Name: Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: Fresh Zucchini: (2 medium-sized) – The star of the show! Choose firm zucchini for the best texture. They provide a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a wonderful tender interior to the bites.; Shredded Cheddar Cheese: (1 cup) – Adds a sharp, savory, and familiar cheesy flavor. Cheddar melts beautifully and creates that classic cheesy pull we all love. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar depending on your preference.; Grated Parmesan Cheese: (½ cup) – Provides a salty, nutty, and umami-rich depth of flavor. Parmesan cheese also contributes to the crispy exterior of the bites when baked.; Breadcrumbs: (½ cup, Panko or regular) – Adds texture and helps bind the ingredients together. Panko breadcrumbs offer a lighter, crispier coating, while regular breadcrumbs work just as well for a slightly denser bite.; Large Egg: (1) – Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and providing structure to the zucchini bites.; Garlic: (2 cloves, minced) – Essential for that pungent, savory garlic flavor that complements the zucchini and cheese perfectly. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best taste.; Fresh Parsley: (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color. Parsley brightens up the flavor profile and adds a touch of freshness.; Dried Oregano: (1 teaspoon) – Provides a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic Mediterranean flavor that pairs wonderfully with zucchini and garlic.; Salt: (½ teaspoon) – Enhances all the flavors in the recipe and balances the overall taste. Adjust to your preference.; Black Pepper: (¼ teaspoon) – Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its bolder taste.; Olive Oil: (for greasing) – Prevents the zucchini bites from sticking to the baking sheet and helps them crisp up nicely on the bottom.

Ingredients

Fresh Zucchini: (2 medium-sized) – The star of the show! Choose firm zucchini for the best texture. They provide a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a wonderful tender interior to the bites.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: (1 cup) – Adds a sharp, savory, and familiar cheesy flavor. Cheddar melts beautifully and creates that classic cheesy pull we all love. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar depending on your preference.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: (½ cup) – Provides a salty, nutty, and umami-rich depth of flavor. Parmesan cheese also contributes to the crispy exterior of the bites when baked.
Breadcrumbs: (½ cup, Panko or regular) – Adds texture and helps bind the ingredients together. Panko breadcrumbs offer a lighter, crispier coating, while regular breadcrumbs work just as well for a slightly denser bite.
Large Egg: (1) – Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and providing structure to the zucchini bites.
Garlic: (2 cloves, minced) – Essential for that pungent, savory garlic flavor that complements the zucchini and cheese perfectly. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best taste.
Fresh Parsley: (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color. Parsley brightens up the flavor profile and adds a touch of freshness.
Dried Oregano: (1 teaspoon) – Provides a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic Mediterranean flavor that pairs wonderfully with zucchini and garlic.
Salt: (½ teaspoon) – Enhances all the flavors in the recipe and balances the overall taste. Adjust to your preference.
Black Pepper: (¼ teaspoon) – Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its bolder taste.
Olive Oil: (for greasing) – Prevents the zucchini bites from sticking to the baking sheet and helps them crisp up nicely on the bottom.

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Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini: Begin by washing the zucchini thoroughly. Trim off the ends and then grate them using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial! Excess moisture will make your zucchini bites soggy and prevent them from crisping up properly. Keep squeezing until you can’t extract any more liquid. You’ll be surprised how much water zucchini holds!
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Parchment paper is a great option as it also prevents sticking and makes transferring the bites easier later on.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
Add Egg and Mix Well: Crack the egg into the bowl and mix everything together thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is evenly moistened. The egg will act as a binder, ensuring the bites hold their shape. Don’t overmix, just mix until everything is just combined.
Form the Zucchini Bites: Take about a tablespoon of the zucchini mixture and roll it into a small ball or form it into a slightly flattened disc. You can make them any shape you like, but consistent size will ensure even cooking. Place each bite onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. This allows for proper air circulation and even browning.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini bites are golden brown and crispy on the edges and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them nicely browned but not burnt.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the zucchini bites cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving plate. This allows them to firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, garlicky goodness!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 150
Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 8
Fiber: 2
Protein: 8