Zucchini Bites with Marinara Dip

Discover the deliciousness of Zesty Zucchini Bites with Marinara Dip, a healthy appetizer perfect for gatherings or casual snacking. Made from fresh zucchini, these bites offer a crispy texture and flavorful punch that pairs beautifully with marinara sauce. Easy to prepare, they're versatile enough for any occasion, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Elevate your appetizer game with this nutritious recipe that your guests will love.

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, grated

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Marinara Dip:

1 cup marinara sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 clove garlic, minced

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini: Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater. Once grated, transfer the zucchini to a clean kitchen towel and twist the towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is essential to ensure your bites remain crispy instead of soggy.

Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until everything is well incorporated.

Form the Bites: With your hands, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into patties or bites, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should yield about 12-15 bites.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom, about ¼ inch deep, and heat over medium heat until the oil is shimmering gently.

Fry the Bites: Carefully lower a few zucchini bites into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color and a crispy texture. Once done, transfer the bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Continue frying the remaining zucchini bites in batches.

Prepare the Marinara Dip: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the marinara sauce, dried oregano, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serve: Arrange the crispy zucchini bites on a serving platter with a bowl of warm marinara dip in the center. For a touch of decoration, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan on top and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 35 minutes | 4 servings