Description
Zucchini garlic bites combine Mediterranean flavors with crispy textures. Herb-infused cheese and golden-brown exteriors make these appetizers irresistible for guests craving a savory snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) shredded zucchini, drained well
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (30 g/1 oz) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- ⅓ cup (45 g/1.5 oz) breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, grated fine
- 2 tbsps fresh chives, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried chives)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or ½ tsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp fresh basil, chopped (or ½ tsp dried basil)
- 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped (or ½ tsp dried oregano)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- tomato sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Moisture Extraction: Press zucchini with clean kitchen towel to eliminate excess liquid, ensuring compact and crisp texture for optimal bite consistency.
- Flavor Foundation: Mince garlic cloves thoroughly, releasing robust aromatic compounds that will permeate the entire mixture.
- Binding Preparation: Whisk egg until smooth and blend with grated cheese, creating a cohesive mixture that reinforces structural stability of zucchini bites.
- Seasoning Fusion: Integrate dried herbs, salt, and pepper to develop a multilayered flavor profile that enhances the vegetable’s natural qualities.
- Textural Enhancement: Fold breadcrumbs into mixture, providing structural support and generating a delicate, crisp exterior when baked.
- Shaping Technique: Roll mixture into uniform spherical portions, maintaining consistent size and compact density for even cooking.
- Baking Preparation: Arrange zucchini bites on lightly greased baking sheet, spacing them to facilitate uniform golden-brown caramelization.
- Thermal Transformation: Roast in preheated oven at 400˚F for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until exterior achieves crisp, golden-brown finish with internal moisture retention.
- Serving Suggestion: Plate warm bites alongside tangy tomato sauce for complementary dipping experience, balancing rich herbal notes with bright acidic undertones.
Notes
- Drain Like a Pro: Squeeze zucchini with a clean kitchen towel to remove maximum moisture, preventing soggy bites that fall apart.
- Garlic Power: Crush garlic cloves finely to release intense flavor and distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- Breadcrumb Magic: Use breadcrumbs strategically to absorb excess liquid and create a crispy, golden exterior that holds the bites together.
- Uniform Shaping: Roll bites gently between palms to ensure consistent size and compact texture, promoting even cooking and professional presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 92
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg