What to do with that giant zucchini from your garden? Try these simple, low-carb Zucchini Pizza Bites—only three main ingredients and ready in minutes. These bites are gluten-free, meatless-friendly, and ideal when zucchini is in season. They make a great snack, appetizer, or light lunch.
Zucchini Pizza Bites
I make these zucchini pizza bites all the time for an easy lunch or snack. They’re quick to assemble, low in carbs, and satisfy a pizza craving without the extra calories and carbs from a crust. My family enjoys them, and they’re especially handy when you have an oversized zucchini that needs using up. The basic idea is to slice, season, pre-cook the zucchini, then top with a little marinara and shredded mozzarella and finish under the broiler or on the grill.
Because the recipe uses just a few ingredients, it’s easy to vary the flavors. See the Variations section below for ideas like swapping marinara for pesto, adding pepperoni or sausage, or topping with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Are giant zucchinis good to eat?
Yes—giant zucchinis are edible, but they can occasionally be slightly bitter and have a coarser texture than smaller ones. Cooking them helps soften the texture and mellow any bitterness. Zucchini pizza bites are a perfect, tasty way to use up a very large zucchini.
How to Use Giant Zucchini
Oversized zucchinis are versatile. You can turn them into zucchini tots, fritters, creamy zucchini soup, or spiralized zoodles. Grill or roast large slices, stuff zucchini boats with a savory filling, or grate the flesh into baked goods like banana-zucchini cake or zucchini bread. Shredded zucchini also adds moisture and nutrition to muffins and cakes.
Low-Carb Pizza Bites — Just Three Main Ingredients
These pizza bites couldn’t be simpler. The three main ingredients are:
- Oversized zucchini (sliced)
- Marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
- Shredded mozzarella
In addition, you’ll want olive oil (or an oil spray), plus salt and pepper for seasoning. From start to finish this is a fast recipe—ideal for busy weeknights or an impromptu appetizer when friends drop by.
How to Make Zucchini Pizza Bites
- Prep: Slice the zucchini about 1/4 inch thick. If your zucchini is not oversized, cut it on the diagonal to create larger oval slices.
- Season: Lightly coat both sides of each slice with olive oil (or spray) and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook: Broil or grill the zucchini slices for about 2 minutes per side until slightly tender and marked. This step removes excess moisture and gives a firmer base for the toppings.
- Top and finish: Spoon a small amount of marinara onto each slice and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Broil just until the cheese melts and bubbles, about 1–2 minutes. Watch closely—cheese can burn quickly under the broiler.
Variations
- Substitutes: Use yellow squash or thin eggplant slices if you don’t have zucchini.
- Sauce swaps: Try basil pesto instead of marinara for a different flavor profile.
- Meat additions: Add cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, or crumbled bacon for extra protein.
- Extra veggies: Top with sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or red onion before melting the cheese.
- Herbs and seasoning: Finish with fresh basil, oregano, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat.
What to Serve with Zucchini Pizza Bites
These bites are perfect as an appetizer or snack. If you want to serve them as part of a larger meal, pair them with:
- Air fryer chicken parmesan or breaded chicken breasts
- Grilled shrimp skewers or garlic shrimp
- A simple pasta salad or orzo-based salad with grilled vegetables
- A crisp green salad such as an Italian chopped salad or a warm salad with artichokes and roasted peppers
Recipe
Yield: 1 serving (about 4 pieces)
Prep time: 5 minutes • Cook time: 4 minutes • Total: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 slices large zucchini, cut 1/4″ thick (or 1 medium zucchini cut on the diagonal)
- Olive oil spray or a light drizzle of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons quick marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini into 1/4-inch slices (or diagonal slices for larger surface area).
- Lightly spray or brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Broil or grill the zucchini slices for about 2 minutes per side until slightly tender.
- Top each slice with about 1/2 tablespoon marinara and a little shredded mozzarella. Return to the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve immediately.
Notes
This version was modified slightly from the original Green Light Bites recipe. Keep an eye on the broiler when melting cheese to prevent burning. If a zucchini is especially watery, pat slices dry with paper towels after slicing and before cooking to avoid soggy bites.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 125 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10.4 g
- Protein: 8.2 g
- Fat: 5.7 g (Saturated fat: 3.5 g)
- Fiber: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg • Sodium: 310 mg • Sugar: 4 g
More Zucchini Ideas
- Turkey meatloaf with zucchini
- Summer cavatelli with corn, tomatoes, and zucchini
- Air fryer buffalo chicken zucchini skins
- Perfectly grilled zucchini
- Sausage-stuffed zucchini boats
If you try these Zucchini Pizza Bites, save the recipe and experiment with different toppings. They’re a fast, flavorful way to enjoy fresh garden zucchini and a smart low-carb alternative to traditional pizza.