Description
Savory garlic zucchini bites combine crispy exterior with tender interior for an irresistible appetizer. Mediterranean flavors shine through in this simple yet delicious snack you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 2 large zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry (about 2 cups / 480 milliliters)
Cheeses:
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
Binding and Seasoning:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh parsley, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh chives, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dipping Sauce:
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for serving
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400F (200C), positioning rack in the center for even cooking.
- Thoroughly grate zucchini using a box grater, then aggressively remove excess moisture by firmly pressing with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend zucchini with finely minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated cheeses, chopped herbs, whisked eggs, and seasonings until uniformly combined.
- Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for easy removal.
- Utilize a measuring scoop to craft uniform, compact zucchini nuggets, placing them systematically on the prepared baking sheet with slight separation.
- Transfer sheet to preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, monitoring until edges turn golden brown and crisp with a delicate, crunchy exterior.
- Remove from oven and let rest momentarily before serving alongside marinara sauce or creamy ranch dressing for enhanced flavor and dipping enjoyment.
Notes
- Drain zucchini thoroughly to prevent soggy bites, using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to remove maximum moisture for crispy texture.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like parmesan or feta for different flavor profiles, adapting to personal taste preferences.
- Make these bites gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly option.
- Prepare bites ahead of time and freeze uncooked for quick future appetizers, perfect for meal prep and last-minute entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg