These Easy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks are a fun treat! They are crispy, cheesy, and packed with healthy zucchini. Perfect as a snack or a side dish!
Truth be told, my kids gobble these up like it’s a pizza party! 🎉 I love making them quickly since they bake up in no time. Serve with your favorite dip, and enjoy the smiles!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the recipe! Fresh, firm zucchini will provide the best texture. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too.
Mozzarella Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness! You can swap it with cheddar or a dairy-free cheese option if needed.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nice salty, nutty flavor. If you’re out, a mix of nutritional yeast or pecorino cheese can be a good alternative.
Flour: All-purpose flour is typical, but almond flour or coconut flour is great for gluten-free. Just adjust the amount slightly as it absorbs moisture differently.
What’s the Best Way to Handle Zucchini for This Recipe?
To get a perfect texture for your breadsticks, it’s crucial to remove excess moisture from the zucchini. This prevents them from being soggy.
- Grate the zucchini and sprinkle it with salt to draw out moisture for about 10 minutes.
- Use your hands or a clean dish towel to squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Less moisture means crispier breadsticks!
How Can I Ensure My Breadsticks Bake Perfectly?
Getting nice, golden brown breadsticks relies on spreading the zucchini mixture evenly.
- After mixing your ingredients, use a spatula to push everything down evenly into the baking pan.
- For an even melt, sprinkle your cheese topping right before baking.
- Keep an eye on the baking time—20-25 minutes is ideal, but oven settings can vary.
Enjoy making these Easy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks and sharing them with friends and family!
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large zucchinis, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or almond flour (for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. Total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes to create these delicious breadsticks. They’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it’s hot and ready for your delicious creation! Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Zucchini
Grate the zucchinis and place them in a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture!
3. Squeeze the Zucchini
After 10 minutes, take the zucchini in your hands or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. This step is key for achieving crispy breadsticks!
4. Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley (if using), and flour. Mix everything well until it’s evenly combined.
5. Spread and Press Mixture
Spread the zucchini mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly to create a nice, rectangular shape. This will help them cook evenly.
6. Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the additional 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the zucchini mixture for a delicious golden melt.
7. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is melted and golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t over-bake!
8. Cool and Cut
Once out of the oven, allow the breadsticks to cool slightly in the pan. This will make cutting them easier! Then, slice them into breadstick-shaped pieces.
9. Serve
These tasty breadsticks are best enjoyed warm! Serve them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or any dip you love. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and veggie-packed zucchini breadsticks!
FAQs for Easy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw the zucchini and squeeze out all excess moisture, as frozen zucchini can hold more water when cooked.
How Can I Make These Dairy-Free?
To make the breadsticks dairy-free, use a dairy-free cheese substitute for mozzarella and Parmesan. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even some cooked sausage for extra flavor. Just be sure to maintain the moisture balance by squeezing out water from any added veggies.
