Baked Zucchini Veggie Patties
Highlighted under: Natural Cooking
I absolutely love making these baked zucchini veggie patties! Each time I prepare them, the aroma of fresh vegetables fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist snacking before they’re even done. The blend of zucchini, spices, and breadcrumbs offers a delightful texture that's perfect for any meal. They're not only healthy but can be served as a main dish or even enjoyed as an appetizer. Quick to whip up and packed with flavor, these patties have become a staple in my household that everyone enjoys.
As I experimented with various vegetable-based recipes, I stumbled upon the idea of zucchini patties. After several rounds of adjustments, I found the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The key was grating the zucchini and letting it sit to release excess water, ensuring my patties didn’t turn out soggy. Each bite is a delightful crunch followed by the freshness of the herbs.
These patties have quickly become a go-to recipe when I have zucchini to use up. They're incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or in a sandwich with your favorite toppings. I love experimenting with different herbs and spices to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable to my guests' tastes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
- Packed with nutritious veggies and flavor
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a main course
- Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner
Perfecting Your Patties
To achieve the ideal texture for your zucchini patties, it's essential to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini. Excess moisture can lead to soggy patties that fall apart during baking. After grating, I recommend placing the zucchini on a clean kitchen towel, folding it over, and twisting to squeeze out liquid. Alternatively, you can use a salad spinner for quick results. This step enhances the crispiness of your patties and ensures they hold together beautifully.
When forming the patties, aim for a consistent size. A two-inch diameter is ideal for even cooking, allowing the patties to crisp up on the outside while staying tender inside. If you find the mixture too wet, add additional breadcrumbs, about a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a moldable consistency. Using a cookie scoop can also help in maintaining uniformity, making it easier to portion out the mixture.
Baking Tips for Success
Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior. Make sure to evenly spread the patties on the baking sheet, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. This technique helps them bake evenly. For a deeper flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder, which can complement the zucchini's natural sweetness. Flipping the patties halfway through baking helps to create an evenly crispy texture on both sides.
If you want to ensure that your patties are fully cooked and safe to eat, aim for a golden brown color along the edges and a firm texture when gently pressed. If they don't seem to be browning enough, don't hesitate to turn up the oven temperature slightly for the last few minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious baked zucchini veggie patties:
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg
- Olive oil spray
Once all ingredients are prepared, you’re ready to move on to cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your baked zucchini veggie patties:
Prepare the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture. This step is crucial to avoid soggy patties.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and egg. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Form the Patties
Shape the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
Bake the Patties
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the patties with olive oil spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the patties from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
These baked zucchini veggie patties are best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat in the oven for optimal crispness!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, try incorporating different herbs like basil or dill, or even spices like chili powder for a kick! Additionally, you can substitute half of the breadcrumbs with cooked quinoa for added nutrition.
Storing and Reheating
These zucchini veggie patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispness, place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps restore their crisp texture without making them soggy in the microwave.
For longer storage, these patties freeze beautifully. Layer them in a freezer-safe container separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or if you’re short on time, bake them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes them an excellent option for meal prep!
Serving Suggestions
These baked zucchini patties pair wonderfully with various dipping sauces. A zesty yogurt sauce made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs can elevate the flavors. Alternatively, served alongside a fresh salad or as part of a veggie platter can enhance your meal's aesthetic and nutritional value. If you're feeling adventurous, consider topping them with avocado or a dollop of salsa for an added flavor twist.
For a heartier meal, you can serve these patties in a whole-grain bun or a lettuce wrap for a healthy burger alternative. To add extra protein, stack them with grilled chicken or turkey patties. These versatile zucchini patties adapt well to many cuisines—feel free to spice them up with specific flavor profiles like adding feta for Mediterranean flair or sweet chili sauce for an Asian kick.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze the zucchini patties?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked patties. Just make sure to place parchment paper between them before freezing to prevent sticking.
→ What can I serve with zucchini patties?
These patties pair well with a yogurt dip, guacamole, or even as a filling in a sandwich.
→ Can I make these patties vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) to bind the patties.
→ How do I store leftover patties?
Store leftover zucchini patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Baked Zucchini Veggie Patties
I absolutely love making these baked zucchini veggie patties! Each time I prepare them, the aroma of fresh vegetables fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist snacking before they’re even done. The blend of zucchini, spices, and breadcrumbs offers a delightful texture that's perfect for any meal. They're not only healthy but can be served as a main dish or even enjoyed as an appetizer. Quick to whip up and packed with flavor, these patties have become a staple in my household that everyone enjoys.
Created by: Miranda Keats
Recipe Type: Natural Cooking
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg
- Olive oil spray
How-To Steps
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture. This step is crucial to avoid soggy patties.
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and egg. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Shape the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the patties with olive oil spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Remove the patties from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, try incorporating different herbs like basil or dill, or even spices like chili powder for a kick! Additionally, you can substitute half of the breadcrumbs with cooked quinoa for added nutrition.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 6g