These Easy Zucchini Breadsticks are perfect for kids! They’re soft, tasty, and packed with healthy zucchini. Plus, they’re super easy to make—simple mixing and baking!
My kids love to dip them in marinara sauce, and I can’t blame them! 🥫 When we make these, I sometimes sneak in extra veggies. They never notice, and it’s our little secret!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: A must-have for these breadsticks! Grating and squeezing the zucchini is important to prevent sogginess. You can substitute zucchini with yellow squash if you prefer or if zucchini is out of season.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just note that it may change the color and texture slightly.
Cheese: Mozzarella cheese gives great stretch and flavor. If your kids prefer a stronger taste, try using cheddar. Make sure it’s shredded for better mixing!
Seasoning: Italian seasoning adds a wonderful flavor. If you don’t have it, individual dried herbs like oregano and basil work well too. For a twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Egg: If you need a vegan option, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). It helps bind the ingredients together.
What’s the Best Way to Squeeze Out Zucchini Moisture?
Squeezing out excess moisture from the zucchini is crucial for achieving the right texture in your breadsticks. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor.
- Gather the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Twist the towel or fold the paper towels to close the zucchini inside, then squeeze firmly to remove moisture. Repeat until no more liquid drips from the towel.
This simple step makes a big difference, ensuring your breadsticks stay tasty and not soggy!
Easy Zucchini Breadsticks Recipe for Kids
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium zucchini (about 1 cup grated, squeezed dry)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and parsley)
- Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to bake, for a total of around 25-30 minutes. In no time, you’ll have delicious, cheesy breadsticks ready for your family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure the breadsticks bake evenly and become nice and golden. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Then place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can—it’s important for keeping the breadsticks from getting soggy!
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend will give your breadsticks a lovely flavor!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the grated zucchini, shredded mozzarella cheese, egg, olive oil, and Italian seasoning to your bowl of dry ingredients. Mix everything together until you have a dough-like consistency—it should come together nicely!
5. Shape the Breadsticks:
Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. With your hands, shape it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just make sure it’s not too thin!
6. Add Parmesan:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy crust on top of your breadsticks.
7. Score the Breadsticks:
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, score the rectangle into breadstick-sized strips, about 1 inch wide. This will make it easier to break them apart once they’re baked!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and cooked through. The delicious smell will fill your kitchen!
9. Cool and Separate:
Once baked, take the breadsticks out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, carefully separate them along the score lines.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These zucchini breadsticks are best enjoyed warm! Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired. Your kids will love it!
These zucchini breadsticks are a delicious, kid-friendly way to enjoy veggies! Have fun cooking together!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is perfect for stretch and flavor, you can also use cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses based on your kids’ preferences. Just make sure it’s shredded for easy mixing.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Zucchini?
You can substitute with frozen grated zucchini! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and thoroughly drained before using it. This will prevent extra moisture from making the breadsticks soggy.
Can I Make These Breadsticks Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape it into a rectangle, then store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready for a warm treat!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes for a crispy texture again!
