Easy, kid-friendly baked zucchini bites with a crispy exterior and garlicky flavor, perfect as a party appetizer or side dish.
Author:Leo
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb zucchini, grated
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for crispy bites.
In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Place the zucchini bites on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle the olive oil over the bites.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even browning.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispiness, you can bake them a few minutes longer, watching carefully to prevent burning.
These are great for lunchboxes or as a healthy appetizer.
Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
You can substitute panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.