These Easy Zucchini Breadsticks are cheesy, crispy, and oh-so-delicious! Made with fresh zucchini, cheese, and spices, they make for a perfect snack or side dish.
Who doesn’t love a cheesy treat? I find myself nibbling on these breadsticks right out of the oven. Pair them with a dip, and you’ve got a winner everyone will love! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this recipe! Zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. If you can’t find fresh zucchini, you might use yellow squash as a substitute. They have a similar texture and flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best here, but for a gluten-free option, you can try using almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary a bit!
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that stretchy, gooey texture. If you want a stronger cheese flavor, feel free to swap in cheddar or even feta. Each will change the taste a little, but it’s all delicious!
Herbs: Italian herbs add great flavor to the breadsticks. If you don’t have them, fresh herbs like basil or thyme can work just as well. Don’t be afraid to mix things up based on what you have on hand!
How Do You Get Crispy Breadsticks Without Them Being Soggy?
Soggy breadsticks can be a bummer, but there’s a simple fix! The key is properly preparing the zucchini. Here’s how:
- Grate your zucchinis first, then place them in a clean kitchen towel.
- Twist the towel to squeeze out excess moisture. Don’t skip this step – it’s crucial for crispy results!
- After mixing the zoodles into your batter, if it seems too wet, feel free to add a tablespoon more flour.
This way, you’ll enjoy tasty, crunchy breadsticks every time!
Easy Zucchini Breadsticks with Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Breadsticks:
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
Optional:
- Fresh parsley or oregano for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes from start to finish, which means you’ll be enjoying these cheesy breadsticks in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your breadsticks bake evenly. While the oven is warming up, you can prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper or do a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This is super important to avoid soggy breadsticks!
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Stir these together until they are well mixed.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, crack in the egg, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix this all together until it’s combined and forms a thick batter.
5. Fold in the Zucchini:
Carefully fold the grated zucchini into the batter, making sure it is evenly incorporated throughout. This will add moisture and flavor to your breadsticks.
6. Shape the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto your prepared baking sheet and shape it into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. You want it to be evenly spread, so it cooks properly.
7. Score the Dough:
With a knife or pizza cutter, lightly score the top of the dough into breadstick shapes. This will make it easier for you to break them apart after baking.
8. Brush with Olive Oil:
Lightly brush the top of the dough with a little extra olive oil. If you like, you can sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
9. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. This step fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Then break apart along the scored lines. These breadsticks are best served warm!
11. Garnish and Enjoy:
For a touch of freshness, you can garnish the breadsticks with chopped parsley or Italian herbs. Serve them with marinara sauce or your favorite dip and enjoy your crunchy, cheesy zucchini breadsticks!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Breadsticks with Cheese
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
While fresh zucchini is recommended for texture, you can use frozen zucchini if needed. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the mix!
What Can I Use Instead of Egg?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) as a binding agent. This will help hold everything together without changing the flavor much!
How Do I Store Leftover Breadsticks?
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through for the best texture.
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your breadsticks by adding ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or cooked bacon bits. You can also spice them up with red pepper flakes or additional herbs to suit your taste.
