Parmesan Zucchini Bites Recipe
These Parmesan Zucchini Bites are crispy, cheesy, and packed with fresh herbs. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re quick to prep, baked until golden, and irresistible for zucchini lovers. Serve them hot with a creamy dip or enjoy them on their own.
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Servings: 4
Equipment
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Mixing bowls (medium and small)
- Cheese grater (optional if shredding zucchini)
- Spoon or hands for mixing
- Small brush for herb butter (optional)
Ingredients
For Zucchini Bites:
- 1 pound zucchini about 2–3 medium, sliced ¼-inch thick or grated and drained
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs if making grated zucchini version
- ⅔ cup bread crumbs optional for grated version
- 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced or ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary or ½ tsp dried
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted (for sliced version)
- ¼ tsp sea salt optional
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Optional Creamy Garlic Dip:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp parsley finely chopped
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) for grated zucchini bites or 450°F (230°C) for sliced zucchini. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Zucchini:
- Sliced Version: Slice zucchini ¼-inch thick.
- Grated Version: Grate zucchini and press between paper towels to remove excess water.
Mix Ingredients:
- Sliced Version: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, thyme, rosemary, and garlic. Brush over zucchini slices. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Parmesan.
- Grated Version: In a medium bowl, combine zucchini, eggs, bread crumbs, Parmesan, chives, parsley, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into small bite-sized balls or patties.
Bake:
- Sliced Version: Arrange slices on the baking sheet and bake 15–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Grated Version: Place zucchini bites 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
- Prepare Dip (Optional): While baking, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Enjoy zucchini bites hot with dip or as a savory snack on their own.
Notes
- Cheese Tip: Use extra Parmesan (up to 1 cup) for a cheesier, crispier bite.
- Herb Substitutions: Swap thyme or rosemary with oregano or basil if preferred.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with marinara sauce or creamy garlic dip for a party appetizer.
- Make Ahead: Assemble bites in advance and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing Option: Freeze baked bites in an airtight container for up to 2 months; reheat in oven until warmed through.