These Easy Zucchini Breadsticks are soft, tasty, and packed with fresh herbs. They’re perfect as a snack or side dish and are super simple to whip up!
I love how these breadsticks make veggies fun to eat! You know, sneaking in greens while enjoying a warm, cheesy bite makes me feel like a cooking pro. Who wouldn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star ingredient! It adds moisture and texture to the breadsticks. If zucchini isn’t available, you can try using yellow squash for a similar effect.
Flour: I used all-purpose flour, which works great. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. Just remember, the texture may change slightly.
Cheese: Mozzarella brings that lovely stretch and creaminess. You can swap it for cheddar or a dairy-free cheese if you’d like. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor. Dried herbs work perfectly too! Feel free to mix and match with whatever you have, like thyme or rosemary. Fresh herbs provide a more vibrant taste, while dried herbs will take a little longer to release their flavors.
What’s the Best Way to Remove Excess Moisture from Zucchini?
Removing moisture from zucchini is crucial to prevent soggy breadsticks. Here’s how you can do it:
- After grating the zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel.
- Twist the towel to squeeze out as much liquid as you can. You want it dry but still fresh!
- This step makes a big difference in the final texture of your breadsticks, keeping them fluffy and not mushy.
Trust me; this is a game changer for achieving the best results! Enjoy your baking! 🌱
Easy Zucchini Breadsticks with Herbs
Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini (about 1 cup grated)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Optional: sesame seeds or dried herbs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, making it a great choice for a quick snack or appetizer. In total, you’ll spend around 35 minutes from start to finish!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly. This will help the breadsticks not to stick.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchini and then grate it using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is important to avoid soggy breadsticks!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. This will ensure all the dry ingredients are well combined.
4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add the olive oil and minced garlic to the eggs and mix well until combined.
5. Combine Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Try not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Fold in the Zucchini and Cheese:
Gently fold in the grated zucchini and shredded mozzarella until evenly distributed. This will give your breadsticks a yummy cheesy flavor with a healthy veggie boost!
7. Shape the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. No need to be perfect—just make it even!
8. Score the Dough:
Using a knife or pizza cutter, lightly score the dough into strips about 1 inch wide. This makes it easier to break apart after baking.
9. Add Toppings:
If you’d like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and any optional toppings like sesame seeds or dried herbs on top.
10. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean!
11. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, let the breadsticks cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then, carefully break them apart along the scored lines.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your warm zucchini breadsticks with marinara sauce or your favorite dip. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!
These zucchini breadsticks are soft, cheesy, and infused with fresh herbal flavors—perfect for a quick snack or side dish! Happy cooking! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before using. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible, just like with fresh zucchini, to prevent soggy breadsticks.
How Can I Store Leftover Breadsticks?
Store leftover breadsticks 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 Make These Breadsticks Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but they will still taste delicious!
What Dips Pair Well with Zucchini Breadsticks?
These breadsticks are great with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli. You can also try serving them with pesto for a fragrant twist!