Zucchini Breadsticks Recipe

Savory Zucchini Breadsticks Recipe with Cheese and Herb Flavor

Zucchini breadsticks tantalize taste buds with their unexpected blend of nutritious vegetables and comforting carbohydrates.

These crispy delights revolutionize ordinary garden produce into an irresistible snack that defies traditional appetizer expectations.

Soft yet crunchy, the breadsticks offer a delectable way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your meal repertoire.

Fresh herbs and subtle spices elevate the simple vegetable base, creating a complex flavor profile that surprises and delights.

Versatile and easy to prepare, these breadsticks work perfectly as a side dish or standalone treat for casual gatherings.

Home cooks will appreciate the straightforward technique that requires minimal culinary expertise to achieve impressive results.

The golden-brown edges and tender interior promise a satisfying experience for anyone seeking a lighter alternative to standard bread-based snacks.

What Goes Well with Zucchini Breadsticks

  • Dip into Marinara Magic: Classic marinara sauce perfectly complements these cheesy zucchini breadsticks, offering a tangy counterpoint to the rich, melted cheese flavors. Its bright tomato base cuts through the richness and adds a zesty kick.
  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio provides a refreshing contrast to the savory breadsticks. The wine's light, acidic notes balance the cheese's creaminess and enhance the herb-infused garlic undertones.
  • Serve with Garden Fresh Salad: A light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette creates a perfect accompaniment. The fresh, crisp greens provide a cool, light texture that beautifully offsets the warm, cheesy breadsticks.
  • Match with Herb Dipping Sauce: Create a quick herbed ranch or garlic aioli for dipping. These creamy sauces elevate the breadsticks' flavor profile, adding an extra layer of richness and complexity to each bite.

Zucchini Breadstick Variations Worth Trying

  • Herbal Garden Breadsticks: Add fresh chopped basil, oregano, and thyme to the zucchini mixture for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Pepper Jack Sticks: Replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a zesty kick that heat lovers will enjoy.
  • Mediterranean Olive Blend: Mix in finely chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to create a tangy Mediterranean-style breadstick with rich, salty flavors.
  • Bacon Cheddar Crunch: Incorporate crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese into the base mixture, topped with additional crispy bacon crumbles for extra protein and crunch.

Why Zucchini Breadsticks Make Snacking Healthier and Tastier

  • Maximize Veggie Delight: Transform boring zucchini into crispy, cheesy breadsticks that pack a nutritional punch while satisfying comfort food cravings.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these breadsticks in under 25 minutes with minimal prep, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or sudden snack attacks.
  • Sneaky Healthy Indulgence: Enjoy a low-carb alternative to traditional breadsticks that tricks your taste buds with melted cheese and crispy edges while secretly adding vegetables to your meal.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Easily adapt the recipe by switching up cheeses or adding herbs, ensuring each batch feels fresh and exciting for everyone at the table.

What You Need to Make Savory Zucchini Breadsticks

Main Ingredients:

Zucchini Squash:
  • Zucchini: Fresh, mild-flavored summer squash that provides moisture and subtle green color to the breadsticks.
Cheese Base:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, melty cheeses that bind ingredients and add rich, savory flavor.
Binding and Seasoning:
  • Egg: Helps hold the breadsticks together and provides structure.
  • Garlic Parsley Salt: Adds aromatic herb and garlic flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Topping:
  • Grated Cheese of Choice: Adds extra cheesy goodness and creates a golden, crispy exterior when baked.

How to Bake Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini Moisture Removal

Grate zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze firmly to remove excess water, ensuring the zucchini is as dry as possible. This step prevents soggy breadsticks.

Tip: Press and twist the towel multiple times to extract maximum moisture.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

Combine the dried zucchini with:
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Beaten egg
  • Garlic parsley salt

Mix ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive blend. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Shape Zucchini Base

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. Spread the zucchini mixture evenly, creating a uniform layer about 1/2 inch thick. Press down gently to compact the mixture.

Step 4: Initial Baking Process

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the surface looks slightly crispy. The base should feel firm when touched.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Remove the baked base from the oven. Sprinkle additional cheese over the surface:
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Mexican blend cheese

Return to oven for 2-5 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden-brown color.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Allow breadsticks to cool for 2-3 minutes. Cut into desired shapes- strips, triangles, or squares. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Optional: Pair with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips for Crispy, Flavorful Zucchini Breadsticks

  • Drain Zucchini Thoroughly: Press grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to remove maximum moisture, ensuring a crispy and firm breadstick texture.
  • Distribute Mixture Evenly: Spread the zucchini mixture in a thin, uniform layer on the baking sheet to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent soggy spots.
  • Select High-Quality Cheese: Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for superior melting and rich, authentic flavor that elevates the breadsticks.
  • Monitor Baking Time Closely: Watch the breadsticks carefully during the final cheese-melting stage to achieve a perfect golden-brown color without burning.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy the zucchini breadsticks right after baking when they're hot and crispy for the best taste and texture experience.

How to Store and Reheat Zucchini Breadsticks for Later

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover zucchini breadsticks in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Reheating Oven: Warm breadsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, placing them on a baking sheet to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy and lose their delightful texture.
  • Freezing Option: Wrap individual breadsticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.
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Zucchini Breadsticks Recipe

Zucchini Breadsticks Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zucchini breadsticks offer a delightful twist on classic appetizers, blending garden-fresh vegetables with comforting Italian flavors. Crisp edges and herbal notes make these breadsticks a perfect companion for pasta dishes or as a standalone snack you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups grated zucchini
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg

Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic parsley salt

Topping:

  • 1 cup grated cheese of choice

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly drain grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel, pressing firmly to extract maximum moisture, ensuring a crisp final texture.
  2. Mix drained zucchini with mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and garlic parsley salt in a mixing bowl, combining ingredients until uniformly blended.
  3. Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread the zucchini mixture evenly, creating a thin, consistent layer approximately half an inch thick.
  4. Preheat the oven to 425°F and position the baking sheet in the center rack, allowing the base to develop a golden, crispy foundation.
  5. Bake the zucchini base for 15 minutes until edges become slightly firm and golden brown, developing a structured foundation for toppings.
  6. Carefully remove the baked crust and generously sprinkle additional mozzarella or Mexican cheese across the surface.
  7. Return to the oven for 2-5 minutes, monitoring closely until cheese melts completely and transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown layer.
  8. Remove from oven, let cool momentarily, then slice into breadstick-shaped portions for serving.
  9. Serve immediately while cheese remains melted and crust maintains its crisp texture.

Notes

  • Squeeze zucchini thoroughly using a cheesecloth or kitchen towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy texture for your breadsticks.
  • Mixing ingredients like mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and garlic parsley salt creates a flavorful base that binds the zucchini mixture perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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