These Easy Zucchini Breadsticks are a tasty way to sneak some veggies into snack time! They’re soft, cheesy, and super fun to dip into your favorite sauce. Perfect for little hands!
I love making these with my kids; they always want to help mix and shape the dough. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra zucchini from the garden. Who knew veggies could be this fun?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: You’ll need about one medium zucchini, which gives these breadsticks moisture and a veggie boost. If you’re out of zucchini, grated carrots or yellow squash can work as tasty substitutes.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the main ingredient here. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Cheeses: Mozzarella adds that gooey cheese stretch, and Parmesan gives a nice flavor punch. You can swap mozzarella for cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer a different cheese flavor.
Eggs: They help bind the ingredients. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, try using flaxseed meal: mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
How Do I Ensure My Breadsticks Don’t Get Soggy?
The key to avoiding soggy breadsticks is to get rid of extra moisture from the zucchini. Grating the zucchini is just the first step!
- After grating, place the zucchini in a clean towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze it tightly to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Following this, it’s important to well-mix your dry and wet ingredients without overmixing, which helps maintain the correct consistency.
- Consider preheating your oven fully. A hot oven results in a better crust and ensures they bake evenly.
By following these tips, you’ll end up with perfectly crispy and delicious zucchini breadsticks that kids will love!
Easy Zucchini Breadsticks for Kids
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium zucchini (about 1 cup grated)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-18 minutes to bake. So, in just about 30-35 minutes, you’ll have delicious zucchini breadsticks ready for snacking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the breadsticks will bake evenly and turn golden brown. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is super important to keep the breadsticks from becoming soggy.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is mixed well.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the grated zucchini, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, olive oil, and dried Italian seasoning (if using) to the dry mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. The dough will be a bit sticky, and that’s okay!
5. Shape the Dough:
Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Turn the dough out onto the surface and knead it a little just until it comes together. Then roll or pat it into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
6. Cut the Breadsticks:
Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips that are about ½ to ¾ inch wide. Carefully transfer the strips to your lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
7. Bake the Breadsticks:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the breadsticks are golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, let the breadsticks cool slightly. They’re delicious on their own or served with marinara sauce or your kid’s favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy making and eating these with your little chefs!
These zucchini breadsticks are not just easy to make, but they’re also a fun way for kids to enjoy some veggies as a snack!
FAQ for Easy Zucchini Breadsticks
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure it’s fully thawed and drained before using it in the recipe. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible, just like you would with fresh zucchini, to prevent sogginess.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these breadsticks gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same!
Can I Make These Breadsticks Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and cut the strips, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them to prevent drying out. You can also pre-bake them and store the cooked breadsticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or microwave them for a quick reheat; they may lose some crispiness in the microwave.
