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Vegetarian Research

Zucchini Pizza Bites

These Zucchini Pizza Bites are packed with tons of zucchini with parmesan cheese and eggs for protein!  They’re perfect for lunch, dinner or a healthy afternoon snack!  Freezer friendly too!

Zucchini Pizza Bites on a plate with marinara sauce

 It’s back to school season and if you’re like me, you need all the healthy and filling lunch ideas you can get!  These Zucchini Pizza Bites are great because they can be enjoyed in a packed lunch, as an easy dinner or a healthy after school snack!

Zucchini was never a favorite vegetable of mine growing up, it has a lot of water in it and is rather tasteless when uncooked.  But, in the past few years I’ve discovered that it’s actually really delicious when sautéed until almost caramelized with a little salt.  Traditional Zucchini Pizza Bites consist of a big slice of zucchini with tomato sauce and cheese on it, but my version is way more kid friendly!

Grated zucchini before and after it's been cooked

ZUCCHINI PIZZA BITE RECIPE INGREDIENTS

  • Zucchini – You’ll need about 4 cups of zucchini for this recipe.
  • Parmesan cheese – I bought a block of parmesan cheese and used the fine side of the grater to grate it.  I found that finely grated parmesan mixed in nicely with the other ingredients.
  • Eggs – I used the eggs as a binder for this recipe and they also add some nice protein.  I have not tried this recipe with a vegan egg substitute but it probably would work.  They might just not to stick together quite as well.
  • Breadcrumbs – Any kind of bread crumbs or Panko will work.  You could also probably use almond meal or crushed nuts if you are grain free.
  • Seasoning – I used granulated garlic, dried herbs, salt and pepper.

showing how to make zucchini pizza bites

HOW TO MAKE ZUCCHINI PIZZA BITES

These Zucchini Pizza Bites only have a few ingredients and they’re so easy to make.  

  1. You start by grating your zucchini and then squeezing the water out of it.  Squeezing the water out is a really important step because zucchini has lots of water in it.  If you don’t squeeze it out then your pizza bites will be really soggy and not hold together well.
  2. After you sauté the zucchini until cooked through, you add it to a large bowl with the remaining ingredients and mix until combined.  The eggs help bind everything together so unfortunately I don’t think this recipe can be made without them.
  3. Then, you scoop the mixture into little balls and bake until cooked through.  They’re small so they don’t take long at all to cook and can be served warm or cold.  To get the whole pizza experience you dip them in some warm marinara sauce and they’re delicous!

easy zucchini pizza bites before and after being baked

RECIPE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Can I make these vegan?  I personally have not made them vegan before, but they would probably work out if you used a vegan egg sub and vegan cheese.  They might not hold together as well though.
  • Can I make these gluten free?  Yes!  Just sub gluten free bread crumbs.
  • Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?  Sure!
  • Can I add additional veggies in?  Yes, just don’t add too many that the mixture is off.
  • Can I freeze these zucchini pizza bites?  Yes, you can freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
  • How long do they last in the refrigerator?  I would say about 4-5 days in an airtight container.
  • Do they need to be heated up?  No, you can enjoy them cold, room temperature or you can heat them up in the oven or microwave.

Have another question that I didn’t answer?  Ask me below in the comments and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

close up of a zucchini pizza bite on a plate

Why Kids Will Love These Zucchini Pizza Bites

  • They taste like pizza!  The parmesan cheese and bread crumbs give them a really great pizza flavor and then you dip them in the marinara sauce for the whole pizza experience ????
  • They’re easy to eat.  They hold together really well, they’re not messy and can be enjoyed in just a few bites.
  • Even though there is only a few ingredients they have tons of flavor, but at the same time are mild enough for picky eaters.

Why Parents Will Love Them

  • Zucchini has a very subtle taste so although they’re packed with 4 cups of zucchini, your kids probably won’t even be able to tell you’re feeding them vegetables!
  • Aside from the zucchini, they’re also packed with cheese and eggs which adds lots of protein so these pizza bites will keep your kids feeling full for longer.
  • They’re great for meal prep!  You can make a batch at the beginning of the week and pack them in your kid’s lunches or re-heat them in the oven for an afternoon snack.
  • They’re freezer friendly.  Leave off the cheese on the top when baking them and then you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

CHECK OUT EXACTLY HOW I MAKE THESE EASY ZUCCHINI PIZZA BITES BELOW!

LOOKING FOR MORE SUMMER ZUCCHINI RECIPES?

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Zucchini Pizza Bites



  • Author:
    She Likes Food

  • Prep Time:
    15 mins

  • Cook Time:
    15 mins

  • Total Time:
    30 minutes

  • Yield:
    18

  • Diet:
    Vegetarian

Description

These Zucchini Pizza Bites are packed with zucchini, eggs and parmesan cheese.  They’re great for snacks, appetizers and even lunch!


Ingredients

  • 4 cups grated zucchini
  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil
  • 1 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, heaping
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Marinara sauce for dipping


Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large sheetpan with a non-stick liner or parchment paper. Grate zucchini on the large side of a box grater and then place grated zucchini in a clean dish towel. Squeeze out as much water as you can.
  2. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add oil, zucchini and a pinch of salt. Cook zucchini until soft, 7-10 minutes. Add zucchini to a large bowl and let cool for a few minutes.
  3. Next, add in 1 cup parmesan cheese, eggs, bread crumbs, and seasonings. Mix until combined and then use a one tablespoon scoop to scoop the mixture into balls on the baking sheet. Use your fingers to press the mxiture down into a small disk and top with more parmesan cheese.
  4. Bake zucchini pizza bites until cheese is melted and they are cooked through, 12-15 minutes. Enjoy warm or cold with a side of marinara sauce.

Notes

Pizza bites can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 4-5 days and frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

  • Category: Snack, Vegetarian
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Zucchini Pizza Bites

The post Zucchini Pizza Bites appeared first on She Likes Food.

Vegetarian Research

High Protein Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

If you’re craving enchiladas, this easy Mexican-inspired dinner will surely hit the spot! This Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is packed with about 30 grams of protein per serving. It’s budget friendly, made with simple ingredients and great for a vegetarian dinner that the whole family will love. Feel free to add extra veggies and serve with chips, fresh cilantro and plain greek yogurt for even extra protein.

close up of vegetarian enchilada skillet in a bowl

We’ve been having unusually warm weather lately, but I’m still in winter mode, and even hoping for at least one more snow.  Our whole family had the flu last week and it was brutal.  There were a few days where no one even left the bedroom, and I certainly wasn’t doing much cooking.  Now that I’m feeling better, I’m catching up on my favorite comfort foods, and this Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is at the top of the list!  Each serving is packed with about 30 grams of protein, it’s easy to make and freezer friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Enchilada Skillet

  • Hearty and filling – This enchilada skillet recipe is packed with tofu, black beans and cheese making it a filling dinner that the whole family can enjoy.  Each serving has about 30 grams of protein, making it a great meat free balanced dinner.  Serve with a side salad or chips and salsa.
  • It’s packed with flavor – If you like enchiladas, you will love the flavor of this easy skillet dinner.  It gets loaded with warm seasonings and fire roasted tomatoes.   Make sure to use a well seasoned enchilada sauce for maximum flavor.
  • Made in One Pot – This recipe can be made in one pot using an oven-safe skillet. If you don’t have a skillet that can go directly into the oven, you can transfer everything to a baking dish and then top with cheese before placing in the oven.

showing how to break the tofu into bite sized chunks and cut the corn tortillas into pieces

Why Your Body Will Love This Cozy Meal

  • Blood Sugar Regulation – Black beans are high in fiber and protein, giving them a low glycemic index. This means they digest slowly and don’t cause blood sugar levels to spike or rise too quickly. This makes black beans a healthy choice for people with diabetes who need to control their blood sugar levels more. They also keep you feeling full for a longer period of time since they digest slowly.
  • Protein – Tofu is a complete protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs to build muscle and repair tissues. Tofu contains 10 grams of protein per half a cup, making it a great plant-based ingredient to incorporate into your diet.  Black beans are also a great source of plant based protein.
  • Bone Health – Tofu contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which play a huge role in ensuring you grow and maintain healthy bones. Tofu is also rich in isoflavones, which are compounds found in plants that can help decrease the risk of osteoporosis, among other things.

showing how to assemble and cook the skillet enchiladas with tofu and black beans

Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet Recipe Ingredients

  • Tofu – I like to use this high protein, super firm tofu that I get at Trader Joe’s.  I think that both Sprouts and Walmart have similar kinds.  If you can’t find super firm, extra firm will work great, just make sure to press as much liquid out of it as you can before using.
  • Black Beans – I used two cans of black beans, which equals about 3 cups total.  Black beans can be substituted with pinto or kidney beans, if needed.
  • Enchilada Sauce – I used red enchilada sauce, but green can also be used.  I like the Hatch brand of enchilada sauce, but any brand can be used.  The more flavor the better!
  • Spices – I also like to add my own flavors to make sure the tofu isn’t bland.  I added cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.  If you don’t already have those spices on hand, you could use a couple tablespoons of taco or chili seasoning mix.
  • Corn Tortillas – Yellow or white corn tortillas can be used in this recipe.  Flour tortillas can be used, but they tend to get soft and kinda slimy once mixed with the enchilada sauce.  The corn tortillas mix in nicely and hold their texture a little bit better.
  • Cheese – I like to use colby jack but any kind of cheese will work.  Add pepper jack cheese if you want some heat!

tofu and black bean skillet enchiladas before and after they have been baked in the oven

How To Make This Satisfying Vegetarian Enchilada Recipe

  1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.  If not using pre-pressed tofu, press as much liquid out of the tofu as you can, and then use your hands to tear the tofu into bite sized chunks.  You can also use a knife and dice it into bite sized pieces.  Chop the corn tortillas into about 1 inch sized pieces and set aside. 
  2. Heat a large, oven safe, skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.  Once oil is hot, add in the diced onion, tofu, tamari, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic and onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.  Mix everything together until tofu is coated with all the spices.  Cook until onion has softened and tofu is starting to brown, 5-7 minutes, stirring a few times.
  3. Add in the diced corn tortillas and cook until tortillas are starting to soften, 2-3 minutes.  You can add extra olive oil in if you want your tortillas to brown a little bit.  Next, add in the black beans, diced tomatoes and enchilada sauce.  Mix until everything is combined and allow enchilada mixture to come to a low simmer.  Add any extra salt, as needed.
  4. Add in the shredded cheese and mix until melted.  Top with the remaining shredded cheese and either place the lid on until melted, or place entire skillet in a preheated oven until cheese on top is melted, about 5 minutes.  Remove from oven, let cool a few minutes, garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy with your favorite enchilada toppings.

dinner bowl with high protein tofu and black bean enchiladas topped with fresh cilantro

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

  • This recipe is already gluten free, just make sure that the enchilada sauce you use is certified gluten free.
  • Make this recipe vegan by using a vegan cheese substitute that melts well.
  • Is there a substitute for the tofu?  If you’d rather not use tofu in this recipe, you can use crumbled tempeh, another meat substitute, or just double the amount of beans added.
  • Is this enchilada skillet freezer friendly?  Yes, this meal can be frozen before or after it has been cooked.  Use a freezer friendly, air-tight, container and freeze for up to 3 months.  Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter before heating, or heat from frozen.
  • How long do leftovers last?  If stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, leftovers should last about 4-5 days.
  • Have a question I didn’t answer?  Ask me in the comment section below and I will get back to you ASAP!

A serving spoon scooping up some of the tofu enchilada skillet

Looking For More Vegetarian Dinner Recipes?

Mediterranean Tortellini Bake

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chickpea Pizza

Vegetarian Pizza Casserole with White Beans and Rice

Vegetarian Fajita Rice Casserole

Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta with Parmesan

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High Protein Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet


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  • Author:
    She Likes Food


  • Total Time:
    45 minutes


  • Yield:
    4-6
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

If you’re craving enchiladas, this easy Mexican-inspired dinner will surely hit the spot! This Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet is packed with about 30 grams of protein per serving. It’s budget friendly, made with simple ingredients and great for a vegetarian dinner that the whole family will love. Feel free to add extra veggies and serve with chips, fresh cilantro and plain greek yogurt for even extra protein.


Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 medium sized yellow onion, diced
  • 1 (16 oz) package super firm, or extra firm, tofu (pressed if needed)
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8 (6 inch) corn tortillas, yellow or white
  • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, with most of the liquid drained out
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 2 cups shredded colby jack cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish, if desired



Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.  If not using pre-pressed tofu, press as much liquid out of the tofu as you can, and then use your hands to tear the tofu into bite sized chunks.  You can also use a knife and dice it into bite sized pieces.  Chop the corn tortillas into about 1 inch sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Heat a large, oven safe, skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.  Once oil is hot, add in the diced onion, tofu, tamari, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic and onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.  Mix everything together until tofu is coated with all the spices.  Cook until onion has softened and tofu is starting to brown, 5-7 minutes, stirring a few times.
  3. Add in the diced corn tortillas and cook until tortillas are starting to soften, 2-3 minutes.  You can add extra olive oil in if you want your tortillas to brown a little bit.  Next, add in the black beans, diced tomatoes and enchilada sauce.  Mix until everything is combined and allow enchilada mixture to come to a low simmer.  Add any extra salt, as needed.
  4. Add in the shredded cheese and mix until melted.  Top with the remaining shredded cheese and either place the lid on until melted, or place entire skillet in a preheated oven until cheese on top is melted, about 5 minutes.  Remove from oven, let cool a few minutes, garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy with your favorite enchilada toppings.

Notes

If you want to add extra veggies to this recipe, add them in at the same time you are adding in the onion and tofu.  Bell peppers, mushrooms or zucchini would be great additions.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Dinner, Vegetarian
  • Method: Stovetop, Oven
  • Cuisine: Mexican Inspired

 

The post High Protein Tofu and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet appeared first on She Likes Food.

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