These Easy Homemade Zucchini Breadsticks are a tasty and fun snack! Made with fresh zucchini and simple ingredients, they’re soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Let’s face it, sneaking in veggies has never been this easy (or delicious)! I love serving them with marinara sauce for dipping—perfect for kids or just the kid in you! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star here! It gives moisture and nutrition. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works nicely as a substitute with similar texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe, but you can use whole wheat flour for a heartier taste or gluten-free flour if needed. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 baking blend for best results!
Cheeses: Mozzarella is great for its meltiness, but feel free to swap for cheddar or a dairy-free cheese option if you need it. Parmesan adds a nice tangy flavor, but if you’re out, nutritional yeast works as a great dairy-free substitute.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning is a must-have for flavor, but you can mix any dried herbs like oregano or basil based on your preference. Garlic powder can be swapped for fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor.
How Do You Get the Right Texture for Zucchini Breadsticks?
Getting that perfect texture for your breadsticks can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll do great! Squeeze out as much moisture from the grated zucchini as you can. Excess water can make the dough too wet and will result in soggy breadsticks.
- After grating, wrap the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist it to drain.
- If your dough feels sticky after adding the egg and oil, adding a bit more flour can help. Just a tablespoon at a time!
- Shape the dough evenly and cut into strips carefully to ensure they cook uniformly.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have deliciously crispy breadsticks every time! Enjoy your homemade snack!
Easy Homemade Zucchini Breadsticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium zucchini (about 1 cup grated)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- Optional: marinara sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to whip up in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it, so your breadsticks don’t stick when baked.
2. Grate and Drain the Zucchini
Grate the medium zucchini finely. Then, take a clean kitchen towel and place the grated zucchini in the center. Twist the towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step is crucial to avoid soggy breadsticks!
3. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, flour, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, baking powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until combined.
4. Form the Dough
Add the egg and olive oil to the mixture. Stir until it forms a dough. If it feels too sticky, don’t worry—just add a bit more flour until it’s manageable.
5. Shape and Cut the Dough
Transfer the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. If you like, you can also gently flatten the top for a better crust. Take a sharp knife and cut it into breadstick shapes (about 1/2 inch wide).
6. Bake the Breadsticks
Brush the tops of the cut breadsticks lightly with olive oil for a golden finish. Place them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Cool and Serve
Once they’re baked, remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool slightly. They’ll be easiest to handle this way! Serve them warm with marinara sauce for dipping if you’d like.
Enjoy your delicious homemade zucchini breadsticks as a healthy and delightful snack! They are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Zucchini Breadsticks
Can I Use Different Cheeses in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that lovely meltiness, you can use cheddar, provolone, or even a dairy-free alternative if you prefer. Just make sure any substitute cheese you use melts well!
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Breadsticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
What If I Don’t Have Italian Seasoning?
No worries! If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can create your own mix using equal parts dried oregano, basil, and thyme. About 1/4 teaspoon of each should work perfectly!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
