These Easy Zucchini Breadsticks are soft, warm, and packed with flavor! Made with fresh zucchini and simple ingredients, they’re a great snack or side dish. Yum!
Honestly, I can’t resist the cheesy topping! It’s the best part, right? Perfect for dipping or just munching on while watching a movie—guilt-free and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star ingredient! Use medium-sized zucchini, as they’re easier to grate. If you’re short on zucchini, yellow squash works too!
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for structure. If you prefer, you could use whole wheat flour for added nutrition or a gluten-free blend if needed.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. You can swap it for melted butter or another oil like avocado oil for a different flavor.
Cheese Topping: I love mozzarella for its melty goodness. You could also use cheddar or a dairy-free cheese if you want to keep it vegan.
How Do I Achieve the Best Texture for My Breadsticks?
A common issue is getting the right texture. The trick starts with the zucchini. Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture well after grating to prevent sogginess.
- Preheat your oven fully. This helps in achieving a crispy crust.
- Mix all ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense breadsticks.
- Shape the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Thinner means crunchier, while thicker gives a soft texture.
Let them cool a bit before slicing. This helps them set for easier handling and better texture!
Easy Zucchini Breadsticks Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 medium zucchini (about 1 cup grated)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Serving:
- Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. So in total, you’re looking at roughly 30-35 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Then, place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Squeeze it hard to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to avoid soggy breadsticks!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, baking powder, garlic powder, and oregano (if using). Stir well to mix everything together evenly.
4. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the egg and olive oil until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the squeezed zucchini to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Then, pour in the egg mixture. Mix everything gently until just combined into a dough—don’t overdo it!
6. Shape the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a rectangle that’s about 1/2-inch thick to ensure even baking.
7. Add the Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dough. This will create a delicious, cheesy layer!
8. Bake:
Pop it in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the breadsticks are golden and firm to the touch. The aroma will be heavenly!
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, slice into breadstick-sized strips.
10. Serve:
Enjoy your zucchini breadsticks warm! They’re great on their own or served with marinara sauce for dipping. Yum!
Enjoy your homemade, easy zucchini breadsticks!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
While fresh zucchini is best for texture, you can use frozen zucchini if it’s all you have! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute with any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano, or for a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftover Breadsticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Just keep in mind that results may vary slightly in texture.
