These Easy Zucchini Breadsticks are fun, tasty, and a great way to sneak in some veggies! With simple ingredients like zucchini, cheese, and herbs, they bake up crispy and golden.
I love serving them as a fun snack or side dish. Plus, they vanish quickly when I have friends over—who knew veggies could be so exciting? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium zucchinis are key for these breadsticks. Their moisture adds flavor, but make sure to squeeze out excess liquid to avoid sogginess. If zucchini isn’t available, you can substitute with yellow squash for a similar taste.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a rich flavor while mozzarella gives that melty goodness. If you’re dairy-free, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with some dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for structure, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or coconut flour can work too—just adjust the amount as needed since they absorb moisture differently.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. If you want a vegan alternative, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute.
How Do You Achieve the Best Texture for Your Zucchini Breadsticks?
A crucial step in making these breadsticks is to properly prepare the zucchini. After grating, it’s important to remove excess moisture by squeezing it out with a kitchen towel. This helps achieve a firmer texture and prevents the breadsticks from becoming mushy.
- Once grated, place the zucchini in the towel and twist to drain the liquid.
- This step ensures your breadsticks are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Don’t rush this part! The drier the zucchini, the better your breadsticks will turn out. Happy cooking!
Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to enjoy these delicious zucchini breadsticks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps ensure your breadsticks cook evenly and come out crisp.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Then, place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is important to avoid soggy breadsticks!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, all-purpose flour, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until you have a dough-like mixture.
4. Shape the Mixture:
Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands or a spatula, shape the mixture into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Try to keep it uniform for even baking!
5. Score the Breadsticks:
With a knife or pizza cutter, score the rectangle into breadstick shapes, about 1-inch wide. This will make it much easier to break them apart after they’re baked.
6. Brush with Olive Oil:
Lightly brush the top of the mixture with olive oil. This helps to give the breadsticks a lovely golden color.
7. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the breadsticks are cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Separate:
Once baked, remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully separate them along the scored lines.
9. Serve:
Enjoy your easy zucchini breadsticks warm, paired with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping!
These zucchini breadsticks are a fantastic treat for beginners and sure to impress your friends or family. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen grated zucchini, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture just like fresh zucchini. This will help maintain the texture of the breadsticks.
How Can I Make These Breadsticks Gluten-Free?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the quantity slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently.
Can I Make Them Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready, shape and bake as usual!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick snack.
