizza Bites

• 1/4 cup prepared pizza sauce (such as DeLallo Foods)
• 24 slices pepperoni (omit for vegetarian option)
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 24 small pieces
• browned zucchini rounds from Step 2

Transfer the browned zucchini rounds (browned side up) to the prepared baking sheet.

Top each round with about 1/2 teaspoon of pizza sauce, then add a slice of pepperoni (if using) and a small piece of mozzarella cheese.

I sometimes press the cheese down a bit with my finger to prevent it from sliding off under the broiler.

Step 4: Broil the Pizza Bites

• assembled zucchini pizza bites from Step 3

Broil the assembled zucchini pizza bites for 4-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them as broiler intensities can vary.

Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• fresh tomato slices
• fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Remove the pizza bites from the broiler.

Top each with a fresh tomato slice and a sprinkle of chopped basil.

Season with kosher salt to taste.

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

For extra freshness, I love adding a generous amount of basil right before serving.