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Main Ingredients List - 2 medium zucchinis - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped - 1 large egg, beaten To make crispy garlic zucchini balls, you need fresh zucchinis. Grate them and let them sit with salt. This helps draw out extra moisture. The breadcrumbs add crunch and texture. I always prefer panko for the best crispiness. Parmesan cheese gives a rich flavor. Garlic and basil add that lovely aroma and taste. Finally, the egg binds everything together. Seasonings - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon onion powder Seasonings play a key role in flavor. Salt enhances the taste of all ingredients. Black pepper adds a nice kick. Onion powder gives depth without overpowering the dish. This mix creates a tasty balance. Optional Ingredients - Olive oil spray - Dipping sauces Olive oil spray helps achieve the crispy texture we all love. It’s a simple way to boost crunch without extra calories. You can also serve these balls with dipping sauces. Marinara or yogurt dips are great choices. They add freshness and a new flavor layer. First, you need to grate the zucchinis. Use a box grater or food processor for this. Grating makes the zucchinis easier to mix and form into balls. Next, place the grated zucchinis in a colander. Sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This step helps to drain excess moisture, which is key to making crispy zucchini balls. After the time is up, grab a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Squeeze the grated zucchini to remove as much moisture as you can. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchinis, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Add ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil, 1 beaten egg, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. Mix all the ingredients well. Use your hands for a good mix. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Once mixed, it's time to form the zucchini balls. Grab small portions, about 1 inch in diameter, and roll them into balls. Place each ball on a prepared baking sheet. Before baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Once the oven is hot, lightly spray the tops of your zucchini balls with olive oil spray. This helps them crisp up while baking. Bake the balls for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This ensures even cooking. You know they are done when they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy garlic zucchini balls! To make your zucchini balls crispy, start by draining moisture. Grating the zucchinis releases water. Sprinkle salt on them and let them sit for 15-20 minutes. This step is key. Afterward, use a towel to squeeze out any extra moisture. The drier the zucchini, the crispier the balls will be. Next, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and airy. Panko adds a great crunch that regular breadcrumbs can’t match. Mix them in well with the other ingredients. This ensures that every bite is crispy and yummy. For a beautiful presentation, serve the crispy garlic zucchini balls on a nice platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and freshness. You can also include a small bowl of marinara sauce. It makes a great dip and adds flavor. Yogurt dip is another tasty option. It’s cool and creamy, perfect for pairing. One common mistake is over or undercooking the balls. Make sure to bake them for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown. Use a timer to help keep track. Another mistake is not compressing the mixture enough. When forming the balls, press them firmly. This helps them hold their shape while baking. If they are too loose, they may fall apart. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of these zucchini balls. Adding spices or herbs can make a big difference. Try oregano or thyme for a fresh twist. If you want a cheesy flavor, consider cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also use different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique touch. If you want to make these balls healthier, consider baking instead of frying. Baking gives you that crispy texture without extra oil. You can also make gluten-free zucchini balls. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. This way, everyone can enjoy them. Serving these zucchini balls with dips adds extra flavor. Marinara sauce is a classic choice. It pairs well with the garlic taste. You can also try a yogurt dip for a creamy contrast. Hummus is another great option. It brings a smooth texture that complements the crispy balls. After making crispy garlic zucchini balls, you can store them in the fridge. Let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents odors. - Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. - Line the container with paper towels to absorb moisture. - They will stay good for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you want to keep zucchini balls longer, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for about an hour. This helps them freeze individually. - Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. - Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag. - They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply bake them straight from the freezer. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes. For the best taste, enjoy your zucchini balls within 3 days if refrigerated. If frozen, aim to eat them within 3 months. Signs of spoilage include: - A sour smell - A slimy texture - Any visible mold If you notice any of these signs, it's best to toss them out. Keeping an eye on freshness ensures a tasty snack every time! Yes, you can. Prepare the zucchini balls and freeze them. Lay them on a tray first. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you want to cook them, bake directly from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes meal prep easy and quick! If you need a substitute, try yellow squash or eggplant. Both work well and have similar textures. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower. Just pulse it in a food processor until finely chopped. This will give you a nice base for the balls. Always adjust seasonings to match your substitute. Look for a golden brown color. The zucchini balls should be firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Let them cool slightly before serving. This helps improve the taste and texture! In this post, we explored zucchini balls, from ingredients to baking tips. We covered each step, including mixing, baking, and serving suggestions. Remember, draining moisture helps achieve that perfect crisp. Using the right seasonings and optional dips can enhance flavors. Don't forget to store leftovers correctly, whether in the fridge or freezer. With these tips, you can enjoy delicious zucchini balls at any time. Keep experimenting with flavors and variations to make this dish your own! Enjoy your cooking journey!

Crispy Garlic Zucchini Balls

Discover the delightful taste of crispy garlic zucchini balls, a perfect appetizer or snack! This easy recipe combines grated zucchini with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, resulting in irresistibly crunchy bites. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy these delicious treats baked to golden perfection. Click through to explore this recipe and elevate your snacking game with a healthy twist!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, grated

1 teaspoon salt (to drain zucchinis)

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon onion powder

Olive oil spray (for baking)

Instructions
 

Start by grating the zucchinis and placing them in a colander. Sprinkle salt over them and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

    After the time has passed, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchinis.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchinis, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped basil, beaten egg, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

        Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

          Using your hands, form the zucchini mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

            Once all the balls are formed, lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to help them achieve a crispy texture while baking.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

                Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy garlic zucchini balls on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a small bowl of marinara sauce or yogurt dip for added flavor. Enjoy!