Breaded Zucchini Pizza Bites

Breaded zucchini pizza bites are a perfect starter to any Italian dinner, offering all the taste of pizza without the gluten.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 272 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 large egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 medium Roma tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) package sliced pepperoni
• 1 (8 ounce) container small mozzarella balls
• 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 0.5 cup Panko, bread crumbs

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a cookie sheet with foil. Slice mozzarella balls in half; set aside.

Step 2

Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Rinse tomatoes and put in the boiling water for blanching. Remove after 1 minute, let cool slightly, and use your hands to peel the skin; it should slip off easily.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in another small pot. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add peeled tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Cook tomatoes, breaking up with a spoon, to create a sauce. Let cook while you prepare zucchini.

Step 4

Whisk egg and water together in a small bowl until mixture is consistent. Put panko in a shallow bowl.

Step 5

Dip zucchini pieces into the egg-water mixture, then coat both sides with panko.

Step 6

Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add panko-coated zucchini slices and saute until golden brown, flipping occasionally, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the prepared cookie sheet.

Step 7

Top each zucchini slice with about 1 teaspoon sauce and 1 pepperoni slice. Place 1 piece mozzarella on top of each zucchini.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven until mozzarella is slightly melted, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.