Zucchini Garlic Bites are a tasty, healthy, and easy-to-make snack or appetizer that’s packed with flavor. These little bites feature tender, flavorful zucchini seasoned with garlic and baked to golden perfection. Lightly crispy on the outside with a soft interior, these bites are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce or enjoying on their own. Whether you’re looking for a veggie-packed snack or a side dish to complement your meal, these Zucchini Garlic Bites will hit the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zucchini Garlic Bites are simple to prepare and deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of fresh zucchini, garlic, and a crispy breadcrumb coating makes for a satisfying and wholesome treat. They’re perfect for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without sacrificing taste. With just a few basic ingredients, these bites are a crowd-pleasing snack, a healthy alternative to fried foods, and a great way to make use of seasonal zucchini.

Zucchini Garlic Bites

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 medium zucchini, grated (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for a cheesy flavor)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)

Directions

Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This will help the bites hold together better when baking.
Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Add the beaten egg and mix everything together until well combined.
Form the bites: Using your hands, shape the zucchini mixture into small balls or patties, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. If the mixture is too wet to hold together, you can add a little more breadcrumbs to help with the binding.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.
Bake the zucchini bites: Arrange the zucchini bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Lightly spray or drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the bites to help them crisp up during baking.
Bake and serve: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the zucchini bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor. Serve the Zucchini Garlic Bites with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a garlic aioli.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 18-20 zucchini bites.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Zucchini Bites: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture for a little heat.
Cheesy Zucchini Bites: Increase the amount of Parmesan or add shredded mozzarella to the mix for a cheesier version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free alternative.
Vegan Version: Omit the egg and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) to bind the mixture together.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover zucchini bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked zucchini bites for up to 2 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake directly from frozen for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though they may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different vegetable instead of zucchini?

Yes! You can use other vegetables like summer squash, sweet potato, or carrots, but make sure to adjust the grating and squeezing process to remove excess moisture for the best texture.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the zucchini bites ahead of time. Form them into patties or balls, refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, and then bake when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I fry these instead of baking them?

Yes, you can pan-fry these bites for an extra crispy exterior. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the zucchini bites for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

4. Can I add herbs to the mixture?

Absolutely! You can add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to give the zucchini bites more flavor and variety.

5. How do I make these zucchini bites more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, you can add a dash of paprika, onion powder, or nutritional yeast to the mixture. You can also experiment with adding grated cheese like cheddar or gouda for extra richness.

6. How do I make these bites more crispy?

To make the bites crispier, add an extra layer of breadcrumbs on the outside before baking or frying. You can also spray them with a little more olive oil to help them crisp up.

7. Can I serve these with a dipping sauce?

Yes! These zucchini bites pair well with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, tzatziki, or garlic aioli.

8. How do I prevent the zucchini bites from falling apart?

The key is to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini before mixing. Adding the breadcrumbs and egg helps to bind the mixture together. If needed, you can add a little extra breadcrumbs to help with the texture.

9. Can I bake these in a toaster oven?

Yes! You can bake these zucchini bites in a toaster oven at the same temperature (400°F/200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

10. Can I use frozen zucchini?

It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe, as frozen zucchini may release too much water and affect the texture of the bites. However, if using frozen zucchini, be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess water before using it.

Conclusion

Zucchini Garlic Bites are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With a simple combination of zucchini, garlic, and breadcrumbs, they’re crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re serving them for a party, as a side dish, or as a healthy snack, these bites are sure to be a hit with everyone. They’re customizable, easy to prepare, and packed with fresh flavors—making them a great addition to your recipe collection!