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Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 92 reviews

These Easy Cheesy Zucchini Bites are a perfect savory snack or appetizer made with grated zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Baked to golden perfection, they’re crisp on the outside and tender inside, combining fresh vegetables with cheesy goodness for a deliciously healthy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 ½ cups grated zucchini, packed (about 1 pound or two 8-inch zucchini)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ cup (2.5 ounces) dried breadcrumbs
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Dairy

  • 1 cup (4 ounces) extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Others

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the zucchini: Trim the ends off the zucchini and grate them using a box grater with larger holes or a food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a colander over a plate and toss with 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow excess moisture to drain out.
  2. Remove excess moisture: After the zucchini has sat, squeeze as much liquid as possible using your hands, then place it in a doubled paper towel or clean kitchen towel and squeeze again to remove remaining moisture. This step is crucial to avoid soggy bites.
  3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  4. Mix ingredients: Place the dried zucchini into a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the dried breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, eggs, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse about 5 times, then scrape down the sides and pulse an additional 5 times or until the mixture is thoroughly combined. If you don’t have a food processor, combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
  5. Shape the bites: Using a 2-teaspoon ice cream scoop, drop portions of the zucchini mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately.
  6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bites are lightly browned and cooked through.
  7. Serve and store: Enjoy immediately, or prepare the mixture up to shaping in advance. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated at 350°F for 15 minutes for best results.

Notes

  • The weight and size of zucchini vary, so measuring by weight (about 1 pound total) is best to ensure correct moisture and texture.
  • If you don’t own a food processor, you can grate the zucchini with a box grater and mix all ingredients thoroughly by hand.
  • To remove excess liquid from zucchini, squeeze with your hands, then further dry using doubled paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to prevent sogginess.
  • This recipe can be prepared partly ahead by mixing the ingredients and refrigerating the shaped bites before baking.
  • Leftover bites keep well in the refrigerator and reheat nicely in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350°F.

Keywords: zucchini bites, cheesy zucchini, appetizer, snack, baked zucchini, vegetarian appetizer, easy zucchini recipe

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/easy-cheesy-zucchini-bites-recipe/