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Grow a Good Life

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in Party Food· Recipes

Zucchini Garlic Bites

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This tasty zucchini garlic bites recipe combines shredded zucchini with garlic, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and is served with a marinara dipping sauce for an Italian inspired twist.

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close up image of a zucchini ball on a baking sheet

Ah, zucchini…It is the crop that just keeps on giving throughout the growing season. This recipe is one more way to transform it into a scrumptious bite that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a kid’s meal.

It’s late summer, and the kitchen is busy with preserving the harvest. Right now, the counters are filled with tomatoes and zucchini harvested from the garden. Both are in heavy rotation as I turn the ripe tomatoes into canned sauce or salsa, and the zucchini into zucchini lasagna, zucchini bread, or preserved for later. Once the counter is cleared, I have only a short moment of satisfaction before it begins filling up once again with newly picked fruit.

With football season approaching, I wanted to add something different to our weekly finger food spread. Since weekends spent preserving the harvest usually stretches well into fall, it had to be something tasty but easy to throw together.

Faced with a counter full of newly harvested zucchini, and the aroma of tomato sauce filling the kitchen as it simmered on the stove, it was then that I remembered one of those cooking videos on Facebook. It was some sort of shredded zucchini combination to resemble tater tots. I wanted to try something similar but with an Italian inspired twist.

I began chopping up some fresh parsley, oregano, and basil. I thought about adding minced onion and garlic, but worried about the texture since they wouldn’t have time to soften. Instead, I added chopped chives for a mild onion flavor and grated the garlic that infused into the mixture. A little Parmesan cheese added a slight nutty flavor.

This flavorful Italian style zucchini garlic bites are easy to make and taste delicious dipped in a classic tomato marinara sauce.

How to Make Zucchini Bites

This recipe was originally published back in August 2014 and continues to be one of the most popular recipes here at Grow a Good Life. It was time for a refresh with new photos and video just in time for summer. The recipe remains the same, and can be found with ingredients and full instructions at the bottom of the article.

I have addressed the most common questions, added a few variations, including air frying, how to make ahead and freeze for later, and ways to substitute ingredients for keto, gluten free, and vegan options.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper. Gather the ingredients: zucchini, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce for dipping.

ingredients for zucchini garlic bites

Step 2: Remove Moisture from the Zucchini

Key to the success of this recipe is to squeeze out as much moisture as you can from the shredded zucchini. This will result in a bite that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Rinse your zucchini well under clean running water. Trim off the ends and shred the zucchini by sliding across the large holes of a box grater. If you are using a big zucchini, cut in half and scoop out the seeds before grating.

Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist the towel to wring out moisture.

using a towel to squeeze out moisture from the shredded zucchini

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Once the zucchini feels somewhat dry, add it to a medium sized prep bowl. Chop your herbs, peel and grate the garlic, and add to the bowl along with the egg, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

zucchini garlic bites ingredients in a bowl

Step 4: Form the Zucchini Balls

Scoop out one tablespoon of the zucchini mixture, shape into a small ball, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

zucchini balls in a baking pan

Step 5: Bake in a Preheated Oven

Bake until golden and serve warm with a tomato dipping sauce.

dipping zucchini garlic bites in tomato sauce

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them into a preheated 400˚F oven and bake until warm, about 5 to 8 minutes.

How to Freeze

Follow the recipe and let zucchini bites cool. Place in a single layer on a large baking sheet and flash freeze for one hour. Once the zucchini balls are frozen, place them into a freezer bag. Store up 4 months in the freezer.

Reheat by preheating your oven to 400˚F. Place the frozen zucchini garlic bites on a baking sheet and bake until heated through and crispy on the outside, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common asked questions about this recipe:

Question: Can these be cooked in an air fryer?

Answer: Yes, you can air fry zucchini garlic bites. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 375˚F. Place the zucchini balls in the air-fryer basket leaving space in between. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crispy and golden. Check it half way and give the basket a shake to flip so they cook evenly.

Question: Can this be made ahead and baked later?

Answer: Yes, just keep the mixture refrigerated and form your zucchini balls when you are ready to bake.

Question: Can these be made gluten-free?

Answer: Yes, swap the regular breadcrumbs with the same amount of gluten-free breadcrumbs. Others have substituted almond meal and almond flour with good success. You could also try crushing up almond crackers.

Question: Can these be frozen?

Answer: Yes, you can freeze the zucchini garlic bites after baking, and then pop them into a preheated oven or air fryer and cook until hot. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 375˚F. Place the frozen zucchini garlic bites on a baking sheet and bake until heated through and crispy on the outside.

Question: What if you do not have fresh herbs? How much dried herbs would you use?

Answer: Yes. Dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor than fresh. For this recipe, I would substitute half dried for the fresh: 1 tablespoons dried chives, 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. It doesn’t have to be exact.

Question: I’m vegan. Do you think this would work with a flax egg?

Answer: You could try substituting a flax egg for the egg. Combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture set until thickened, about 10 minutes. You may have to add more breadcrumbs to form a firm ball. Swap the cheese for a vegan cheese.

Question: How well these would go with spaghetti instead of meatballs?

Answer: These zucchini bites are delicious as spaghetti and zucchini meatballs! They don’t hold up to simmering in the sauce, but we add them to the top of the pasta and spoon on extra tomato sauce at mealtime.

Question: I don’t have Parmesan cheese. Can I use another cheese?

Answer: Yes, you can substitute other cheeses. Parmesan adds flavor and helps bind the zucchini balls together. Softer cheeses may flatten out your zucchini bites, but they will still taste delicious. You may also need to add more salt.

Question: Can I use frozen shredded zucchini?

Answer: Yes, but you will need to thaw and drain off the moisture before mixing with the other ingredients. You may have to add extra breadcrumbs.

This tasty recipe combines shredded zucchini with garlic, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and is served with a marinara dipping sauce for an Italian inspired twist.

close up of a zucchini ball on a baking sheet
Print Pin
4.92 from 37 votes

Zucchini Garlic Bites

This tasty zucchini garlic bites recipe combines shredded zucchini with garlic, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and is served with a marinara dipping sauce for an Italian inspired twist.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Keyword zucchini garlic bites
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 16 bites
Calories 26kcal
Author Grow a Good Life

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded zucchini drained well
  • 1 clove garlic grated fine
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or 1 tablespoon dried chives)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1/2 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • pinch of salt and pepper
  • tomato sauce for dipping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400˚F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray. Set aside.
  • Use a box grater to grate the zucchini into a clean towel. Roll up the towel and twist to wring out the moisture.
  • Grate the garlic using the small holes on the box grater.
  • Add the shredded zucchini, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, chives, parsley, basil, oregano, salt and pepper to a medium bowl. Mix well to combine.
  • Shape a tablespoon of the mixture into your hands, pat into small balls, and place on the baking sheet.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes in the preheated oven until golden. Serve warm with marinara sauce. Recipe makes about 16 bites.

Notes

How to Freeze
Follow the recipe and let zucchini bites cool. Place in a single layer on a large baking sheet and flash freeze for one hour. Once the zucchini balls are frozen, place them into a freezer bag. Store up 4 months in the freezer.
Reheat by preheating your oven to 400˚F. Place the frozen zucchini garlic bites on a baking sheet and bake until heated through and crispy on the outside, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bite | Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.2g | Protein: 1.9g | Fat: 1.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.6g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 54mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.3g | Calcium: 400mg

This recipe was originally published on August 30, 2014. It has been updated with clearer instructions, new photos, and a video showing the process.

You May Also Like:

  • Crockpot Tomato Sauce Recipe
  • Seasoned Tomato Sauce for Home Canning
  • Grilled Tomato Salsa Recipe
  • Garden Fresh Zucchini Lasagna Recipe
  • 3 Easy Ways to Preserve Zucchini
  • How to Grow Zucchini and Summer Squash Vertically

Good planning is key to a successful vegetable garden

Whether you are new to growing your own food or have been growing a vegetable garden for years, you will benefit from some planning each year. You will find everything you need to organize and plan your vegetable garden in my PDF eBook, Grow a Good Life Guide to Planning Your Vegetable Garden.

Grow a Good Life Guide to Planning Your Vegetable Garden

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sandra says

    August 9, 2022 at 9:30 am

    5 stars
    I usually don’t leave recipe reviews, but had to in this instance. I just made and ate these. Omg! They are SO good! Exploding with flavour. Something I’ve really needed in my calorie-counting days. I made it exactly as directed. I think the grating of the garlic really releases its goodness. I cooked in my airfryer the full 15 min, flipping halfway. I let them rest about 10 minutes before eating. 5 star recioe right here. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • ©Rachel Arsenault says

      August 9, 2022 at 12:37 pm

      Thank you, Sandra! I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe 🙂 I developed this recipe well before air-fryers were a thing, but now I find it is the perfect way to cook these up for a quick snack.

      Reply
  2. Erin says

    August 7, 2022 at 4:18 pm

    5 stars
    I love this recipe! I have made it twice in the past week! Very versatile and good plain or with hummus too!

    Reply
  3. Denise says

    July 22, 2022 at 11:46 am

    These sound delicious. My husband would like them better with ground sausage in them. Thinks meat has to be in everything.

    Reply
  4. Sandy Matza says

    July 2, 2022 at 6:10 pm

    I made these zucchini bites today for lunch. They are good. I didn’t have Parmesan cheese , so I used pecorino Romano. Instead. Really Good. Thank-You.

    Reply
  5. Rita Buckley says

    July 1, 2022 at 10:06 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe saved my marriage. After a bumper crop of zucchini, I had been preparing zukes 57 ways. My husband was literally sick and tired of it. I boldly gave this one a try and he said he liked it! Even said to print it out and save it, that he would eat it again! Thanks “Grow A Good Life”. This one is a winner. I wouldn’t change a thing.

    Reply
  6. Elizabeth says

    June 4, 2022 at 12:35 pm

    Hello, do you think that squash could work instead of zucchini?

    Reply
    • ©Rachel Arsenault says

      June 6, 2022 at 9:27 am

      Elizabeth, Yes, any summer squash would work with this recipe. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Dorothy says

    May 24, 2022 at 3:20 pm

    5 stars
    Recipe sounds delish. Just sat down, took more time to read everything again. Doing the best I can to put what I have together to make these. I must say, when I plan I love to follow the recipe 100%. Ay the moment, after drenching rain all overnight and half this morning, I’m doing the best I can with what I have at home. I’d love to send you a photo, praying they will turn out great. 🙏

    Reply
    • JoAnn says

      June 9, 2022 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      Will make again for a party. Yes I follow recipes 100% also. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
  8. Dorothy says

    May 24, 2022 at 3:12 pm

    5 stars
    I have fresh parsley, but only dried basil and dried oregano. Will that work if I use 1/3 of what the recipe calls for? Also, can I use bagged Parmesan / mozzarella or will that be too mushy? Trying to work with what I have. Thinking if I snap freeze before I bake it we’ll help some. Your thoughts?

    Reply
    • ©Rachel Arsenault says

      May 25, 2022 at 7:23 am

      Dorothy, The recipe is pretty forgiving. Please feel free to adjust the herbs. I would try reducing the cheese by half because the mozzarella does have more moisture.

      Reply
  9. Christie says

    April 3, 2022 at 6:06 pm

    Hi I can’t wait to try these!
    Question I usually have the Italian breadcrumbs on hand. Do I need to buy the plain? Didn’t want the Italian flavored breadcrumbs to overwhelm?

    Reply
    • ©Rachel Arsenault says

      April 4, 2022 at 9:02 am

      Christie, If you are using seasoned breadcrumbs, I would back off on the additional herbs by about half.

      Reply
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