Description
Crunchy on the outside, cheesy and garlicky on the inside—these Cheesy Zucchini Garlic Bites are the ultimate snack or appetizer! They’re packed with fresh zucchini, herbs, and a blend of cheeses, making them a delicious way to enjoy your veggies. Pair them with marinara or ranch for dipping, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 large zucchinis, liquid squeezed out)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or microplaned
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- 2 eggs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Optional for Dipping:
-
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, or lightly grease it with olive oil. - Prepare the Zucchini:
- Shred the zucchini using a box grater or hand grater.
- Place the shredded zucchini in a clean tea towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to achieve the right texture and crispiness.
- Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, parsley, chives, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. - Shape the Bites:
- Use a spoon or a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Shape each portion into a nugget-sized bite using your hands. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving space between each bite. This recipe yields about 20 bites.
- Bake the Bites:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown with crispy edges. - Serve:
Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Squeezing Zucchini: Make sure to remove as much liquid as possible to ensure the bites are firm and crispy.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Freezing Option: Freeze baked bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
- Customizations: Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat, or swap cheddar for mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American