These Easy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks are soft, cheesy, and so tasty! Made with fresh zucchini and gooey cheese, they make for a fantastic snack or side dish.
I love how quick they are to whip up, and my family can’t get enough! Perfect with marinara sauce for dipping—it’s like a veggie version of pizza heaven! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is crucial for this recipe. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too. Both add moisture and a mild flavor.
Cheeses: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness and Parmesan for a nice salty kick. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. If you want an egg-free option, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).
Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure. For a gluten-free option, use rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
How Do You Make Sure Your Zucchini Breadsticks Don’t Turn Out Soggy?
The secret to preventing soggy zucchini breadsticks is to remove excess moisture from the zucchini. Here’s how:
- Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean towel or cheesecloth.
- Squeeze tightly to remove as much water as possible—this step is key!
- Measure the zucchini after squeezing to ensure you have the right amount.
By doing this, your breadsticks will turn out beautifully crispy on the edges while still soft inside!
Easy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 25-30 minutes of baking. Total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes to have these delicious cheesy breadsticks ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchinis and then place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible; this is important to ensure your breadsticks aren’t soggy!
3. Mix It All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, salt, both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, beaten egg, flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Spread the Mixture:
Pour the zucchini mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to spread it evenly, pressing down firmly to create a uniform layer.
5. Bake the Base:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are starting to turn golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Add More Cheese:
Once baked, pull the pan out and sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
7. Final Bake:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with some gorgeous golden spots.
8. Cool and Cut:
After removing from the oven, let the breadsticks cool for about 5 minutes. Then, grab a sharp knife and cut them into rectangular breadsticks.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your breadsticks with extra chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Serve them warm with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
There you go—delicious, cheesy zucchini breadsticks that everyone will love! Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or side dishes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While zucchini is the star of this recipe, you can also use grated carrots, yellow squash, or even cauliflower for a different flavor. Just be sure to remove excess moisture as you would with zucchini!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want them to stay crispy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.
Can I Freeze These Breadsticks?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking and cooling completely, wrap the breadsticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should last for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Vegan?
Definitely! To make a vegan version, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) instead of the regular egg, and opt for plant-based cheeses. You can also skip the cheese entirely for a simpler version!
