Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside these Zucchini Garlic Bites are the perfect savory snack or appetizer. Packed with fresh zucchini, garlic, and cheesy goodness, they’re easy to whip up and even easier to devour. Serve them warm with your favorite dip for a crowd-pleasing bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ tsp onion powder or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- Prep zucchini: Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine zucchini, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Mix well.
- Form bites: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form into small balls or patties. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and firm.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with marinara sauce, ranch, garlic aioli, or sour cream for dipping.
Variation
- Air Fryer Option: For an even crispier texture and quicker cooking, make these in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), arrange the bites in a single layer, and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out golden, crunchy, and delicious—with less oil and faster cleanup.
- Cheese Swap: Try swapping Parmesan for shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Mozzarella adds gooeyness, while cheddar gives a bolder, tangy bite. You can even mix cheeses for extra richness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture if you like a little heat. It balances the mild zucchini and brings another layer of flavor to the bites.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t Skip Squeezing the Zucchini: Zucchini holds a lot of water, which can make the bites mushy. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and really squeeze hard—get out as much liquid as possible. This step makes a huge difference in texture.
- Resting the Mixture Helps: If time allows, let the mixture rest in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before forming. This helps the breadcrumbs absorb excess moisture and makes the bites easier to shape.
- Uniform Size = Even Baking: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the bites evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate and all come out golden and done at the same time.
Serving Suggestions
- With Dips: Serve warm with marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or a creamy yogurt-based dip. The contrast of the crisp exterior with a cool or tangy dip adds flavor and makes them extra irresistible.
- As a Side Dish: These bites pair well with pasta, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. They add a fun, cheesy element to a dinner plate and are a great way to sneak in more veggies.
- Party Platter Favorite: Make a double batch and serve them on a party platter with toothpicks and a trio of dips. They’re bite-sized, vegetarian-friendly, and ideal for game day, brunch, or potlucks.
Tips
- Use Fresh Garlic for Best Flavor: Minced fresh garlic gives the bites a punchy, aromatic flavor that dried garlic just can’t match. It’s worth the extra minute of chopping.
- Breadcrumb Type Matters: Italian-style breadcrumbs add built-in herbs and flavor, while plain breadcrumbs give you more control over the seasoning. Either works just adjust your added herbs accordingly.
- Reheat Like a Pro: To reheat leftovers and keep them crisp, pop them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes instead of the microwave. They’ll stay crunchy and taste freshly baked.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Bite)
- Calories: 35
- Protein: 1.7g
- Sodium: 95mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, just form into bites and pop them in the oven. You can also bake them fully and reheat before serving—they hold up well. - Can I freeze Zucchini Garlic Bites?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy. - How do I keep them from being soggy?
The key is removing as much moisture as possible from the zucchini before mixing. Don’t rush this step—use a kitchen towel, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag and squeeze really well. - Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even almond flour. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still taste great and hold together well.
Conclusion
Zucchini Garlic Bites are a simple, satisfying way to turn humble ingredients into something crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding kids, prepping party snacks, or just cleaning out the veggie drawer, this easy, oven-baked recipe has your back. Crisp, garlicky, and endlessly dippable they’re the kind of snack that disappears fast. Make a batch (or two), and don’t forget the dip!
Print
Zucchini Garlic Bites
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 15 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside these Zucchini Garlic Bites are the perfect savory snack or appetizer. Packed with fresh zucchini, garlic, and cheesy goodness, they’re easy to whip up and even easier to devour. Serve them warm with your favorite dip for a crowd-pleasing bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ tsp onion powder or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- Prep zucchini: Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine zucchini, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Mix well.
- Form bites: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form into small balls or patties. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and firm.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with marinara sauce, ranch, garlic aioli, or sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- Squeeze well! Excess moisture will make the bites soggy, so don’t skip this step.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free crumbs or almond flour.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make ahead: Prep and refrigerate the mixture up to 1 day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2.5g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 1.7g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Keywords: zucchini bites, garlic bites, healthy snack, baked appetizer, vegetarian