These easy zucchini breadsticks are a fun and tasty snack! Made with fresh zucchini, they’re soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Perfect for munching!
I love dipping them in marinara sauce—it’s like a mini party for my taste buds! 🎉 Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies, and who doesn’t love that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the show, giving the breadsticks moisture and a nutritious boost. If zucchini isn’t available, summer squash can be a good alternative, or even carrots for a different twist.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well to bind everything together. For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Cheeses: Parmesan adds a nice sharp flavor, while mozzarella helps with the gooey texture. You can substitute with any cheese you have on hand—cheddar or feta would also taste great!
Egg: The egg helps bind the mix. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use garlic powder instead.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Breadsticks to Be Crispy?
The key to crispy zucchini breadsticks lies in removing moisture. Here’s how to do it:
- After grating the zucchini, use a kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much water as you can. Less moisture means crispier sticks!
- When shaping the breadsticks, make them about 1/2 inch thick for the best texture—thin sticks can burn, and thick ones may stay soggy.
- Brushing the tops with olive oil helps give them a golden color and crispy finish. You can even sprinkle a bit of extra salt on top for flavor.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they reach your desired level of crispiness.
How to Make Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Breadsticks:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Olive oil, for brushing
For Dipping (Optional):
- Marinara sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, making a total of approximately 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. If you prefer, you can lightly grease the sheet with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Squeeze Out the Zucchini Moisture:
Take the grated zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze it tight to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure your breadsticks turn out crispy rather than soggy!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your dried zucchini with the flour, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until a dough forms. It should be sticky but manageable.
4. Shape the Breadsticks:
Using your hands, take small portions of the dough and shape them into breadsticks about 1/2 inch thick and 4-5 inches long. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Brush with Olive Oil:
Lightly brush the tops of the breadsticks with olive oil. This will help them crisp up nicely and give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the breadsticks out of the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. This will make them easier to handle. Serve them warm, and don’t forget to have marinara sauce on the side for dipping if you like!
8. Enjoy Your Snack!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious zucchini breadsticks! They’re a great snack for any time of the day!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan and mozzarella provide great flavor and texture, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, feta, or even a spicy pepper jack for a twist. Just remember to adjust the salt level if your cheese is particularly salty.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Make sure to check the baking powder is gluten-free as well.
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 the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven helps retain that crispy texture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to add finely grated carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrients. Just make sure to adjust the moisture levels and squeeze out excess liquid as needed!
