These Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks are a tasty treat that everyone will love! Made with fresh zucchini, gooey cheese, and a hint of seasoning, they are perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
They’re so easy to make! Just mix everything, bake until golden, and enjoy the cheesy goodness. I love serving them warm with marinara sauce for dipping—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium-sized zucchinis are perfect for this recipe. If zucchinis aren’t available, you could use summer squash instead, which has a similar texture.
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives that gooey stretch, while Parmesan adds a nice flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, try using cheddar instead of mozzarella or Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you can use whole wheat flour for a nutritious twist. For gluten-free options, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can also work.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together. For a vegan option, you could use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacement (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals 1 egg).
How Can I Prevent My Zucchini Breadsticks from Being Soggy?
The key to avoiding soggy breadsticks is to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, sprinkle with salt, wrap it up, and really press it well. This helps get rid of excess water that can make the breadsticks mushy.
- After grating the zucchini, let it sit for about 10 minutes before squeezing; this lets the salt draw out more moisture.
- Don’t skip this step! It’s essential for achieving that crispy texture.
Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 tsp salt (for drawing moisture out)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks takes about 15 minutes, plus 18 to 22 minutes of baking time. Overall, you can have them ready to enjoy in less than 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your breadsticks bake evenly and get that lovely golden color. Lightly grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper to make cleanup easy.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Take your grated zucchini and place it into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Sprinkle the zucchini with salt and wrap it up tightly. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can. This is a super important step to avoid soggy breadsticks!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried grated zucchini with 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, flour, baking powder, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and black pepper. Mix everything together until a dough forms. It should be well combined but not too sticky.
4. Transfer to Baking Pan:
Next, take the mixture and spread it evenly into your prepared baking pan, shaping it into about a 9×13 inch rectangle. Press down firmly so it holds its shape.
5. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of your mixture. This will make the breadsticks extra cheesy and delicious!
6. Bake the Breadsticks:
Put the pan in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. The edges should start to crisp up nicely.
7. Cut and Cool:
Once they’re done baking, carefully remove the pan from the oven and let the breadsticks cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut them into breadstick-sized rectangles.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve the breadsticks warm, with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Enjoy your delicious cheesy zucchini breadsticks—crispy on the edges, soft inside, and bursting with cheesy goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Yes! While zucchini works great for this recipe, you can also try using grated carrots or yellow squash. Just make sure to remove excess moisture, just like with zucchini, for the best texture.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just take it out and let it come to room temperature before baking as instructed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Freeze These Breadsticks?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking and cooling, place the breadsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen when ready to eat.
