These Easy Zucchini Breadsticks are a tasty treat that even beginners can make! With fresh zucchini, a bit of cheese, and crispy edges, they are simply delicious.
What I love most is how quick they are to prepare. They make a great snack or side dish—plus, they disappear fast! Who can resist a warm, cheesy breadstick? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star of the show! If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works too. Just make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent sogginess.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the best texture, but you can swap it for gluten-free flour if you’re avoiding gluten. Just check if it’s a 1:1 substitute for best results.
Cheese: Mozzarella is perfect for that stretchy, yummy pull. You could use cheddar for a sharper taste or a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it vegan.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. If you’re vegan or egg-free, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) as a substitute.
How Do You Get Moisture Out of Zucchini?
Extracting moisture from zucchini is crucial for crispy breadsticks! Here’s how to do it effectively:
- After grating the zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel.
- Gather the towel and twist it to squeeze out the liquid. You want to get out as much water as possible.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after squeezing—it helps to release more moisture!
Following this step helps your breadsticks cook up golden and not soggy, leading to a delightful crunch. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!
Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
- Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll spend the majority of the time baking, so you can kick back until they’re ready! In total, plan for about 40 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious breadsticks.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your breadsticks will cook evenly and get crispy. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Next, grab your grated zucchini. Place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step is really important—removing the excess water helps your breadsticks get that nice, crispy texture.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini with the flour, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until the mixture is well combined. It should be thick and somewhat sticky, but that’s just perfect!
4. Shape the Mixture:
Transfer the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, shape it into a rectangle that’s about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t worry about it being perfect; just make sure it’s even, so it cooks nicely!
5. Bake the Breadsticks:
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want to keep an eye on them as they bake—the edges should start turning golden brown and look wonderfully crispy.
6. Cut the Breadsticks:
Once they’ve baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Using a sharp knife, cut the rectangle into breadstick shapes. You can make them as thick or thin as you like!
7. Final Bake:
Now, return those cut breadsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. This will help them get extra crispy. You’ll love the golden brown look!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and serve warm. They’re delightful on their own, but if you love dipping, pair them with marinara sauce or your favorite dip. Enjoy your tasty homemade zucchini breadsticks!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Fresh zucchini is best for texture, but you can use frozen zucchini if you thaw and drain it thoroughly first. Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it into the recipe.
How Can I Make These Breadsticks Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has a 1:1 ratio. Many brands work well for baking, so look for one that fits your dietary needs!
How to Store Leftover Breadsticks?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through, allowing them to regain their crispiness.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other ingredients like chopped herbs, spices, or even cooked sausage for added flavor. Just keep in mind that adding too much moisture-y ingredient will require more flour to maintain the right consistency!
