Crispy Zucchini Veggie Bites

Name: Crispy Zucchini Veggie Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, grated; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Oil spray for baking

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making Crispy Zucchini Veggie Bites as a healthy snack or appetizer. They are incredibly easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. I find that the combination of herbs and spices really enhances the natural taste of the zucchini, while the crispy exterior provides that delightful crunch I crave. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any extra zucchini from the garden. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:52:15.004Z

When I first made these Crispy Zucchini Veggie Bites, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to whip up! I simply grated the zucchini, mixed it with breadcrumbs and seasonings, and then baked them to perfection. The result was a light and crunchy treat that I couldn’t stop snacking on. I also discovered that letting the grated zucchini sit with salt for a few minutes helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring they bake up perfectly crispy!

Over the years, I’ve experimented with different herbs and spices to add depth to the flavor profile of these bites. One of my favorites is adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky taste. I’ve found that serving them with a tangy yogurt dip elevates the experience even more. Whether served at a party or enjoyed solo, these bites are sure to impress!

        Why You'll Love These Bites
        Packed with fresh veggies and bursting with flavor
Simple to make with just a few ingredients
Versatile — dip them in your favorite sauce or enjoy them plain

      

Ingredient Insights

Zucchini is the star of this recipe, providing a mild yet satisfying flavor while keeping the bites light and nutritious. When selecting zucchini, opt for firm ones that are medium-sized. Larger zucchinis tend to have a less appealing texture, often becoming watery, which can affect the overall crispiness of your veggie bites. Always wash and dry them before grating to ensure no excess moisture interferes with your mixture.

Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor depth but also helps bind the ingredients together. For a lower-fat alternative or to make it dairy-free, try using nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute. Keep in mind that each option can slightly alter the flavor, but they can still produce delicious results.

Cooking Techniques for Optimal Crispiness

Achieving the perfect crispiness is key to enjoying these bites. After grating the zucchini and letting it rest, be diligent about squeezing out as much moisture as possible. An excellent trick I use is to wrap the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist it to extract water effectively. This step is crucial; excess moisture can lead to soggy bites, so make sure your mixture is slightly damp but not wet.

When baking, I recommend using parchment paper rather than greasing the pan, which can cause the bottoms to fry instead of crisp up. Keep an eye on them as they bake, turning halfway for even browning. Look for a golden hue and crispy edges, signaling they are ready to come out of the oven.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Crispy Zucchini Veggie Bites:

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini, grated
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oil spray for baking

Make sure everything is mixed well before forming your bites!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Crispy Zucchini Veggie Bites:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the zucchini

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture.

Mix the ingredients

After 10 minutes, squeeze the zucchini with your hands to remove as much liquid as possible. In another bowl, mix the drained zucchini with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, pepper, and additional salt if desired.

Form the bites

Use your hands to form small balls or patties from the mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure they become golden brown on both sides.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dip!

Enjoy your delicious and crunchy zucchini bites!

Pro Tips

For an added twist, feel free to incorporate finely chopped herbs or spicy chili flakes into the mixture for more flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar or feta for a unique taste.

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Zucchini Veggie Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dips. A tangy yogurt-based sauce or a spicy marinara can complement the zucchini’s flavor beautifully. For something different, consider pairing them with a homemade avocado dip for a creamy contrast. Serve them warm for the best texture, but they also hold their flavor well at room temperature, making them excellent for gatherings.

To elevate your dish, garnish the bites with fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors, creating a refreshing contrast against the savory aspects of the bites.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to prep ahead, you can form the bites and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment; arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a storage bag once frozen. They can go straight from the freezer to the oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Leftover bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat and regain their crispiness, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, turning them halfway through. Avoid microwaving, as they can lose their desired texture and become soggy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake them fresh before serving!

→ What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

You can use crushed cornflakes, panko, or even ground oats as a gluten-free alternative.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I freeze the veggie bites?

Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Just make sure to lay them flat on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.