These Baked Zucchini Garlic Bites are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy zucchini! They're packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic. I love how these bites are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option, and they're incredibly easy to make. They're perfect as an appetizer, a snack, a side dish, or even a light meal. Get ready for a treat that's both satisfying and good for you!
Why You'll Love These Zucchini Garlic Bites
- Healthy and Delicious: Made with fresh zucchini and baked instead of fried, these bites are a healthier option.
- Flavorful: The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a delicious and savory flavor.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, side dish, or even a light meal.
- Kid-Friendly: A great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your kids' diet!
Ingredients for Zucchini Garlic Bites
Here's what you'll need to make these tasty bites. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- Shredded zucchini, drained well (Vegetable)
- Garlic, grated fine (Aromatic)
- Breadcrumbs (Binder)
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (Dairy)
- Large egg (Binder)
- Chopped fresh chives (or dried chives) (Herb)
- Chopped fresh parsley (or dried parsley) (Herb)
- Chopped fresh basil (or dried basil) (Herb)
- Chopped fresh oregano (or dried oregano) (Herb)
Seasoning
- Pinch of salt (Seasoning)
- Pinch of pepper (Spice)
For Serving
- Tomato sauce (for dipping) (Condiment)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love these Zucchini Garlic Bites as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Add Different Cheese: Use a blend of Italian cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Coat it with breadcrumbs
- Different Herbs: Experiment with different combinations of fresh or dried herbs.
- Add Lemon: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or some lemon zest to the mixture for a brighter flavor.
How to Make Zucchini Garlic Bites
Let me show you how easy it is to make these Baked Zucchini Garlic Bites:
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
- I preheat my oven to 400˚F (200°C).
- I lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray. I set it aside.
Prepare Zucchini
- I use a box grater to grate the zucchini into a clean towel.
- I roll up the towel and twist it to wring out as much moisture as possible. This is a crucial step to prevent the bites from being soggy.
Grate Garlic
- I grate the garlic using the small holes on the box grater.
Combine Ingredients
- I add the shredded zucchini, grated garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, chives, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl.
- I mix everything well to combine it thoroughly.
Shape and Bake
- I shape a tablespoon of the mixture in my hands and pat into small balls or patties.
- I place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- I bake for 15-18 minutes in the preheated oven until golden brown.
Serve
- Serve and Enjoy.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Zucchini Bites
Here are my secrets for making these bites truly exceptional:
- Wring Out Excess Moisture: Removing as much moisture as possible from the shredded zucchini is essential for preventing soggy bites.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese has the best flavor and melts beautifully.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can make the bites tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Baking until golden brown ensures a crispy exterior.
How to Serve
These Baked Zucchini Garlic Bites are perfect for:
- Appetizers: A delicious and healthy appetizer for parties or gatherings.
- Snacks: A satisfying and flavorful snack.
- Side Dish: Serve them alongside your favorite main course.
- Light Meal: Enjoy them with a salad for a light and healthy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare the zucchini mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shape and bake just before serving. Leftover baked bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp them.
FAQs about Baked Zucchini Garlic Bites
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Can I make these without the breadcrumbs?
- The breadcrumbs help to bind the ingredients together, but you can try omitting them or substituting them with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Can I fry these instead of baking them?
- Yes, you can
Enjoy these flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make Baked Zucchini Garlic Bites! They're a perfect way to enjoy zucchini in a new and delicious way.
Print
Baked Zucchini Garlic Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
These Baked Zucchini Garlic Bites are a healthy and flavorful appetizer or snack. Shredded zucchini is combined with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and an egg, then formed into small balls and baked until golden brown. They're perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded zucchini, well-drained (see notes)
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or 1 tablespoon dried chives)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or ½ tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil (or ½ teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Tomato sauce or marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare Zucchini: Shred the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This is crucial for preventing soggy bites.
- Grate Garlic: Grate or finely mince the garlic clove.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the well-drained shredded zucchini, grated garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, chopped fresh chives (or dried), chopped fresh parsley (or dried), chopped fresh basil (or dried), chopped fresh oregano (or dried), salt, and pepper.
- Mix Well: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until they are well combined.
- Shape Bites: Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and shape it into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the zucchini balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the zucchini bites are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite tomato sauce or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Zucchini: It is essential to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible from the shredded zucchini to prevent the bites from being soggy.
- Breadcrumbs: You can use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs can also be used for a slightly crispier texture.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is recommended for the best flavor.
- Herbs: You can adjust the amounts of herbs to your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: These zucchini bites are delicious as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
- Storage: Store leftovers for 3-4 days.
