Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites are a delicious and savory appetizer that’s perfect for snacking or entertaining. Made with fresh zucchini, Parmesan, and a hint of garlic, these bites are baked to golden perfection and pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium), excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for baking)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Mix well until fully combined.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1½ inches in size. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Step 5: Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tops of the bites with cooking spray before baking.
- Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- To reduce moisture further, salt the grated zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the water thoroughly.
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover zucchini bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these zucchini bites gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free without compromising texture.
Can I fry these bites instead of baking?
Absolutely. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the bites until golden and crisp on all sides. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Print
Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 20–24 zucchini garlic bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites are a savory and delightful appetizer made with grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a crunchy outside with a moist, flavorful interior. Perfect for parties or a healthy snack, these bites are easy to make and pair wonderfully with dips like marinara or ranch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium), excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it using cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini (with excess water squeezed out), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform.
- Form Bites: Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into small balls roughly 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Place these zucchini bites evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. About halfway through, carefully turn the bites to help them brown evenly and become crispy on all sides. Bake until they turn golden brown and develop a slight crispness on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes. Serve warm alongside your choice of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or any preferred dip for a delicious appetizer experience.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini to avoid soggy bites.
- Breadcrumbs can be plain or seasoned depending on your flavor preference.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if fresh is not available, adjusting quantity accordingly.
- Feel free to add extra spices or herbs to customize taste, such as paprika or chili flakes for a bit of heat.
- These bites reheat well in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: zucchini bites, crispy zucchini appetizer, garlic zucchini balls, baked zucchini snacks, vegetarian appetizers
