Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded zucchini, drained well
- 1 clove garlic, grated fine
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or 1 tablespoon dried chives)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
For Dipping
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray and set it aside.
- Drain the Zucchini: Use a box grater to grate the zucchini into a clean kitchen towel. Roll the towel tightly and twist it to wring out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini to avoid soggy bites.
- Grate the Garlic: Using the small holes on the box grater, grate the garlic clove finely to incorporate into the mixture smoothly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the drained shredded zucchini, grated garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh chives, parsley, basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a unified mixture.
- Form the Bites: Take a tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into small balls using your hands. Place each formed bite onto the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart.
- Bake to Golden: Bake the zucchini garlic bites in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on the outside.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping. This recipe yields approximately 16 bites.
Notes
- How to Freeze: After baking, allow the zucchini bites to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a large baking sheet and flash freeze for one hour. Once frozen, transfer the bites into a freezer bag and store for up to 4 months.
- Reheating Frozen Bites: To reheat, preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Arrange frozen zucchini garlic bites on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
