If you’re looking for a fun and tasty way to use up extra zucchini, Zucchini Patties are the answer! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of cheesy, garlicky flavor, these little veggie cakes are loved by both kids and adults.
They make a perfect meatless dinner, after-school snack, or a great side dish with just about anything. You can dip them in ranch, ketchup, or yogurt sauce—or even tuck them into a pita like a veggie burger!
🛒 What You’ll Need
Ingredients (Makes about 10 patties):
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for pan-frying
👩🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Zucchini Patties
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini—it’s the key to crispy patties!
- Chill the mixture for 10–15 minutes if it feels too wet.
- Use a nonstick or cast iron pan for the best golden crust.
- Keep them small and flat for faster, more even cooking.
- Double the batch—they freeze beautifully for quick meals!
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Box grater or food processor
- Clean towel or cheesecloth (for squeezing zucchini)
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour
- Dairy-free: Omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast
- Add protein: Mix in shredded cooked chicken or a spoonful of ricotta
- Extra veggies: Grated carrot or corn can be added to the mix
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Make the patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before frying
- Freeze cooked patties between layers of parchment for up to 2 months
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispness
👩🍳 How to Make Zucchini Patties
1. Grate & Drain the Zucchini
Grate zucchini and place in a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle with salt and let sit 10 minutes. Then, squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
2. Mix the Patty Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini with breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, garlic, green onion, pepper, and a pinch more salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Form Patties
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and form into small, flat patties.
4. Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
5. Serve & Dip
Serve hot with dipping sauce like ranch, garlic yogurt, or ketchup. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze cooked patties between parchment for up to 2 months
- Reheat: In the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp
🥒 Crispy, Cheesy, and Totally Craveable
These Zucchini Patties are everything you want in a veggie dish—crispy, flavorful, easy to make, and totally customizable. Whether you serve them as a snack, light lunch, or kid-friendly side, they’ll disappear fast!
Tried them? Let me know if your crew devoured them or if you added your own twist! 💬🥒🧀✨
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