These Easy Zucchini Breadsticks are a fun and tasty summer snack! Made with fresh zucchini, flour, and just a sprinkle of cheese, they are light and crispy.
I love serving these with marinara sauce for dipping—it’s like a party for your taste buds! 🍅 Plus, they are super easy to whip up when friends come over!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star here! You can also use yellow squash if it’s available. If you want a different flavor, try using a mix of zucchini and carrots for a colorful twist.
Cheeses: While I love the combination of Parmesan and mozzarella, feel free to swap in cheddar or feta! Just know that different cheeses can change the flavor and texture a bit.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but you can try whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor. Gluten-free all-purpose flour is a great option if you’re avoiding gluten.
Egg: If you want a vegan option, replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
How Do You Get the Zucchini Moisture Out?
Getting rid of excess moisture is key for crunchy breadsticks. Here’s an easy way to do it:
- After shredding the zucchini, place it in a clean towel.
- Twist the towel and really squeeze it until no more water comes out. This step prevents soggy breadsticks!
How Do You Shape the Dough for Breadsticks?
Shaping the breadsticks can be fun and simple! Here’s how:
- Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then press the mixture down into a rectangle on the baking sheet.
- Keep it about 1/2-inch thick so they cook evenly.
- Score the dough with a knife or pizza cutter, making cuts for the individual breadsticks.
This method ensures you get perfectly sized sticks after baking without them falling apart!
Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
- Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, followed by 20-25 minutes of baking time. In total, you can expect to spend around 35 minutes making these yummy zucchini breadsticks, perfect for a quick summer snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Take the shredded zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze and twist the towel to remove as much moisture as you can. This step is super important to keep your breadsticks crispy!
3. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, salt, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and flour. Mix everything together until it forms a dough-like mixture.
4. Shape the Breadsticks:
Transfer the zucchini mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. With slightly wet hands, flatten the dough into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. This shape helps it cook evenly.
5. Score the Dough:
Using a knife or pizza cutter, gently score the dough into 12 equal breadsticks. This makes it easier to break apart once they’re baked!
6. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the breadsticks—you’re looking for them to turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take them out and let the breadsticks cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully separate them along the scored lines.
8. Enjoy:
These delicious zucchini breadsticks are best served warm! Dip them in marinara sauce for an extra yummy treat.
Enjoy your delicious and easy zucchini breadsticks, perfect for a light summer snack! 🌞
FAQs About Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen zucchini completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it into the dough. This will ensure your breadsticks are not soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or use nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Just keep in mind that this will change the taste a bit!
How Should I Store Leftover Breadsticks?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through for the best texture.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum to help with the texture, or add a tablespoon of it to your dry ingredients!
