Pesto Tomato Pizza Bites
Indulge your pizza cravings guilt-free with these delectable Pesto Tomato Pizza Bites! Perfect for those on the South Beach Diet Phase 1, this recipe combines the freshness of ripe steak tomatoes with the bold flavors of prepared pesto sauce and the creaminess of low-fat mozzarella cheese. These snack-sized 'pizzas' are not only quick to prepare but also pack a delightful punch, making them an ideal choice for lunch, snacks, or even an appetizer for gatherings. Low in carbs and high in flavor, they prove that healthy eating can be absolutely satisfying!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Steak tomatoes
1 (sliced into 6 even slices)
Prepared pesto sauce
6 tablespoons (none)
Low-fat mozzarella cheese
6 slices (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to the broil setting.
2
Carefully wash the steak tomato and slice it into 6 even rounds.
3
Place the tomato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
4
Spread 1 tablespoon of prepared pesto sauce evenly over each tomato slice.
5
Top each pesto-covered slice with a slice of low-fat mozzarella cheese.
6
Broil in the preheated oven for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
7
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy these delightful pizza bites warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pesto Tomato Pizza Bites?
Pesto Tomato Pizza Bites are a healthy, low-carb snack or appetizer made with thick slices of steak tomatoes topped with pesto sauce and melted low-fat mozzarella cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for the South Beach Diet?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be compatible with Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet.
Are Pesto Tomato Pizza Bites low-carb?
Yes, by using tomato slices as the base instead of bread or dough, these bites are significantly lower in carbohydrates.
How many ingredients do I need?
You only need three main ingredients: steak tomatoes, prepared pesto sauce, and low-fat mozzarella cheese.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Large steak tomatoes are recommended because they provide a sturdy and wide base for the toppings.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
Wash the steak tomato and slice it into 6 even rounds to create the 'crust' for your pizza bites.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your prepared pesto sauce is certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How much pesto goes on each tomato slice?
You should spread approximately 1 tablespoon of prepared pesto sauce evenly over each of the 6 tomato slices.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of low-fat mozzarella cheese.
What is the best way to cook these pizza bites?
The best method is to broil them in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How long do they take to broil?
They typically take about 3 to 5 minutes under the broiler, but you should keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Should I use parchment paper?
Yes, placing the tomato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Can I serve these as an appetizer?
Absolutely, these are ideal appetizers for gatherings and parties because they are snack-sized and flavorful.
Are these pizza bites kid-friendly?
Yes, many children enjoy the familiar flavors of pizza, pesto, and melted cheese in this healthy format.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings, with each tomato slice representing one serving.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, with only 3 ingredients and a 3-5 minute cook time, it is a very fast option for lunch or snacks.
Can I make these if I am on a low-fat diet?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses low-fat mozzarella cheese and fresh tomatoes to accommodate lower fat preferences.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a Lunch or Snack option.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
You can either use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet to ensure the tomatoes don't stick.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Keep a close eye on the oven during the broiling process, as the cheese can turn from bubbly to burnt very quickly.
Can I add other toppings?
While the recipe specifies pesto and cheese, you can customize them with other South Beach Diet-friendly herbs or spices.
Are these pizza bites satisfying?
Yes, the combination of healthy fats from the pesto and protein from the cheese makes them a satisfying snack.
What should I do after taking them out of the oven?
Let them cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth on the hot cheese and tomato juice.
Is the pesto sauce homemade?
The recipe suggests using 'prepared pesto sauce' for convenience, but you can certainly use homemade if you prefer.
Are steak tomatoes better than Roma tomatoes for this?
Steak tomatoes are better for 'bites' because their larger diameter allows for more surface area for toppings.
Can I eat these warm or cold?
These are best enjoyed warm immediately after the cheese has melted.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat.
How many calories are in these pizza bites?
While the specific calorie count is not provided, the ingredients are low-carb and use low-fat cheese, making them a lower-calorie pizza alternative.
What makes this a guilt-free snack?
It replaces high-calorie dough with fresh tomatoes, significantly reducing the carbohydrate and calorie load.
Can I use different types of cheese?
To stay within the South Beach Diet Phase 1 guidelines, low-fat mozzarella is recommended, but other low-fat cheeses can be substituted.