Zucchini Garlic Bites – A Crispy, Cheesy Snack You’ll Make on Repeat
These Zucchini Garlic Bites are the ultimate solution for anyone who thinks vegetables can’t be fun. Bursting with fresh herbs, melty cheese, and savory garlic, they crisp up beautifully in the oven and dip like a dream into marinara sauce.
Whether you’re sneaking more veggies into snack time, serving them as a party appetizer, or stocking your freezer with easy eats, this recipe is the perfect mix of healthy and crave-worthy.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
These zucchini garlic bites check every box:
- Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
- Kid-approved and super dippable
- Packed with herbs and real flavor—not just filler
They’re also a brilliant way to use up garden zucchini or sneak more veggies into your routine.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded zucchini, well-drained
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1/2 tbsp dried)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Tomato or marinara sauce, for dipping
🔁 Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko for a lighter texture, or swap in gluten-free if needed.
- Parmesan: Feel free to substitute with Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
- Herbs: Use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available—just reduce the quantity by half.
- Egg-free? Try a flax egg or egg replacer, though texture may vary.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and coat a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Shred & Drain the Zucchini
Use a box grater to shred 1 cup of zucchini, then roll it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all the moisture—this step is crucial for crispy bites.
Step 3: Mix the Base
Grate your garlic using the fine side of the grater. In a medium bowl, combine:
- Shredded zucchini
- Grated garlic
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan
- Chopped herbs
- Salt and pepper
Mix everything until fully combined.
Step 4: Shape the Bites
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time and roll into small balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Flip halfway through for even browning, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips for Crispy Perfection
- Squeeze the zucchini well—wet veggies = soggy bites.
- Want extra browning? Broil the bites for the last 1–2 minutes.
- Serve with warm marinara or ranch for dipping.
- For a fun twist, mix in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These bites shine on their own, but they also play well with:
They also make a fun side for soups, pasta dishes, or wraps!
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Cool completely, flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps for up to 4 months.
Reheat:
Bake from frozen at 400°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave briefly and crisp in a skillet.
🥄 Final Thoughts
These Zucchini Garlic Bites are the veggie-packed snack you didn’t know you needed. Cheesy, garlicky, and baked to golden perfection—they’re healthy enough to feel good about and delicious enough to eat straight off the pan.
Try them once, and they’ll earn a regular spot in your snack rotation. Don’t forget the dipping sauce!
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