Zucchini Garlic Bites

Crispy Zucchini Garlic Bites made with shredded zucchini, Parmesan cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs. Perfect with marinara sauce!

this Recipe

Can I just say that zucchini is relentless? Every summer, my garden turns into a zucchini-producing monster. No matter how much I use, there’s always another one lurking under a leaf, just waiting to surprise me. If you’ve ever had a garden, you know what I’m talking about—it’s like a zucchini invasion.

A few years ago, after one too many loaves of zucchini bread, I hit a wall. I needed something savory, something that didn’t involve sugar or a loaf pan. That’s when these zucchini garlic bites came into my life. I started with a basic idea—shredded zucchini, a little cheese, maybe some garlic—and tweaked it until it was just right.

I still remember the first time I made them. My kids were skeptical (as usual), but once they dipped their first bite into marinara, they were hooked. Now, these bites are a staple in our house. They’re a hit at parties, a quick snack on busy afternoons, and even a sneaky way to get more veggies onto the dinner table. Plus, they’re just plain fun to eat. Who doesn’t love a good finger food?

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Garlic Bites Recipe?

• Super Easy: You don’t need fancy equipment or special skills to make these.
• Crowd-Pleaser: They’re a hit with everyone—from kids to adults to picky eaters.
• Healthy-ish: They’re baked, not fried, so you can feel good about snacking.
• Perfectly Dippable: Marinara sauce takes these bites to the next level.
• Customizable: You can tweak the herbs, spices, or even the dipping sauce to suit your taste.

Ingredient Notes:

Here’s what makes these bites so irresistible (and easy to whip up):

• Zucchini: The star of the show. Make sure to wring out all the moisture, or your bites might end up soggy.
• Garlic: Freshly grated garlic gives these bites a bold, savory flavor. It’s a must.
• Breadcrumbs: They help hold everything together. Panko breadcrumbs work great if you want a little extra crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and a salty kick. Freshly grated Parmesan makes a huge difference here.
• Egg: This is the glue that holds all the ingredients together.
• Fresh Herbs: Chives, parsley, basil, and oregano add a burst of freshness. Don’t have fresh herbs? Dried ones work too!
• Marinara Sauce: The ultimate dipping companion. It’s like pizza and veggie snacks had a delicious baby.

How To Make Zucchini Garlic Bites?

These bites are a breeze to make. Let’s break it down:

1. Grate and Drain the Zucchini
   Grab a box grater and shred your zucchini onto a clean kitchen towel. Then, roll it up and twist to wring out as much moisture as possible. This step is key. If the zucchini is too wet, your bites won’t hold together.
2. Mix the Ingredients
   Combine the shredded zucchini with garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and herbs in a bowl. Sprinkle in a little salt and pepper, then mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should feel soft but hold its shape when pressed.
3. Shape the Bites
   Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it into small balls. Place each one on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil.
4. Bake Until Golden
   Preheat your oven to 400˚F and bake the bites for 15–18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven. Trust me, the wait is worth it.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve these warm, crispy bites with a side of marinara sauce. They’re perfect for dipping, snacking, or even impressing your guests at a party.

Storage Options:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crispiness.
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked bites on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to make these bites your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Cheese Swap: Use shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
• Extra Veggies: Mix in finely grated carrot or chopped spinach for an extra nutrient boost.
• Dipping Sauce: Swap marinara for ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even spicy sriracha mayo.

What to Serve with Zucchini Garlic Bites?

These bites are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with the right pairings:

• Soup: They’re amazing alongside tomato basil soup or even a creamy potato soup.
• Salad: A crisp, tangy salad with a vinaigrette complements the rich flavors.
• Pasta: Pair them with spaghetti for a fun, veggie-packed twist on Italian night.
• Wine: A crisp white wine or even a sparkling rosé pairs beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these ahead of time?

Totally! You can prepare the mixture and shape the bites a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Nope! The peel adds a little color and texture, plus it’s full of nutrients.

Can I fry these instead of baking?

Absolutely. Fry them in a shallow pan with olive oil until golden and crispy.

Zucchini Garlic Bites are the kind of recipe that just makes life better. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor—plus, they’re a great way to use up all that zucchini sitting on your counter. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or just because, they’re sure to impress. So, what do you think? Ready to give them a try? Let me know how they turn out—and don’t forget to share your favorite dipping sauce!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Crispy and Savory Sausage Hashbrown Bites

My Grandma’s Brownies: The Best Brownies You’ve Ever Tasted

Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packs

5 from 2 votes

Zucchini Garlic Bites

Prep Time 12 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

When you have a desire, for something delicious look no further than these Zucchini Garlic Bites. Picture tender zucchini blended with the kick of garlic coated in a crispy layer and complemented by the flavorful hints of Parmigiano Reggiano. Each bite takes you on a trip, to Italy embracing you with comforting flavors that are both gourmet and homey. This dish brings back memories of laughter-filled get-togethers and the pure happiness of enjoying food.

PRINT PIN REVIEW SAVE Saved!

16 Servings

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 1 c shredded zucchini drained well
• 1 clove garlic grated fine
• 1/3 c breadcrumbs
• 1/4 c grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp. fresh chives chopped (or 1 tbsp. dried chives)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried parsley)
• 1 tsp fresh basil chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried basil)
• 1 tsp fresh oregano chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried oregano)
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• Tomato sauce for dipping

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it with oil or using non-stick cooking spray.
2. Use a grater to shred the zucchini onto a towel then squeeze out any moisture.
3. Grate the cloves.
4. In a bowl combine the shredded zucchini, grated garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, salt and pepper.
5. Shape the mixture into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Until they turn golden brown.
7. Serve these zucchini balls with tomato sauce.

Notes

For a gluten-free interpretation of the Zucchini Garlic Bites, simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Confirm any store-bought sauces or seasonings used are also approved gluten-free to sidestep cross-contamination. Relish the bites without compromising on flavor or dietary requirements!

Audrey

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Let me know! Mention @nodashofgluten or tag #nodashofgluten

Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

nodashofgluten.com/