Crispy Zucchini Cheesy Bites
Transform your snacking experience with these Crispy Zucchini Cheesy Bites! A nutritious alternative to traditional tater tots, these baked delights incorporate fresh zucchini, which is not only low in calories but also bursting with essential vitamins and minerals. Each bite is packed with flavor from finely chopped shallots and a blend of Italian seasoning, while gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan cheese provide that irresistible cheesy texture. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or a side dish, these Zucchini Bites can easily adapt to your favorite flavors—try them with cheddar for a sharp twist or even sprinkled with herbs de Provence for a fragrant punch. Served alongside homemade marinara sauce, they are ideal for dipping and sharing. Enjoy guilt-free snacking while getting a dose of fiber and vitamins, making this a perfect addition to any meal or gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
grated zucchini
1 cup (Grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture)
finely chopped shallots or yellow onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup (Shredded)
grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (Grated)
whole wheat panko or dried breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (Unseasoned)
large egg
1 (Beaten)
dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (Dried)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (Dried)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon
olive oil
as needed (For spraying or brushing)
marinara sauce
for serving (For dipping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Using cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel, squeeze the grated zucchini thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to avoid sogginess in your bites.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with finely chopped shallots (or onion), mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. If you find the mixture too moist, gradually add a bit more breadcrumbs until it holds together.
4
Scoop approximately one tablespoon of the mixture and mold it into an oval or bite-sized shape. Repeat this process until all the mixture is formed.
5
Arrange the shaped bites on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil to promote browning.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. They are ready when they are puffed up and golden brown.
7
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce or any dipping sauce of your choice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Zucchini Cheesy Bites?
Crispy Zucchini Cheesy Bites are a nutritious, baked alternative to traditional tater tots made with fresh zucchini, cheese, and seasonings.
How do I prevent the zucchini bites from getting soggy?
The most crucial step is to use cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze the grated zucchini thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible before mixing.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the zucchini bites need to bake?
They should bake for approximately 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Can I use onion instead of shallots?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/4 cup of finely chopped shallots with finely chopped yellow onion.
What types of cheese are used in these bites?
This recipe uses a combination of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Are these zucchini bites healthy?
Yes, they are low in calories and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the fresh zucchini.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can make these gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat panko.
What dipping sauce goes well with these bites?
They are best served warm with homemade marinara sauce for dipping.
Do I need to peel the zucchini before grating?
No, you can grate the zucchini with the skin on to retain more nutrients and fiber.
How much zucchini is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of grated zucchini that has been squeezed to remove excess moisture.
What should I do if the mixture is too moist to hold its shape?
If the mixture is too moist, gradually add more breadcrumbs until it holds together properly for shaping.
Can I use different seasonings?
Yes, you can adapt the flavors by using herbs de Provence or different spices like smoked paprika.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the seasonings and dipping sauce.
What is the purpose of the egg in this recipe?
The beaten egg acts as a binder to hold the zucchini and cheese mixture together.
Can I swap mozzarella for cheddar cheese?
Yes, you can use cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor profile if preferred.
Should I use oil for baking?
You should lightly spray or brush the tops of the bites with olive oil to help them brown and become crispy.
What shape should the zucchini bites be?
Scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture and mold it into an oval or bite-sized shape.
Are these bites fried?
No, these bites are baked in the oven, making them a healthier alternative to fried snacks.
How do I know when the bites are finished cooking?
They are ready when they have puffed up and turned a golden brown color.
Is garlic powder used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for savory flavor.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
What kind of breadcrumbs are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of whole wheat panko or unseasoned dried breadcrumbs.
Why do I need to flip the bites halfway through baking?
Flipping them ensures that the bites crisp up evenly on all sides.
Do these bites contain fiber?
Yes, the combination of zucchini and whole wheat breadcrumbs provides a good dose of fiber.
How do I prepare the zucchini?
Grate the zucchini first, then use a cloth to squeeze out every bit of excess moisture.
What seasoning provides the Italian flavor?
One teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning is used to provide a classic herb flavor.
Are these bites suitable for parties?
Yes, they are ideal as appetizers or side dishes for gatherings and are very shareable.
How much mozzarella is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
One tablespoon of grated Parmesan is used to add a salty, savory depth and help with the texture.