Italian-Inspired Zucchini Garlic Bites

These Italian-Inspired Zucchini Garlic Bites are a delightful way to enjoy zucchini in a new and flavorful form.

Packed with fresh zucchini, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, these bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish and are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike! Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a recipe that’s as irresistible as it is easy to make.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Box grater or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or air fryer
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: marinara sauce for dipping

Directions

1. Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchinis into a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix well until the mixture holds together.
3. Shape the Bites: Take small portions of the mixture and form them into bite-sized balls or patties, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Cook the Bites:
   • Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray. Place the bites on the sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
   • Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the bites in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
5. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, Serves 4)

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

Expert Tips

• Squeeze Out Moisture: Removing excess liquid from the zucchini is crucial for crispy bites that hold their shape.
• Breadcrumb Options: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Cheese Variations: Add shredded mozzarella or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I freeze these bites?
Yes, freeze uncooked bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What dipping sauces work best?
Marinara sauce is classic, but ranch or garlic aioli are also delicious options.

Can I make these vegan?
Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Finely grated carrots or chopped spinach can be added to the mixture.

Storing & Reheating

• To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

Substitutions & Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the mixture.
• Herb Swap: Fresh basil or parsley can be used instead of Italian seasoning.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stuff the bites with a small cube of mozzarella for a gooey center.

Italian-Inspired Zucchini Garlic Bites

These Italian-Inspired Zucchini Garlic Bites are a delightful way to enjoy zucchini in a new and flavorful form.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Box grater or food processor
• - Mixing bowl
• - Baking sheet or air fryer
• - Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium zucchinis grated
• - 1/2 tsp salt
• - 1 large egg lightly beaten
• - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Italian seasoned or plain
• - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 2 garlic cloves minced
• - 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• - 1/4 tsp black pepper
• - Optional: marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Zucchini:** Grate the zucchinis into a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
• **Mix Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix well until the mixture holds together.
• **Shape the Bites:** Take small portions of the mixture and form them into bite-sized balls or patties, about 1 inch in diameter.
• **Cook the Bites:**
• - **Oven Method:** Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray. Place the bites on the sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
• - **Air Fryer Method:** Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the bites in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
• **Serve:** Let cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.