These easy zucchini breadsticks are perfect for a quick snack! Made with fresh zucchini, cheese, and simple seasonings, they are soft on the inside and a little crispy on the outside.
I love serving these with marinara sauce for dipping. They disappear fast at my house, and I can sneak some veggies in without anyone noticing! 🥒🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star here. I find that medium-sized zucchinis work perfectly. If you have yellow squash, you can use that instead for a slightly different taste and color.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its stretchy texture and mild flavor, but feel free to mix in a bit of cheddar for extra sharpness. Vegan cheese is a great substitute if you’re looking for dairy-free options.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives these breadsticks structure. If you’re gluten-free, a gluten-free flour blend should work nicely too!
Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together. If you’re vegan or egg-free, you could replace it with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Breadsticks to Hold Together?
One of the biggest challenges with zucchini is its moisture. To help your breadsticks hold together, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture after grating. This keeps the dough from becoming too wet and ensures they bake up nicely.
- Grate zucchini and place it in a kitchen towel.
- Twist and squeeze to get rid of as much liquid as you can—it makes a big difference!
- Mix your ingredients gently to keep everything combined without overworking the dough.
With these tips, your zucchini breadsticks should turn out tasty and perfectly shaped every time!
Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Breadsticks:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil, for brushing
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes to prep and about 15-20 minutes to bake, so you’ll have your delicious zucchini breadsticks ready in roughly 30-35 minutes. Quick and easy snacks are the best, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
First things first, let’s get your oven ready! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep your breadsticks from sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Now, grate your zucchinis using a box grater. Once you have them grated, gather them in a clean kitchen towel or a piece of cheesecloth. Give it a good squeeze to remove as much excess moisture as you can—this step is super important for keeping your breadsticks from being soggy!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (if using), egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until you have a well-combined dough. It should be sticky but hold together nicely!
4. Shape Your Breadsticks:
Using your hands, take portions of the dough and shape them into breadsticks about 1/2 inch thick and 4-5 inches long. Place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for spreading.
5. Brush with Olive Oil:
To help make the tops golden and delicious, lightly brush each breadstick with some olive oil. This will also add a nice flavor!
6. Bake and Enjoy:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let your zucchini breadsticks cool slightly. They’re best enjoyed warm, so serve them with marinara sauce for dipping if you’d like. Enjoy your tasty snack!
FAQ about Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is great for that melty texture, you can mix in cheddar, gouda, or even feta for a more unique flavor. Just keep the total amount of cheese the same for best results!
What Can I Substitute for Egg in This Recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. Both options will help bind the ingredients together effectively!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Freeze These Zucchini Breadsticks?
Yes, you can freeze them! Allow the baked breadsticks to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, just bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) until hot and crispy.
