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In this post, you’ll learn how to make these simple zucchini pizza bites along with the best packing tips to keep them fresh and tasty by lunchtime.
Healthy Pizza Bites Lunchbox
I don’t like to "hide" veggies. Instead, I just make them delicious! These healthy zucchini pizza bites are proof that vegetables can shine in a school lunch. Kids love to eat them because they’re cheesy and fun-no convincing required!
Even my pickiest eater is on board when I swap out green zucchini for yellow-apparently, green is just too “ew”! (sound familiar?) Like my veggie egg bites box and fruit & veggie bento, these pizza bites are a fun way to pack in healthy ingredients!
Ingredients
All you need for these healthy bites are zucchini slices, marinara sauce and your favorite toppings! For exact measurements, check out the recipe card below.
- Zucchini: large zucchini sliced diagonally into thick rounds are best so you have more surface area for all those tasty toppings!
- Marinara Sauce: use any store-bought sauce or let the slow cooker do the work and give this amazing homemade marinara a try.
- Mozzarella Cheese: shredded and ready to melt into gooey perfection.
- Mini Pepperonis: for a classic pizza vibe! Swap it for diced ham or turkey, if preferred.
- Veggies: my sons are obsessed with black olives so that’s what I’m using in this recipe. But you can keep it simple and skip them or use up any leftover cooked veggies you've got in the fridge-peppers, mushrooms, you name it!
How to Make a Zucchini Pizza Bites Lunch
Once you see how quickly these zucchini bites come together, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner! Here's how to get them ready for the lunchbox:
- Prep
Preheat the oven to broil and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. (Seriously, who wants to scrub a baking sheet if you don’t have to?) - Assemble
Lay out zucchini slices in a single layer and start adding your favorite toppings! - Broil
Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and irresistible. Yum! - Pack for school
Let the bites cool completely before packing them in a hard lunch container. If making ahead, store in the fridge until ready for school. Keep healthy sides separate.
First time making zucchini pizza bites? Watch this video to see how it’s done!
Healthy School Lunch Packing Tips
With these pro packing tips, your pizza bites will still be fresh and irresistible by the time lunch rolls around:
Use the right container
The best way to keep these pizza bites from getting squished in the lunch bag is to pack them in a hard, sandwich-sized container.
Keep it safe
If you're making this lunch ahead of time, keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to leave. Then add an ice pack to regulate the temperature inside the lunch bag and keep everything safe to eat.
Layer Strategically
If you have to stack the pizza bites, place a piece of parchment paper between layers. This will prevent them from sticking together.
Let cool
Let zucchini pizza bites cool completely before packing them to prevent condensation from building up and making them soggy.
Pack Napkins or Wet Wipes
Zucchini pizza bites can be a bit messy, so don’t forget to pack a napkin!
Add healthy sides
Bulk up this lunch by adding extras like a homemade fruit cup or oatmeal raisin granola bars to keep kids going longer!
More Healthy School Lunch Ideas
If your picky eaters love these zucchini pizza bites, I’m sure they’ll also love this picnic bento lunch and these colorful rainbow fruit skewers! And for an easy way to add protein to lunchtime: an apple & peanut butter sandwich and turkey lettuce wraps!
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Watch How It’s Packed:
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini, sliced diagonally into ¼-inch thick rounds
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup mini pepperonis
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives
Instructions
Prep:
- Preheat the oven to broil*. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Assemble:
- Place the zucchini slices onto the lined baking sheet in an even layer. Spread the marinara sauce over the top of each slice. Top with cheese, pepperoni, and black olives.
Broil:
- Broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
To pack for lunch:
- Allow to cool down to room temperature before placing the pizza bites in a lunch container. Refrigerate until ready to pack in the lunch bag.
Tiffany C says
What a super smart AND HEALTHY idea! Love this. My sons love pizza (so do i). If I can do a switcharoo with this treat I would be a happy camper.