These Easy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks are a fun and tasty way to enjoy veggies! With lots of gooey cheese and soft zucchini, they are perfect for snacks or as a side dish.
Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness? 🍕 I often make these breadsticks when I want something easy and yummy—just mix, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of the show! Aim for fresh, firm zucchinis. If you can’t find zucchini, try using yellow squash instead; they have a similar texture and flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, part-skim mozzarella works just fine. For a sharper taste, go for sharp cheddar cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor. In a pinch, grated Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast can replace it for a vegan version!
All-purpose flour: Traditional, but if you’re going low-carb, almond flour makes a great alternative. It changes the texture a bit but still works well.
Garlic: Freshly minced adds amazing flavor. Don’t have fresh garlic? Garlic powder can be used instead, but use about half the amount.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Breadsticks?
Getting that perfect texture is all about how you prepare your zucchini. Zucchini has a high water content, which can lead to soggy breadsticks if not handled correctly.
- Make sure to shred the zucchini and then squeeze it in a clean towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
- The mixture should feel sticky but hold together well when pressed, so don’t skip this step!
Also, pressing the mixture evenly into the pan ensures uniform baking, helping it rise and set properly.
Remember, it’s about enjoying the process, and with these tips, you’ll have delicious breadsticks that everyone will love!
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups shredded)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with almond flour for low carb)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, with an additional 25-30 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to have these cheesy zucchini breadsticks ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or a 9×13 inch cake pan with parchment paper, or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Shred the Zucchini:
Using a box grater or a food processor, shred the zucchinis until they are finely shredded. To remove excess moisture (which can make the breadsticks soggy), place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel, gather it up, and twist to squeeze out the water. Do this well to ensure crispy breadsticks!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded zucchini with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour, the egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. The mixture should be sticky but should hold together nicely when pressed.
4. Spread in the Pan:
Transfer your zucchini mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, pressing down firmly to create a rectangle that’s about 1/2 inch thick.
5. Bake the Base:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want to see the edges turning golden and the base looking set.
6. Add the Cheese Topping:
Once the base is baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top. This will add that extra cheesy goodness!
7. Final Bake:
Put the pan back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with some lovely golden spots.
8. Cool and Garnish:
After baking, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
9. Slice and Serve:
Using a sharp knife, slice the cheesy zucchini breadsticks into rectangle pieces. Serve them warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dip for a perfect snack or side dish!
Enjoy your cheesy, zucchini-packed breadsticks as a deliciously healthy treat that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe, as frozen zucchini can be mushy when thawed. If you do use frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing.
What Can I Substitute for the Egg?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flaxseed meal (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let it sit for 5 minutes) as a binding agent. Both will work well to hold the breadsticks together.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave them for a quick snack!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra seasonings, like Italian herbs, crushed red pepper, or even mix in some finely chopped spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure not to add too much moisture!
