Crispy Cheesy Veggie Bites

Category: Snacks That Bring People Together

Fresh grated zucchini mixed with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and more, fried to a crisp! These fritters are simple, gluten-free-friendly, and a crowd-pleasing snack or side.

Rose
By Sophie Parker Sophie Parker
Updated on Mon, 05 May 2025 18:44:38 GMT
Stacked zucchini bites topped with sour cream and fresh parsley on a dark plate. Save
Stacked zucchini bites topped with sour cream and fresh parsley on a dark plate. | tastybysophie.com

I gotta tell you about my top way to use summer zucchini. These fritters have reached famous status at my place - they've got those crunchy edges with soft middles, packed with fresh zucchini and gooey cheese. Whenever I cook them, they vanish instantly, doesn't matter if it's just a regular family meal or when buddies drop by.

A Stunning Starter

I've brought these to pretty much all my summer get-togethers and nobody can resist them. There's something about that brown, crispy outside and how they work with so many dips that makes folks grab seconds. My go-to is a simple mix I throw together with Greek yogurt, garden herbs and a bit of lemon juice.

Fresh Veggie Wonder

The best thing about these fritters is how they turn ordinary zucchini into something you can't stop eating. Even my picky nephew asks for more when these are on the table. The subtle zucchini taste mixed with cheese and garlic just hits right.

Basic Stuff You Need

You'll be amazed how a handful of everyday items can make something this tasty. Zucchini straight from your garden or local market really makes a difference. I always grab a block of cheese to shred myself - it just melts way better than the bagged stuff. And don't forget fresh garlic cloves, they add that perfect flavor kick.

Quick Steps

Whipping up these fritters isn't hard at all. What I've found crucial is getting the zucchini as dry as possible. I grate it, sprinkle salt, then squeeze it over and over. This bit of extra work leads to super crispy fritters without fail.

Golden fritters made from zucchini with a dollop of sour cream on top and some parsley garnish on a plate. Save
Golden fritters made from zucchini with a dollop of sour cream on top and some parsley garnish on a plate. | tastybysophie.com

My Clever Hacks

After making tons of batches, I've figured out some special moves. Keeping your stove at medium heat is super important - too high and they'll get black before cooking inside, too low and they'll soak up oil. I've also learned you shouldn't rush flipping them, let the first side get properly golden.

Leftovers Are Great

These fritters taste amazing fresh but they keep really well too. I usually make extra and stick them in the fridge for quick meals later. A short warm-up in a pan brings back that nice crunch. They've rescued many rushed weekday dinners at my house.

Great Companions

While these fritters taste fantastic alone, they also go great with other foods. I like serving them with summer grilled fish or chicken. Sometimes I put a runny egg on top for breakfast. You can pair them with almost anything.

Crowd Pleaser

Whenever I show up with these at parties, everyone wants my recipe. They're ideal for gatherings since you can eat them while chatting, and they still taste good when they cool down. Plus they look fancy on a big plate with various dips and herbs.

Totally Addictive

Take my word for it, after trying these zucchini fritters you won't be able to stop. They've become such a regular thing in my kitchen that summer just wouldn't be right without them. And when zucchinis are growing like crazy, there's no better way to enjoy them.

Some stacked zucchini fritters on a plate with dipping sauce nearby. Save
Some stacked zucchini fritters on a plate with dipping sauce nearby. | tastybysophie.com

Try New Flavors

The standard recipe rocks but feel free to play around. I sometimes toss in fresh mint or dill from my backyard. Other times I add shredded carrots for sweetness and color. Every change brings something fresh to enjoy.

For All Diets

When my friends who can't eat gluten come over, I just swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs. They turn out just as crunchy and yummy. I love that everyone can munch on them no matter what food rules they follow.

Tasty But Healthy

These fritters are my favorite veggie delivery system. They're loaded with nutritious zucchini and when I bake them instead of frying, they're even better for you. It's tasty food you don't need to feel bad about.

Weekly Prep Champion

I love cooking lots on Sunday for easy food all week. They work great as quick work lunches or dinner sides. Just heat them up and they taste almost new again, which makes busy days so much easier.

Getting That Crunch

That perfect crispy outside comes down to how you make them. I've figured out you need to be patient with drying the zucchini and making sure your pan is hot enough. These small things turn okay fritters into amazing ones.

Steaming hot zucchini fritters stacked on a dark plate. Save
Steaming hot zucchini fritters stacked on a dark plate. | tastybysophie.com

Works All Day Long

These fritters fit into any mealtime. I enjoy them for morning breakfast with eggs, as a light lunch with greens, or next to dinner dishes. They even work for late night snacking, though they rarely last that long around here.

Kids Love Them

It's crazy how these fritters can change veggie haters into fans. My children enjoy helping make them too, especially stirring and forming the patties. It's our fun kitchen activity and they always eat more when they've helped cook.

Best of Summer

There's something extra special about making fritters with zucchini right from summer gardens. The taste can't be matched and it feels so good to use up all that extra garden bounty. They really grab the feeling of summer cooking.

Smart Option

While I love the classic pan-fried version, oven baking these fritters works great too. They still get nice and crispy and you can feel better about having another serving. It's comfort cooking with a healthier approach.

Never Disappoints

Whether I'm making these for just us at home or taking them to a group dinner, they always win people over. Something about that crunchy outside and soft middle keeps folks reaching for more. They've become that one dish everyone expects me to bring whenever we get together.

Crispy zucchini fritters with rosemary on top, on a black plate with dip in the background. Save
Crispy zucchini fritters with rosemary on top, on a black plate with dip in the background. | tastybysophie.com

Wrapping Up

Grated zucchini is blended with Parmesan, Mozzarella, and a few ingredients to make crispy, golden fritters. Perfect as a light appetizer or a fun alternative side dish. Gluten-free options included!

Recipe FAQs

→ Why won’t my fritters stay together?

If they’re falling apart, there’s probably not enough egg, breadcrumbs, or cheese to hold them together. Also, try flipping them less often and make sure the pan has enough oil when frying.

→ How do I keep them crispy?

Make sure to squeeze the shredded zucchini really well with a cheesecloth or mesh bag. Too much liquid can make the fritters soggy instead of crispy.

→ Could I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can mix the zucchini batter ahead and chill it for a few hours. Cook the fritters right before serving to keep the crunch. Leftovers can be crisped up again in the oven.

→ What’s good to serve alongside these fritters?

They go great with sauces like marinara, yogurt dip, or sour cream. Pair them with grilled meats or salads for a complete meal. Feel free to get creative!

→ Are these freezable?

Cooked fritters, once cooled, can be frozen. Use parchment to separate layers in an airtight container, then reheat straight from the freezer in the oven until crispy.

Cheesy Zucchini Bites

Crisp, golden zucchini patties featuring Parmesan and Mozzarella. A fun and tasty way to enjoy fresh zucchini any time.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
30 min
By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (Eight patties)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 A few pinches of salt for seasoning.
02 2 big zucchini, shredded and drained well (about 1.5 lbs or 2 cups packed).
03 3 tablespoons cooking canola oil.
04 A couple of garlic cloves, finely minced.
05 1 cup Panko crumbs for binding.
06 2 large eggs, whisked.
07 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, freshly shredded.
08 1/4 cup Mozzarella, shredded finely.
09 A dash of freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste.

Steps

Step 01

Shred the zucchini on a coarse side of a grater. Wrap it in cheesecloth or a mesh bag and twist it to squeeze out as much water as you can.

Step 02

Toss the squeezed zucchini into a bowl and mix it with the other ingredients. Blend everything until the mixture holds together nicely.

Step 03

Heat a large skillet over medium heat first. Then lower it a little and pour in some oil for frying.

Step 04

Scoop small portions of the mixture using an ice cream scoop. Shape them gently in your hands before adding them to the pan.

Step 05

Cook each side for 4 to 6 minutes without flipping too often, or they'll fall apart. Add oil between batches if the pan gets too dry.

Notes

  1. Use a gluten-free breadcrumb brand like 4C to keep these fritters gluten-free.
  2. To avoid soggy fritters, press out all the liquid from the zucchini before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Required Tools

  • A mesh bag or cheesecloth to squeeze moisture.
  • A large frying skillet.
  • Mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
  • An ice cream scoop for easy portioning.
  • A coarse grater for shredding zucchini.

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Egg-based ingredients.
  • Dairy products (Mozzarella and Parmesan).

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 10 g