These Easy Zucchini Breadsticks are a tasty and fun snack! Made with fresh zucchini and a bit of cheese, they’re perfect for dipping or munching on their own.
Honestly, who can resist a crispy, cheesy breadstick? I love serving these with marinara sauce on movie nights—it’s a hit every time! 🍝
Making these is a breeze. Just mix, shape, and bake. They disappear fast, so I always make a little extra—trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star ingredient! Look for firm, medium-sized zucchini, as they give the best texture. If zucchini isn’t available, you can substitute with yellow squash for a similar taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here, but you could swap it for whole wheat flour for added fiber. If you’re gluten-free, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its stretchy texture. Cheddar can also work if you want a sharper flavor. For a dairy-free option, try a vegan cheese or omit it altogether.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. If you’re vegan or allergic, substitute with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for similar binding properties.
How Can I Get the Zucchini to Release Its Moisture?
Squeezing out the moisture from the zucchini is crucial. If you skip this step, your breadsticks may turn out soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Gather the corners of the towel and twist to squeeze, pushing out as much liquid as possible.
- This helps concentrate the zucchini flavor and maintains the ideal breadstick texture.
Taking a moment to remove excess moisture makes all the difference—trust me, you’ll be glad you did! Enjoy making these crispy and cheesy breadsticks!
How to Make Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium zucchini, finely grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for brushing
- Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for baking, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip up these delicious breadsticks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s hot, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate your zucchini and then place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze as hard as you can to remove excess moisture. This step is super important for keeping your breadsticks from getting soggy!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the drained zucchini, flour, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, baking powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it forms a dough.
4. Shape the Breadsticks:
Use your hands to shape the dough into breadsticks on the lined baking sheet. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick and 4-5 inches long. You should be able to make around 10–12 breadsticks!
5. Brush with Olive Oil:
Lightly brush the tops of the breadsticks with olive oil to help them brown nicely in the oven.
6. Bake the Breadsticks:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They’re best served warm! Feel free to enjoy them on their own or with marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your easy and delicious zucchini breadsticks! They’re perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just keep in mind that it may yield a denser breadstick, so you might need to adjust the flour quantity slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with another cooking oil, like vegetable or canola oil. You could also use melted butter for added flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Zucchini Breadsticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Can I Freeze These Zucchini Breadsticks?
Yes! After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
