Cheesy Zucchini Garlic Bites Recipe
Cheesy Zucchini Garlic Bites are crispy, golden nuggets made from shredded zucchini, aromatic garlic, and a blend of parmesan and cheddar cheeses. Perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs and baked to perfection, these bite-sized appetizers are great for snacking or serving as a tasty side dish alongside your favorite dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: About 20 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups shredded zucchini, shredded and liquid squeezed out (about 2 large zucchini)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or microplaned
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, minced
Dairy & Eggs
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 eggs
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it reaches the temperature while you prepare the zucchini mixture.
- Prepare Zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a large box grater or hand grater. Then, wrap the shredded zucchini in a tea towel or cheese cloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and crispiness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the squeezed zucchini with finely minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, shredded cheddar, minced parsley, minced chives, eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a uniform mixture.
- Form Bites: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a spoon or a small 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the zucchini mixture onto the pan. Shape each scoop quickly with your hands into small, nugget-sized bites. Spread them evenly on the sheet to ensure uniform cooking. The recipe yields about 20 bites.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake the zucchini bites for 20-22 minutes, or until they develop a golden brown color with crispy edges, indicating they are cooked through and deliciously crunchy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with your choice of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Squeezing the zucchini well is key to avoid soggy bites and to achieve the best texture.
- You can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten free.
- Fresh herbs can be replaced or supplemented with dried herbs if fresh are not available, though fresh is recommended for best flavor.
- These bites can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the parmesan cheese used is vegetarian-friendly.
Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/cheesy-zucchini-garlic-bites-recipe/
