These Easy Zucchini Breadsticks are a yummy way to enjoy veggies! With fresh zucchini, cheese, and just a touch of seasoning, they bring a delightful crunch.
Making these is a breeze! I love serving them warm out of the oven with a bit of marinara on the side for dipping—perfect for snacking or as a tasty side dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are the star of this recipe. If you can’t find fresh ones, you might use frozen grated zucchini. Just thaw and make sure to squeeze out excess water, just like with fresh ones!
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives a melty texture, while Parmesan adds depth. If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
Egg: The egg binds everything together. If you’re vegan, use a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit to thicken).
What’s the Best Way to Squeeze Excess Water from Zucchini?
Getting rid of excess moisture from the zucchini is crucial for crispy breadsticks. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchinis into a bowl.
- Transfer the grated zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Gather the corners and twist to form a pouch. Squeeze hard to push out as much liquid as you can.
Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference in texture!
How Can I Know When the Breadsticks are Perfectly Baked?
Look for a golden brown color on top; they should feel firm to the touch. If you gently pull apart a corner, it should easily separate without being wet inside. Let them cool slightly before cutting for better shape!
Enjoy these easy zucchini breadsticks as a fun snack or side dish! They’re perfect for all ages and a great way to get in some veggies.
Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Breadsticks:
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups shredded)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: Italian seasoning or dried basil for extra flavor
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 15-18 minutes for baking. Overall, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your zucchini breadsticks will cook evenly and become golden and crispy! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly so that the sticks don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Next, grate the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can—this step is important to avoid soggy breadsticks!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Add the Egg and Oil:
Now, add the egg and olive oil to the bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated and a dough-like consistency forms. If the mixture seems too wet or sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until it holds together nicely.
5. Shape the Dough:
Transfer the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. With your hands, shape it into a rectangular block, about 1/2 inch thick. Make sure it’s even so all pieces cook uniformly.
6. Score for Sticks:
Using a knife or pizza cutter, gently score the surface of the dough into stick shapes—about 8 to 10 breadsticks should work. This will make it easier to separate them after baking.
7. Bake the Breadsticks:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the breadsticks are golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake!
8. Cool and Separate:
Once baked, remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool slightly. Carefully separate the sticks along the scored lines—you want them to retain their shape while still being easy to grab.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm zucchini breadsticks with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and the fact that you’ve created a delicious, veggie-packed treat!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan give the best flavor and texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or feta. Just be mindful that different cheeses might alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Breadsticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through for the best texture.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. They still taste great!
What Can I Serve with These Breadsticks Besides Marinara Sauce?
These zucchini breadsticks pair well with a variety of dips! Try them with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a tangy yogurt-based dip for a refreshing twist. Enjoy experimenting!
