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
Scale
- 1 cup shredded zucchini, well-drained (see notes)
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or 1 tablespoon dried chives)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 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.