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–+ servings
Merry

Cheesy Zucchini Garlic Appetizer Bites

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!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 20 bites (approximately 4–5 servings)
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Preheat the Oven:
  1. 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:
  1. Shred the zucchini using a box grater or hand grater.
  2. 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:
  1. 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:
  1. Use a spoon or a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
  2. 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:
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown with crispy edges.
Serve:
  1. 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.

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