These Easy Zucchini Breadsticks are a fun and tasty treat! They’re soft, cheesy, and packed with the goodness of zucchini. Perfect for snacking or as a side dish!
Trust me, they’re so good that you’ll have a hard time stopping at just one! I love serving them with marinara sauce for dipping—it’s like pizza in stick form! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This veggie adds moisture and nutrition. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well as a substitute. You can also try grated carrots if you want a different flavor!
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the breadsticks structure. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may change slightly, but they’ll still be tasty!
Cheese: Mozzarella provides gooeyness, while Parmesan adds flavor. Feel free to use any cheese you enjoy, like cheddar or a dairy-free cheese for a vegan version. Just ensure it melts well!
Seasonings: The garlic powder and Italian seasoning elevate the flavor. You can substitute them with fresh herbs, like basil or oregano, for a burst of freshness!
How Can You Ensure Your Zucchini Breadsticks Don’t Turn Out Soggy?
A common challenge is dodging soggy breadsticks due to excess moisture in the zucchini. Here’s how to tackle it:
- Grate and Squeeze: Grate the zucchini and wrap it in a kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much water as you can. This step is key!
- Mix Quickly: Once your zucchini is squeezed, mix it with the other ingredients promptly to avoid reabsorbing moisture.
- Thin Shape: Shape the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and helps them become crispy.
- Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on your breadsticks while baking. They should be golden brown, which means they’re less likely to be soggy!
Easy Zucchini Breadsticks Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Breadsticks:
- 1 medium zucchini (about 1 cup grated)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll enjoy warm, cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks in just about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important to ensure your breadsticks bake evenly and become nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini and place it inside a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step will help your breadsticks not to be soggy.
3. Make the Dry Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir so everything is mixed well.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and olive oil until well combined. This helps to create a nice fluffy texture for your breadsticks.
5. Combine It All:
Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture. Then, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the drained zucchini. Mix everything until a dough forms—don’t worry if it’s a little sticky!
6. Shape the Dough:
Transfer the dough to the greased baking sheet or parchment-lined one. Shape it into a rectangle that’s about ½ inch thick. The thickness will impact how quickly they bake!
7. Score the Dough:
Using a knife or pizza cutter, score the dough into strips. This helps to separate them later and gives them that classic breadstick look.
8. Baking Time!
Bake your breadsticks in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don’t burn!
9. Cool and Cut:
Remove the breadsticks from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, carefully separate them along the scored lines.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Zucchini Breadsticks warm, with marinara sauce for dipping if you like. Enjoy this tasty snack!
FAQ: Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using it in the recipe. This will help keep your breadsticks from getting soggy.
What If I Don’t Have Italian Seasoning?
No problem! You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Use about 1/2 tsp of each. Fresh herbs also work wonderfully if you have them on hand!
How Do I Store Leftover Breadsticks?
Store any leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just shape and score the dough before refrigerating, and remember to take it out to come to room temperature before baking for best results!
