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4.7 from 66 votes

Cheesy Zucchini Bites

Too much Zucchini?  Make some delicious Cheesy Zucchini Bites, double cheese makes these the perfect side dish or appetizer.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Chilling time
1 hr
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 19 bites
Calories: 40 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

FOR THE ZUCCHINI BITES
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium zucchini (chopped small)
  • 1 clove minced garlic 
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¾ cup shredded firm mozzarella (1 cup if you like it extra cheesy)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg (large)
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons bread crumbs (45 grams total)
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped Italian parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 dashes pepper
EXTRAS (FOR ROLLING)
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs (approximately for rolling)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a medium frying pan add the olive oil, chopped zucchini, minced garlic,  salt and water.  Cook covered on medium low heat for approximately 10-15 minutes (make sure the zucchini does not brown, you want it tender), remove cover and continue to cook on low until the water has evaporated and zucchini is tender.  
  2. Transfer the zucchini to a large bowl and mash with a fork. To the bowl add the shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, bread crumbs (¼ cup + 2 tablespoons), parsley and pepper, combine gently until compact.
  3. Form into 19 balls, then roll the zucchini balls in the ¼ cup of bread crumbs, place on a plate, cover with plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour*.
  4. Remove from the fridge and either deep fry in hot oil (350 F / 180 C) until golden, or pan fry in a little hot oil, turn once or twice until golden, or bake in a pre heated 350F / 180C oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.  Sprinkle with a little salt before serving.  Enjoy/!
*Can be refrigerated overnight and cooked the next day.

Notes

  • You can serve these with a marinara sauce, buffalo blue cheese dipping sauce, honey mustard dipping sauce or even a creamy parmesan sauce. Or why not choose one of your favorites!?
  • Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. They will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge. You could re-heat either with a microwave or in the oven.
  • They can also be frozen either baked or raw, if baked place in a freezer bag or container. If they are unbaked then place the balls on a cookie sheet and freeze until firm, transfer to a freezer container or bag in a layer separated with parchment paper. Both ways will keep for up to a month in the freezer.

Nutrition Information

Calories 40kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 2g (3%) Cholesterol 12mg (4%) Sodium 92mg (4%) Potassium 65mg (2%) Vitamin A 105IU (2%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 38mg (4%) Iron 0.3mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 19bites

Amount Per Serving

Calories 40

% Daily Value*

Calories 40kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 2g 3%
Cholesterol 12mg 4%
Sodium 92mg 4%
Potassium 65mg 1%
Vitamin A 105IU 2%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 38mg 4%
Iron 0.3mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.