Nutrition Information (makes 20-25 bites)

Serving size: 5 Zucchini Bites
Calories: 105.5
Fat: 6.5 g
Net Carbs: 2 g
Protein: 12 g

Ingredients

• 2 zucchini, cut into ¼ inch thick rounds

• Nonstick cooking spray

• Salt and pepper

• ¼ cup marinara sauce

• ½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella

• ¼ cup mini turkey pepperoni pieces

• Italian seasoning for sprinkling

Directions

1. Preparing the Zucchini Rounds:

To start, preheat your broiler or grill to medium-high heat. While it heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2. Slicing and Seasoning the Zucchini:

Take the zucchini and cut it into rounds approximately ¼ inch thick. Ensure they are uniform in thickness for even cooking. Lightly spray both sides of the zucchini rounds with nonstick cooking spray, and then sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and pepper to add a touch of flavor.

3. Grilling or Broiling the Zucchini:

Place the seasoned zucchini rounds on the preheated grill or in a nonstick skillet set to medium-high heat. Grill or broil the rounds for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they become tender and develop a slight char. Be attentive to prevent burning and adjust the cooking time if necessary.

4. Assembling the Zucchini Pizza Bites:

Once the zucchini rounds are cooked to perfection, transfer them to the lined baking sheet. Now it’s time to add the delicious toppings! Start by spooning a small amount of marinara sauce onto each zucchini round. Using a teaspoon or your fingers, spread the sauce evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

5. Cheesy Goodness:

Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. The cheese will melt beautifully and add a creamy texture to the bites. Remember to distribute it evenly across all the zucchini rounds.

6. Tantalizing Turkey Pepperoni:

For a delightful twist on the traditional pizza flavor, sprinkle mini turkey pepperoni pieces on top of the cheese. These miniature pepperoni slices are leaner than their regular counterparts while still providing a burst of deliciousness. Add as many or as few pepperoni pieces as you prefer, depending on your taste.

7. Final Touches:

To enhance the flavor profile, sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning over the zucchini pizza bites. This classic blend of herbs will infuse the bites with aromatic notes, giving them an authentic Italian taste.

8. Broiling for Melting Perfection:

Place the baking sheet with the assembled zucchini pizza bites under the broiler for an additional 1-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to ensure the cheese melts to perfection without burning. Once the cheese is nicely melted and slightly golden, remove the baking sheet from the oven.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Let the zucchini pizza bites cool for a minute or two before transferring them to a serving plate. These bites are best enjoyed warm, allowing you to relish the melty cheese and the flavors melding together. Serve them as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering or enjoy them as a satisfying snack during a cozy weekend at home.