Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites: A Savory Baked Appetizer Recipe

Introduction

These crispy zucchini garlic bites are a flavorful and light appetizer that showcases fresh zucchini in a delicious way. Packed with Parmesan, herbs, and garlic, they bake up golden and crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. Perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch sauce, they make a tasty snack or party treat.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Form the mixture into small balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the bites once halfway through, until they are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
5. Step 5: Let the zucchini bites cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip.

Tips & Variations

• Squeeze the grated zucchini well to remove excess moisture and avoid soggy bites.
• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for extra crunch.
• Add extra cheese or fresh herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
• These bites freeze well, making them great for make-ahead prepping.
• Serve warm to enjoy the best texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftover zucchini garlic bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness. You can also freeze the uncooked bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month; bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh zucchini, but if you use frozen, thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before mixing to avoid soggy bites.

What dipping sauces pair well with zucchini garlic bites?

Marinara sauce and ranch dressing are classic choices, but these bites also go well with garlic aioli, tzatziki, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a flavor boost.

Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites: A Savory Baked Appetizer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 116 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 20 bites 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These crispy zucchini garlic bites are a delicious, veggie-packed appetizer made from grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden brown and crispy on the outside, they are light, flavorful, and perfect to serve warm with marinara or ranch dipping sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Herbs

• 2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium), excess moisture squeezed out
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs

For Baking

• Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini (after squeezing out excess moisture), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Form Bites: Shape the mixture into small balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter, ensuring they hold together without being too dense. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through baking, carefully turn the bites over to promote even browning and crispiness. Continue baking until they are golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool briefly. Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

• Make sure to squeeze the zucchini well to avoid soggy bites.
• Using panko breadcrumbs provides extra crunchiness.
• Feel free to add extra cheese or herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
• These bites are great for make-ahead meal prep and freeze well for future use.
• Serving them warm enhances their texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: zucchini bites, crispy zucchini, zucchini appetizer, garlic bites, baked zucchini, vegetarian appetizers, healthy snacks