These Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks are a tasty and fun snack! Made with fresh zucchini and plenty of gooey cheese, they are sure to please everyone.
They’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce, and I can’t help but munch on them while watching my favorite show. Who knew veggies could be this delicious? 😋
Making these is super easy; just mix, bake, and enjoy! They’re a great way to sneak some veggies into your day, and you’ll feel good about it too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are essential for this recipe as they provide moisture and a mild flavor. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash can be a great alternative.
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives that stretchy, gooey texture you want. You can substitute with provolone for a different flavor, or use a vegan cheese option for a dairy-free version.
Flour: While all-purpose flour works well here, you can substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free blend if needed. Just adjust the amount based on the moisture from the zucchini.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a nice touch, but you could use basil or even spinach for added flavor. Dried herbs like Italian seasoning can work too if fresh isn’t handy.
How Can I Avoid Soggy Breadsticks?
The key to perfect breadsticks is to remove as much moisture from the zucchini as possible. Here’s how to do it:
- After shredding the zucchini, sprinkle it with salt and let it rest in a colander. This helps draw out excess liquid.
- Once it’s rested, use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out additional moisture. It should feel dry to the touch.
Following this step is crucial to ensure your breadsticks are crispy and not soggy. Trust me, the texture will be much better!
Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 2 medium zucchinis, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or more as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Estimate:
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 25-30 minutes of cooking time, making a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). It’s important to have the oven ready for crisping those lovely breadsticks!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Place the shredded zucchini in a colander over the sink and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to help draw out moisture. This step is important for getting rid of excess water!
3. Squeeze the Zucchini:
After letting it sit, take a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze the zucchini to remove as much liquid as possible. The drier it is, the better your breadsticks will be!
4. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with 3/4 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, egg, flour, garlic powder, oregano (if you’re using it), and some black pepper. Mix everything together until it forms a dough-like mixture. If it seems too wet, you can add a little more flour.
5. Shape the Mixture:
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly into a rectangle that is about 1/2 inch thick. Press down firmly to make sure it holds together!
6. Bake the Base:
Bake the zucchini mixture in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. This is where the magic begins!
7. Add More Cheese:
Take the pan out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese over the top. This will make your breadsticks extra cheesy!
8. Finish Baking:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a lovely golden brown color on top.
9. Cool and Cut:
Once done, remove from the oven and let the breadsticks cool slightly. Then, cut into breadstick-sized rectangles.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with some extra chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy your delicious cheesy zucchini breadsticks!
These breadsticks make for a fantastic snack, appetizer, or even side dish. Your friends and family will love them!
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Using frozen zucchini is possible, but it’s best to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Squeeze out any liquid after thawing to prevent sogginess in the breadsticks.
How Can I Make These Breadsticks Gluten-Free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It may help to add a bit more flour based on the moisture content of the zucchini.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in or substitute other veggies like shredded carrots or spinach. You can also add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or different cheeses for a twist on flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.
