For those days when you want something lower in carbs, but you still have those pizza cravings - I give you these Zucchini Pizza Bites. They have all the delicious cheesy and tomato-y toppings of a pizza, but sat on top of little discs of courgette (zucchini), rather than dough.
Let's face it, a pizza is all about the toppings anyway. Hardly anyone bites in to a pizza and says "Mmmm, what a delicious base", although I did say that when we were in Rome.
Pizza is my weakness and it always has been. Let's just say that we were on first name terms with the pizza delivery guy at one point. Which is when we knew things needed to change. So, we started experimenting with some healthy pizza alternatives and this zucchini pizza is one of our favourites. Even better is that the kids love it too.
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Why you will love it
- A delicious low carb pizza alternative - All of the flavour or pizza, but lighter and low in carbs.
- Ready in just 10 minutes - These are so quick and easy to make.
- Easy to adapt with your favourite pizza toppings - Let everyone top their own so everyone gets what they like.
- Kids love them - What kid doesn't love pizza? Kids love these and it's a good way to get them to eat more veggies too.
Ingredients needed
- Courgette (zucchini) - Jumbo size (at least 2 inches in diameter, but bigger is better). Not the kind of courgette you will find in a supermarket - you may need to go to a farmer's market or grow your own.
- Chopped tomatoes - Try to use the best quality canned tomatoes as cheaper ones can be quite watery.
- Cheese - We use mature cheddar because it has such a strong flavour, that you don't need to use a lot of it.
- Herbs - We used basil and oregano for an authentic pizza taste.
- Garlic powder - Because everything is better with garlic! This is optional though.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step by step
One: Put the courgette slices on a baking tray and spray with a little oil. Put them under the grill for 2 minutes each side. Take them out of the grill and add one tablespoon of chopped tomatoes to each circle. Sprinkle with dried oregano and garlic powder.
Two: Add the cheese and sprinkle the basil on top.
Three: Put them back under the grill for 3 minutes, until the cheese bubbles.
Courgette pizza base
You have probably seen courgette pizza bases lighting the low carb world on fire. They are made by mixing grated courgette, egg and cheese together and forming a dough.
You don't need to go to that much effort for these zucchini pizza bites, as a big round of courgette makes a perfect sturdy pizza base, and a portion of vegetables too. Win-win!
Imagine sitting there eating these pizza bites and knowing you are eating some vegetables too. *Smug pizza eating face*. Oh, and these only take 7 minutes to make too!
Variations
Toppings - We have kept the toppings simple with just cheese, tomato and herbs - but feel free to get creative. You don't have much space to work with like you would on a big pizza dough, but you can put a few extras on. Some finely chopped shallots and spinach would be good, or chorizo or pepperoni if you want meat.
Not only do we recommend using a really good strong cheese on these (the stronger the cheese, the less of it you will need, which means lower in calories and fat), but the tomatoes should be the best quality too. Cheap tinned chopped tomatoes will be too runny for this recipe.
Pizza base - If you are not a fan of courgettes, we have made these with aubergine (eggplant) as the base too and it's worked just as well. Plus, you can usually find massive aubergines, which means all the more room for those toppings.
Giant tomato slices, Portobello mushrooms or even a cauliflower steak would work too. Here is a challenge, find as many vegetables as you can to use as a pizza base. Don't we all love a challenge that involves pizza?
What to serve with Zucchini Pizza Bites
Pizza and any kind of potato goes well. Why not try our Air Fryer Potato Wedges, Skin On Fries, Hasselback Potatoes, Parmesan Truffle Fries or Homemade Garlic Crisps?
If you are looking for some vegetable side dishes, then we have got you covered too. Try our Cheesy Cauliflower Nuggets, Broccoli Slaw, Garlic Spring Greens and Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli.
If salads are more your thing, we have a Cucumber and Radish Salad, Chopped Blue Cheese Salad or Little Gem Salad.
Frequently asked questions
This is a delicious lower in carbs and calories alternative to pizza. You also have the added benefit of all the nutritional benefits of zucchini. They are are a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium and fibre.
Use your favourite vegan cheese and these can easily be vegan.
Yes, these get nice and crispy in the air fryer. Cook them at 200C for 7 minutes.
Yes, you can make these up in advance and then keep them in the fridge until you are ready to cook them.
Extra tips
• Make sure you pat the zucchini bites dry before you top them, as they have a high water content and might become soggy. If you find them becoming soggy still, try salting them before patting them dry.
• If you don't like courgette, then you can use aubergine (eggplant), tomatoes or Portobello mushrooms as the base instead.
• These little zucchini pizza bites can't handle too many toppings due to their size, but some finely chopped onions, spinach or chorizo under the cheese works well.
• We used cheddar cheese, but try some Parmesan or goat's cheese instead.
• Serve them with homemade potato wedges for a filling meal.
More pizza recipes
If you’ve tried this pizza bite recipe, then let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Ingredients
- 1 Jumbo courgette - cut in to circles
- 10 tablespoon Chopped tomatoes - canned
- 40 g (0.33 cups) Mature cheddar
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 15 g Fresh basil - finely chopped
Instructions
- Put 1 Jumbo courgette on a baking tray and spray with a little oil. Put them under the grill for 2 minutes each side.
- Take them out of the grill and divide 10 tablespoon Chopped tomatoes to each circle.
- Sprinkle over 1 teaspoon Garlic powder and 1 teaspoon Dried oregano.
- Add 40 g Mature cheddar.
- Sprinkle 15 g Fresh basil on top.
- Put them back under the grill for 3 minutes, until the cheese bubbles.
Recipe Tips
- If you don't like courgette, then you can use aubergine (eggplant), tomatoes or Portobello mushrooms as the base instead.
- These little bites can't handle too many toppings due to their size, but some finely chopped onions, spinach or chorizo under the cheese works well.
- We used cheddar cheese, but try some Parmesan or goats cheese instead.
- Serve them with homemade potato wedges for a filling meal.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Kelly Anthony says
What a great way to still get my pizza when cutting carbs. Love these little pizza bites.
kim says
This recipe looks fabulous! I know my whole family would love this! Can't wait to give it a try!
Lisa says
Zucchini is a terrific low carb sub for pizza crusts and works well with these mini pizza bites.
Danielle Wolter says
Such a great idea for a healthier pizza option! And a perfect appetizer for game days too.
Linda Nortje says
This looks delicious and I am forever looking for low-carb recipes, especially snacks and appetizers !
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
This looks so tasty! I wouldn't even miss the crust!
Shanika says
Using zucchini as a pizza crust is so genius! I love this idea! Yum!
Krissy Allori says
Such a great way to enjoy zucchini! I actually love zucchini and tomato recipes, so this one is a keeper!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
low that this recipe is low carb and easy! What a tasty appetizer!
Sherri @ WatchLearnEat says
I absolutely love this idea! These zucchini pizza bites would be perfect to serve for game day parties and even as a New Year's Eve appetizer! :)
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
These have got my mouth watering - what a fantastic way to use zucchini!
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
Love these they are so scummy! I make something really similar but thinly sliced length ways - yummmmm! H x
Anosa says
Ok when you dress a courgette up like this then I can definitely be up for eating them lol.
The pizza bites looks delicious.
nicol says
love this idea! i need to make these as i have every ingredient on this list.
Tanya Brannan says
What a fabulous idea! I would never have considered using courgette but it looks so tasty x