Description
Zucchini Garlic Bites bring Mediterranean charm to snack time with crispy golden exteriors and herbed cheesy centers. Compact morsels packed with garden-fresh zucchini and robust garlic offer a delightful appetizer that quickly becomes a crowd-pleasing favorite for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded zucchini, drained well
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 clove garlic, grated fine
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried chives)
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 pinch oregano, chopped fresh (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
Binding Ingredient:
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
Serving Suggestion:
- Tomato sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 400°F (204°C) and generously coat a baking sheet with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly, then use a box grater to shred it into fine, uniform pieces.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and firmly squeeze out excess moisture, ensuring the mixture will not become soggy during baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with minced fresh garlic, a beaten egg, seasoned breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh basil and parsley, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into compact, uniform bite-sized balls approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter.
- Arrange the zucchini balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to ensure consistent heat circulation and crispy exterior.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through cooking to promote even golden-brown coloration.
- Remove from the oven when the bites are crisp and have a deep golden exterior, and let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Present the zucchini garlic bites alongside warm marinara or tomato sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheese types like parmesan or feta for unique flavor profiles.
- Freezing these bites works perfectly for meal prep and quick snacks later.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a more vibrant, garden-fresh taste.
- Skip breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version by using almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg