Crispy Cheesy Zucchini Bites

Ingredients

For the zucchini bites:

3 medium zucchini, grated
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 large egg
¾ cup breadcrumbs or panko
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil, for brushing or spraying

Optional cheesy center:

½ cup mozzarella, cut into small cubes

Creamy Cheese Dip

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
¼ cup shredded cheddar
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp chopped parsley

Method

Grate the zucchini and sprinkle with a little salt. Leave for 10 minutes.
Place zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible. This is the most important step for crispy bites.
In a bowl, combine zucchini, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, dill, parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper.
Mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.
Take about 1½ tablespoons of mixture, place a small mozzarella cube in the center if using, and roll into a ball.
Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray/brush with olive oil.
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden.
For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Mix all dip ingredients together and serve alongside the hot zucchini bites.
Garnish with extra fresh dill or parsley.

Air Fryer Option

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway through. Cook in batches so the bites aren’t crowded.

Nut & Allergen Information

Nuts: None
Peanuts: None
Eggs: Yes
Milk/Dairy: Yes — mozzarella, Parmesan, sour cream/yogurt, cheddar
Gluten: Yes if regular breadcrumbs are used
Soy: May be present in packaged cheese/breadcrumbs
Mustard: None required
Sesame: None required

For a nut-free and gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and check all packaged ingredients for cross-contact.

Approximate Nutrition

Per bite, assuming 18 bites and excluding dip:

Calories: ~90 kcal
Protein: ~5 g
Carbohydrates: ~5 g
Fat: ~5 g
Fiber: ~1 g
Sugar: ~1 g
Sodium: ~180 mg

Nutrition varies with the type of cheese and breadcrumbs used.

Q&A

Why are my zucchini bites soggy?
The zucchini wasn’t squeezed dry enough. Remove as much moisture as possible before mixing.

Can I make them without breadcrumbs?
Yes. Use ½ cup almond flour for a low-carb option, or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Can I use an air fryer?
Yes—375°F/190°C for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway.

Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze cooked bites in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat from frozen at 400°F/200°C for 12–15 minutes.

Can I use cheddar instead of mozzarella?
Yes, but mozzarella gives the best stretchy cheese center.

Can I make them ahead?
Prepare and shape them up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate covered, then bake when ready.

What should I serve with them?
The creamy cheese dip shown in the picture is ideal, or serve with ranch, garlic yogurt sauce, marinara or spicy mayo.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.