Description
These Zucchini Garlic Bites are a delicious, savory appetizer perfect for snacking or serving as a party finger food. Made with shredded zucchini, fresh herbs, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, they’re baked until golden and crispy. Served warm with marinara sauce, they offer a flavorful and healthy bite-sized treat that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded zucchini, drained well
- 1 clove garlic, grated fine
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 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)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
For Serving
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray and set it aside for the zucchini bites.
- Prepare zucchini: Using a box grater, shred the zucchini into a clean kitchen towel. Roll up the towel tightly and twist to wring out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini to prevent sogginess in the bites.
- Grate garlic: Grate the garlic clove using the small holes on the box grater to finely incorporate it into the mixture for maximum flavor distribution.
- Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded and well-drained zucchini, grated garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped chives, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed into a cohesive batter.
- Form bites: Scoop approximately one tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small balls with your hands. Place each formed bite onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake the zucchini garlic bites in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, making a perfect appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Freezing: After baking, allow zucchini bites to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Storage: Once frozen, transfer the zucchini bites into a freezer bag and store for up to 4 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Place frozen zucchini bites on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
