These Easy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks are a tasty twist on regular breadsticks! Made with fresh zucchini and melted cheese, they are soft and oh-so-delicious.
They’re perfect for snacks or as a side. I love having them with marinara sauce for dipping. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch—they disappear fast! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star here! If you can’t find zucchini, low-moisture yellow squash works well too. For an extra kick, try adding some finely chopped spinach for color and nutrients.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness. You can substitute with cheddar for a sharper taste or a blend of cheeses if you’re feeling adventurous!
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a nice texture. If you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix will do the trick. I’ve had great results with almond flour as well, just note it may change the texture slightly.
Egg: This binds the mixture. If you’re vegan or allergic, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a similar binding effect.
How Can You Get the Perfect Texture for Your Breadsticks?
To avoid soggy breadsticks, the key step is removing excess moisture from the zucchini. After grating, sprinkle with salt and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out moisture. Then, squeeze the zucchini tightly in a towel to get rid of as much liquid as possible.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This will help everything cook evenly.
- Press the mixture firmly into your baking pan for even cooking. Aim for about ½-inch thickness.
- Let the breadsticks cool slightly after baking for better slicing.
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Breadsticks:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking, for a total of about 30 minutes. You’ll get cheesy, golden breadsticks ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab your baking pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little olive oil. This will help the breadsticks not to stick!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Next, set your grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps pull out some of the moisture, which is crucial for keeping your breadsticks from being soggy.
3. Squeeze the Zucchini:
After 10 minutes, take the zucchini and give it a good squeeze using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Get rid of as much liquid as you can. This step is super important for a nice texture!
4. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, flour, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Mix everything together until it forms a dough-like mixture. It should be well combined!
5. Transfer to the Pan:
Now, take your mixture and spread it into the greased baking pan. Press it down evenly to form a rectangle about ½-inch thick—this helps everything cook nicely!
6. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. This will give you that wonderful cheesy goodness when baked!
7. Bake:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top that’s all bubbly from the cheese. It’s going to smell amazing!
8. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool slightly. After a few minutes, use a knife to cut the breadsticks into rectangular pieces.
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, garnish with a little more chopped parsley on top for extra color. Serve your warm, cheesy zucchini breadsticks with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
These Easy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks make for a fun and healthy snack or appetizer that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini?
While fresh zucchini is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen zucchini if necessary. Just make sure to completely thaw it and squeeze out all excess moisture before using it in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave them for about 30-60 seconds until warm.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with These Breadsticks?
Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a spicy salsa for a fun twist. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite sauces!
