Hey there, veggie lovers!
Looking for a fun and tasty snack? You’re in for a treat!
Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for baked zucchini garlic bites.
They’re crispy, full of flavor, and a great way to sneak in some veggies.
Perfect for munching on while you binge-watch your favorite show or as a healthy appetizer.
Let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Zucchini can be substituted with yellow squash or carrots, maintaining a similar texture and nutritional profile. Grate and drain the alternative vegetable as you would zucchini. Bread crumbs can be replaced with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, gluten-free option. Adjust the quantity to achieve the desired consistency. For a dairy-free version, swap parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, which provides a similar cheesy flavor and adds B vitamins. Use about 1/3 cup of nutritional yeast to replace the 1/2 cup of parmesan. These substitutions allow for dietary flexibility while preserving the overall taste and texture of the baked zucchini garlic bites.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 35-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 30-35 g
- Fat: 50-60 g
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 g
Ingredients
For the zucchini bites:
- 3 cups grated zucchini (squeeze out excess water using a cheesecloth for best texture)
- 2/3 cup breadcrumbs
- salt to taste
- 2 eggs
- pepper to taste
- 2 tsp minced fresh garlic (freshly minced is best for flavor)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (I like Sartori brand for its nutty flavor)
- 4 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
For the dipping sauce:
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat for a richer dip)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Hellmann’s for its classic creamy taste)
- ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for brighter flavor)
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lay a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients for Zucchini Bites
In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, eggs, bread crumbs, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, parsley, basil, along with salt and pepper.
Mix thoroughly, preferably using your hands to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
If the mixture seems too runny to hold its shape, add an additional 1/3 cup of bread crumbs to achieve the right consistency.
Step 3: Form Zucchini Bites
Once the ingredients are well combined, form the mixture into small bite-sized balls.
Use a melon baller or spoon to ensure they are uniform in size.
Place each ball on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving at least an inch of space between them to ensure even baking.
Step 4: Bake the Zucchini Bites
Bake the zucchini bites in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven once they are golden brown, which may be around the 25-minute mark.
Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
While the zucchini bites are baking, prepare the dipping sauce.
In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and parsley.
Stir well and taste the mixture.
Adjust seasoning with pepper, adding about four twists of a pepper grinder to enhance the flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the zucchini bites are done baking, let them cool slightly before serving.
Pair them with the prepared dip for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Enjoy the flavorful bites with family and friends!
