Description
Tender Italian-style zucchini balls with Parmesan, garlic, basil, and parsley, baked until golden and served warm with marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups grated zucchini, from about 1 medium zucchini
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, or 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the grated zucchini between paper towels or inside a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Transfer the drained zucchini to a large mixing bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and beaten eggs, then stir until combined.
- Add the garlic, basil, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed, then let the mixture rest for 2 minutes.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and gently roll it into a compact ball. Repeat to make 12 balls.
- Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until firm and golden brown around the edges.
- Rest the baked zucchini balls for 3 minutes, then serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Squeeze the zucchini thoroughly because excess moisture can make the balls soft and difficult to shape.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs when needed.
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or in a 375°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Serve with marinara, tzatziki, hummus, pesto, pasta, or a vegetarian sandwich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 42
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 174
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 29