Why Make This Recipe
Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites are a delicious and healthy appetizer. They are packed with flavor and make a great snack or party treat. These bites are a wonderful way to use up zucchini, especially during the summer months. Plus, they are easy to prepare and bake, which means you can enjoy them without a lot of fuss in the kitchen.
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites
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)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1½ inches in size. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip.
How to Serve Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites
Serve these tasty bites warm for the best flavor. They pair perfectly with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or any dip you enjoy. You can also serve them as part of a larger appetizer spread at parties or gatherings.
How to Store Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Tips to Make Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible. This helps the bites to crisp up nicely.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for added flavor. Cheddar or mozzarella can work well too.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Variations
You can add other vegetables like grated carrots or bell peppers to the mixture for a different twist. Also, for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
FAQs
1. Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and form the balls. Store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze the zucchini bites?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked bites. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
3. What can I serve with these bites?
These bites pair well with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, hummus, or any dip of your choice. They are versatile and can be enjoyed with many different flavors!
Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Shallow dishes (3)
- Whisk
- Large skillet
- Tongs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the zucchini into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, place the Panko breadcrumbs.
Cooking
- Dip each zucchini slice first into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the zucchini bites in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried zucchini bites to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until heated through and extra crispy.
Serving
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.