Ever find yourself with a bumper crop of zucchinis and not a clue what to do with them all? Trust me, I’ve been there! Last summer, my garden zucchinis were practically taking over the kitchen counter. That’s when I decided to get a little creative and came up with these golden, garlicky bites of heaven—Zucchini Garlic Bites. Not only are they a scrumptious way to sneak some veggies into your menu, but they’re also perfect for those days when you need a quick appetizer or a side to jazz up your main dish.
These bites are oh-so-versatile. Pop them on a platter with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear at your next get-together. They also pair brilliantly with a crisp green salad or alongside a cozy spaghetti dinner. Want to make it a meal? Serve them with grilled chicken or fish for that extra protein punch.
Ingredients
– 2 medium zucchinis, grated
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for frying)
Directions
1. Start by wringing out the excess moisture from your grated zucchini with a clean kitchen towel—this is the secret to getting those bites extra crispy.
2. In a large bowl, mix the dry zucchini with grated Parmesan, flour, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried basil, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the skillet warms, form the zucchini mixture into small patties.
4. Once the oil is hot, fry the patties in batches until they turn a lovely golden brown, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the cooked bites onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil.
6. Serve hot and crispy!
Variations & Tips
– For a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour for almond or coconut flour.
– If you’re looking to cut back on cheese, a nutritional yeast substitute can give you a similar cheesy flavor.
– Got some fresh herbs in the garden? Chop ’em up and throw ’em in! Fresh basil and oregano will elevate this dish to new heights.
– Make it a full-blown fiesta in a bite by adding a dash of cumin and swapping Parmesan for pepper jack cheese.
– Meal prepping? These bites reheat well, so make a double batch and have them on hand throughout the week
Just remember, the real key to these savory nibbles is ensuring you squeeze that moisture out of the zucchini. That way, you’ll achieve the perfect bite that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Happy cooking, friends!
