Discover the perfect appetizer with our easy-to-make Zucchini Garlic Bites recipe. These bite-sized treats are packed with flavor, featuring shredded zucchini, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and healthy snack that’s sure to impress your guests. Serve them on their own or with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
These flavorful zucchini garlic bites are the perfect easy appetizer for your next party or get together. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these tasty baked bites that everyone will love.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Totally! Yellow squash has a very similar mild flavor and texture to zucchini, so you can swap them 1:1 in this recipe. The baked bites will turn out just as tasty.
How long will the baked zucchini bites keep?
Properly stored in an airtight container, these zucchini garlic bites will keep fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for longer term storage. I like to flash freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a container or bag.
What’s the best way to reheat the zucchini bites?
To reheat leftover bites, spread them out on a baking sheet and warm them up in a 400°F oven for 5-8 minutes. This helps crispen them up again. You can also zap them quickly in the microwave if you’re in a rush.
Can I make the zucchini garlic bites in my air fryer?
For sure! Just preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the bites for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway. It gives them a nice crunch outside.
Do I really need to drain the moisture from the zucchini?
Draining as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini is crucial for getting the right texture. I recommend squeezing it out with either a cheesecloth or paper towels before mixing the bites. Otherwise they can turn out mushy instead of crisp.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded zucchini, drained well
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the shredded zucchini in a cheesecloth or paper towel and press firmly to drain out all excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained zucchini, grated garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, green onions, parsley, basil, salt and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into 1 tablespoon sized balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the bites are lightly browned. Recipe by Ineskohl.info
- Serve the zucchini garlic bites warm out of the oven as appetizers or with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure you drain that zucchini really well. You don’t want any excess water making your bites soggy. Squeeze it out using a cheesecloth or paper towel until it’s as dry as possible.
- Don’t be afraid to play around with the herbs. If you’re not a fan of parsley or basil, swap them out for your favorites. Thyme, rosemary, or even cilantro could be great options.
- Want a little kick? Add some red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili pepper to the mix. It’ll give your bites a nice spicy edge.
- For all you cheese lovers out there, feel free to add some shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the mixture before shaping the bites. It’ll make them even more irresistible!
- If you’re planning ahead, you can prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just shape and bake the bites when you’re ready to serve.
- Don’t limit yourself to just marinara sauce for dipping. Ranch dressing, tzatziki, or a spicy aioli could be fantastic alternatives.
- These bites tend to disappear fast, so if you’re serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe. Better safe than sorry, right?
- Want evenly-sized bites without the hassle of shaping them by hand? Use a mini muffin tin! It’ll make the process a breeze.
