Zucchini Garlic Bites Recipe

Zucchini garlic bites are an incredibly versatile and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by nearly anyone. They are easy to make, can be customized to suit dietary preferences, and make for a great snack, appetizer, or side dish. Whether you’re trying to incorporate more vegetables into your meals or simply looking for a fun, crunchy bite, these zucchini garlic bites are sure to impress.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Zucchini:

Begin by washing and grating the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Zucchini has a high water content, so place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, twist, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This will help prevent the bites from becoming too soggy.

2. Make the Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg (or flax egg), parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly. The mixture should hold together well; if it seems too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs until it forms a dough-like consistency.

3. Form the Bites:

Using your hands, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into small balls or patties. You can shape them into little bite-sized rounds or small flattened disks, depending on your preference.

4. Cooking the Zucchini Garlic Bites:

There are two main ways to cook these bites:

• Pan-fry Method: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the zucchini garlic bites in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.

• Baking Method (for a healthier option): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush it with olive oil. Arrange the zucchini garlic bites on the baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching. Brush the tops with a little more olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bites are golden brown.

5. Serve:

Once cooked, let the zucchini garlic bites cool for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or a yogurt-based dip. They are perfect for an appetizer, side dish, or even as a healthy snack.

Tips & Variations:

• Make Them Vegan: To make the recipe vegan, simply substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). You can also omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.

• Cheese Options: If you want extra cheesy zucchini garlic bites, feel free to increase the amount of Parmesan or use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a more melty bite.

• Adding Protein: For a more filling version, you can add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or shredded chicken to the mixture to create a heartier snack.

• Spices & Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices to change the flavor profile. Try adding Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes for a kick, or even smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of regular breadcrumbs. The texture may change slightly, but they will still hold together well.

• Make Ahead: These zucchini garlic bites can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. They can also be frozen before cooking. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook from frozen, bake directly in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions:

Zucchini garlic bites can be served in various ways depending on your occasion and preference:

• As a Snack: Pair with your favorite dipping sauce such as spicy ketchup, tahini, or guacamole for a snack or appetizer.
• In a Salad: Toss them onto a salad to add a crispy, flavorful element. They pair particularly well with a lemony or garlic dressing.
• With a Dip: Serve them alongside a creamy dipping sauce, like ranch dressing, yogurt-based tzatziki, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
• With a Main Course: They can also be served alongside grilled chicken or fish as a lighter alternative to traditional sides like fries or potatoes.
• In Wraps or Pitas: Stuff them into whole grain wraps or pita pockets with hummus, lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a quick, healthy lunch.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Zucchini: Zucchini is low in calories but high in water content, making it hydrating and great for digestion. It’s rich in antioxidants like lutein, which helps support eye health. It also provides fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.

• Garlic: Garlic is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost the immune system. It also supports heart health and has potential cancer-fighting properties due to its high content of sulfur compounds.

• Breadcrumbs: While breadcrumbs are not particularly nutrient-dense, using whole-grain or gluten-free breadcrumbs can boost the fiber content. They help absorb the excess moisture from the zucchini, creating a crunchy texture when baked or fried.

• Egg: Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein and contain essential vitamins like vitamin B12, riboflavin, and folate, which are crucial for metabolism and energy production.

• Cheese: If you choose to add cheese, it can provide a good source of calcium and protein, though be mindful of portion sizes if you are watching your saturated fat intake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Not Draining the Zucchini: One of the most important steps in this recipe is removing excess water from the zucchini. If not properly drained, the mixture can become too soggy and difficult to form into bite-sized pieces.

2. Overcrowding the Pan: When frying the zucchini bites, overcrowding the pan can cause them to steam rather than crisp up. Cook them in batches if needed.

3. Using Too Much Oil: While oil is essential for crisping the bites, adding too much oil can make them greasy. A light brushing or a moderate amount of oil for frying is ideal.

4. Not Adding Enough Binding Ingredients: If your mixture feels too loose, adding extra breadcrumbs or a little more cheese can help bind it together and prevent the bites from falling apart.

Yield: 18-20 Bites

Zucchini Garlic Bites Recipe

Print

Zucchini garlic bites are an incredibly versatile and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by nearly anyone. They are easy to make, can be customized to suit dietary preferences, and make for a great snack, appetizer, or side dish. Whether you’re trying to incorporate more vegetables into your meals or simply looking for a fun, crunchy bite, these zucchini garlic bites are sure to impress.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (can use gluten-free if needed)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil for brushing

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare zucchini: Grate the zucchinis and place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess moisture.

Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, parsley, oregano (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Form bites: Using your hands, form the mixture into small bite-sized patties (about 1-2 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake: Lightly brush the tops of the bites with olive oil, then bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with dipping sauce if desired (like marinara or a yogurt-based dip).

Notes

• For crispier bites: After baking, broil for 2-3 minutes to make them extra crispy.
• Customize the flavor: Feel free to add other herbs or spices, like thyme, basil, or chili flakes for extra flavor.