These easy zucchini breadsticks are a tasty twist on regular breadsticks. They’re made with fresh zucchini and topped with delightful garlic butter for a yummy flavor!
Who knew veggies could taste so great? I love serving these warm—perfect for parties or just a snack at home. Trust me, your friends will ask for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for these breadsticks. If you can’t find any or want a different taste, yellow squash works nicely too. Just remember to squeeze out the moisture!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but whole wheat flour can add more fiber. If you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead.
Cheese: I love the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan. You can swap mozzarella with cheddar or a dairy-free cheese for a different flavor. Get creative here!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic in the butter is amazing, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just adjust the amount to your taste. If you love herbs, add dried Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
How Can I Get the Perfect Dough Consistency?
To make sure your dough turns out just right, the key is in the moisture content from the zucchini. After grating, squeeze it dry using a kitchen towel. This step is crucial to avoid overly soggy breadsticks.
- Combine the dry ingredients well—this helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and spices.
- Add the dry ingredients gradually to keep the dough from getting too sticky. Aim for a slightly sticky but workable dough.
- When transferring to the pan, use wet hands or a spatula to keep it from sticking.
Easy Zucchini Breadsticks with Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini (about 1 cup grated)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 18-22 minutes to bake, for a total of around 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the breadsticks bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Give it a good squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible. We want the zucchini to be dry so the breadsticks aren’t soggy!
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients together well. This helps to evenly distribute the flavors.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Then add in the drained zucchini, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix it all together until a dough forms. The dough should feel slightly sticky but still manageable.
6. Shape the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Press it down into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick. Use your hands or a spatula to spread it evenly.
7. Cut into Sticks:
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, gently cut the dough into individual breadsticks—about 8 to 10 sticks.
8. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown and cooked through when done.
9. Prepare the Garlic Butter:
While the breadsticks are baking, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley (if using), and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
10. Brush with Garlic Butter:
Once the breadsticks are done baking, take them out of the oven and brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Let the buttery goodness soak in!
11. Serve:
Let the zucchini breadsticks cool slightly before serving them warm. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven! Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, garlic-infused treats!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe. If you must use frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture, as frozen zucchini tends to be much wetter. This will help maintain the right dough consistency!
Can I Make These Breadsticks Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and cut it into sticks ahead of time. Store the uncooked sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Breadsticks?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or microwave for about 30 seconds, until warmed through!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to Customize My Breadsticks?
Definitely! Feel free to add herbs like oregano or basil, spicy red pepper flakes for heat, or even chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Just keep an eye on the moisture balance—if adding wet ingredients, reduce the zucchini slightly!
