Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown fritter with a soft, cheesy center and a hint of garlic. Cheesy Zucchini Fritters are the perfect combination of crunch and flavor, making them a delicious appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up extra zucchini or want a new favorite snack, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with cheesy goodness.
Baked instead of fried, these fritters are a healthier alternative while still being incredibly satisfying. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and they’ll disappear in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy & Cheesy – A perfect balance of crunch and gooey, melted white cheddar.
✔ Easy & Quick – Simple ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes.
✔ Healthier Alternative – Baked instead of fried, with less oil and fewer calories.
✔ Kid-Friendly – A great way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and reheat for easy snacks throughout the week.
Ingredients for Cheesy Zucchini Fritters
Before you start, gather these simple, fresh ingredients.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini, shredded (packed) | 2½ cups |
| White cheddar, shredded | 1½ cups |
| Panko breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Garlic powder | 2 tsp |
| Sea salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cheesy Zucchini Fritters
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Zucchini
- Shred the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
- Place it in a colander and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Use a clean kitchen towel or your hands to squeeze out as much water as possible.
3. Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded zucchini
- Shredded white cheddar
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Form the Fritters
- Use a spoon or your hands to shape the mixture into small patties or balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each fritter.
5. Bake Until Golden & Crispy
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Check for doneness and add an extra 2-3 minutes if needed.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the fritters cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, tzatziki, or marinara.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Zucchini Fritters
✔ As a Snack or Appetizer
Pair these crispy fritters with garlic aioli, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for dipping.
✔ As a Side Dish
Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
✔ In a Wrap
Stuff them into pita bread or a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and sauce.
✔ Breakfast Option
Top with a fried or poached egg for a protein-packed breakfast.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Skillet: Reheat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
Freezing Option:
- Arrange uncooked fritters on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~140 |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Calcium | 180mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses.
2. What if my fritters are too wet?
Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini. If needed, add a little extra Panko to absorb excess liquid.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap Panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
4. Can I fry these fritters instead of baking them?
Yes! Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy.
5. Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Try adding grated carrots, corn, or chopped spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
6. What’s the best dipping sauce for these fritters?
Some great options include ranch, tzatziki, garlic aioli, or sriracha mayo.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Cheesy Snack
Cheesy Zucchini Fritters are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a crispy, cheesy bite. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these fritters are guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.
Try this recipe today and enjoy every cheesy, golden bite!
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Cheesy Zucchini Fritters: Crispy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these Cheesy Zucchini Fritters are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried snacks. Whether you enjoy them as a quick appetizer, a side dish, or a light meal, these golden fritters are guaranteed to satisfy. Best of all, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a guilt-free treat! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and they’ll be gone in no time.
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 2½ cups zucchini, shredded and packed
- 1½ cups white cheddar, shredded
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Serving
- Ranch, tzatziki, or marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
-
Prepare the Zucchini:
- Shred the zucchini and place it in a colander.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Squeeze out excess water using a clean kitchen towel.
-
Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Shredded zucchini
- Shredded white cheddar
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
- Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- In a large bowl, combine:
-
Form the Fritters:
- Use a spoon or your hands to shape the mixture into small patties.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each fritter.
-
Bake Until Golden Brown:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the fritters cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: Use less zucchini or add more breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute Panko breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- Make Ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or in an air fryer for 3 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked fritters for up to 2 months, then bake as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American