The neighbor kids loved these so much they forgot they were eating veggies. Only 4 ingredients for a cheesy, bubbly comfort snack.

These low carb 4-ingredient zucchini bakes were born out of one of those frantic after-school afternoons when the neighbor kids tumbled into my kitchen looking for a snack. I had a couple of zucchini, some shredded mozzarella, and a handful of pepperoni, so I crossed my fingers and threw them under the broiler. They came out cheesy, bubbly, and just a little bit charred on the edges—and the kids inhaled them so fast they honestly forgot they were eating vegetables. This is the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights, game days, or anytime you want something comforting without turning on the oven for an hour or dirtying half your kitchen.

Serve these zucchini bakes hot off the tray with a small bowl of warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping if you like (it’s optional, so it doesn’t count toward the 4 ingredients). They’re great on their own as a low-carb snack, or you can pair them with a big green salad, grilled chicken, or leftover rotisserie chicken for a light dinner. I also like to set them out on a platter for movie night or game day alongside some cut-up veggies and ranch so everyone can mix and match bites without feeling weighed down.

Servings: 4

2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and lightly spray or brush it with a bit of the olive oil so the zucchini doesn’t stick.

Wash and dry the zucchini, then slice into thick 1/2-inch rounds. Thicker slices help them stay firm and feel more like little crusts instead of going mushy.

Place the zucchini rounds on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, just barely touching but not overlapping. Brush or drizzle both sides lightly with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper if you’d like (totally optional).

Bake the zucchini rounds for 8–10 minutes, just until they start to soften and the tops look slightly dry. This quick pre-bake helps drive off some moisture so the bakes turn out roasty and sturdy instead of watery.

Remove the tray from the oven. Carefully top each zucchini round with a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella, keeping most of the cheese on the zucchini but letting a little spill over the edges so it can get those delicious browned, lacy bits.

Sprinkle a few mini pepperoni slices (or tiny pieces of regular pepperoni) on top of the cheese on each round, pressing them lightly into the cheese so they don’t slide off as it melts.

Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to brown at the edges. For extra charred, pizza-parlor-style spots, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 additional minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn.

Let the zucchini bakes cool on the tray for 3–5 minutes; the cheese will set up a bit and make them easier to pick up. Serve warm straight from the foil-lined tray or transfer to a platter. They’re best eaten the day you make them, while the edges are still a little crispy and the cheese is gooey.

To keep it truly 4 ingredients, any tweaks should mostly be about swapping, not adding. For a different flavor, trade the pepperoni for cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage or finely chopped ham, keeping the same amount. You can also swap the mozzarella for another good melting cheese like provolone or Monterey Jack—just know mozzarella gives you the most classic, stretchy, kid-friendly vibe. If your kids (or you) like a little kick, choose a spicy pepperoni or use a sharp cheese for extra flavor without adding more ingredients. For a slightly firmer texture, slice the zucchini even thicker and bake them a minute or two longer in the first roast to dry them out more before adding cheese. These are best fresh, but you can meal prep by slicing the zucchini and shredding cheese the night before; store them separately in the fridge so you can assemble and bake in under 15 minutes on a busy day.