Zucchini Pizza Bites come together quickly and easily for a crowd-pleasing finger food that’s perfect for any party!
Ingredients
Quick Tomato Sauce:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ medium onion, diced
3 large cloves garlic, crushed
1 (15 oz/425 g) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Zucchini Bites:
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1½ lbs (680 g/2 medium-ish zucchini) zucchini, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds (about 24 to 28 rounds)
28 slices turkey pepperoni
1 cup (4 oz/115 g) shredded mozzarella
4 tablespoons black olives, chopped
4 tablespoons minced red onion and/or green bell pepper
1 batch Quick Tomato Sauce (you will have extra)
Instructions
For the quick tomato sauce, heat the oil in a 1¾-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more, stirring constantly. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian herb seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook (uncovered) until the sauce is thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
For the zucchini bites, add the avocado oil to a 10-inch frying pan over medium heat. Add the zucchini slices in an even layer on the bottom (being careful not to crowd the pan) and cook until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked zucchini to a plate and set aside for now. Cook the remaining zucchini the same way.
Preheat the broiler.
Top each zucchini round with the following: 1 slice of turkey pepperoni, about 1 teaspoon sauce, 2 teaspoons shredded cheese, and a bit of olives, onion, and/or green bell pepper.
Arrange the zucchini in a single layer in the frying pan they were cooked in, or arrange them on a baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted and light golden brown in spots.
Serve.
Recipe by An Edible Mosaic™ at https://www.anediblemosaic.com/zucchini-pizza-bites/