Baked Zucchini Balls: A Healthy and Delicious Snack You’ll Love
Looking for a light, flavorful, and healthy snack or side dish? Say hello to Baked Zucchini Balls — the perfect bite-sized treat that’s crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and packed with fresh garden flavor.
Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a side for dinner, or a guilt-free snack, these zucchini balls are sure to become a household favorite. They’re easy to make, oven-baked instead of fried, and a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love Baked Zucchini Balls
🌿 Healthy and light: Baking instead of frying keeps them lower in fat and calories.
🧀 Cheesy and satisfying: A mix of Parmesan or mozzarella gives them irresistible flavor.
🕒 Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, with simple ingredients you likely have at home.
🥒 Perfect for meal prep: Store and reheat easily for snacks or lunchboxes.
These zucchini bites are a tasty way to transform a humble vegetable into something exciting and delicious.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 15–20 zucchini balls:
2 medium zucchinis, grated
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Black pepper, to taste
Olive oil spray (for baking)
Optional add-ins:
¼ cup shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness
A pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Grate and drain the zucchini: Place the grated zucchini in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. Then squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean towel or cheesecloth. This step is key to keeping your balls crisp!
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, and pepper. Stir until the mixture comes together.
Shape the balls: Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Lightly spray or brush the balls with olive oil. Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Let them cool slightly, then enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce — marinara, tzatziki, or garlic yogurt are all great options!
Serving Ideas
Baked Zucchini Balls are incredibly versatile. You can:
Serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
Add them to pasta dishes or salads for extra texture.
Enjoy them as a healthy snack for movie night or lunch boxes.
Pair them with grilled meats or fish as a light side dish.
They also make an excellent vegetarian option at parties or potlucks — everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Pop them back in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Freeze: You can freeze them before or after baking. To bake from frozen, simply add 5–7 extra minutes to the cook time.
