Name: Zucchini Patties Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Looking for a way to turn summer’s most abundant vegetable into something truly irresistible? Zucchini Patties are the answer! Crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy inside, these savory fritters are an absolute joy to make and eat. Whether you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a light lunch, or a clever way to use up a garden haul, this recipe brings zucchini to sparkling new heights. With just a handful of easy ingredients and a quick stovetop method, you’ll have a golden platter of Zucchini Patties ready to share—or keep all to yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Zucchini Patties lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, adding flavor, texture, or that extra bit of color to make every bite memorable. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these patties to life:

Zucchini: Fresh, medium zucchinis give the patties their signature moistness and delicate flavor.
Salt: Essential for drawing out moisture from the zucchini and enhancing overall taste.
Onion: Adds just the right pop of savory sweetness and a little crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a rich, salty depth and a lovely golden hue as the patties cook.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind everything together for a perfect patty shape.
Breadcrumbs: Lend structure and help achieve that coveted crispy crust.
Egg: Acts as the glue, holding all the delicious ingredients in place.
Garlic Powder: Delivers a gentle kick of aromatic flavor without overpowering the zucchini.
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and balances the flavors beautifully.
Olive Oil: Used for frying, it creates a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the patties light.

How to Make Zucchini Patties

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

Start by grating your zucchinis—no need to peel them, just trim the ends. Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes; this simple step draws out excess water, ensuring your Zucchini Patties fry up crisp instead of soggy. Afterward, wrap the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. You’ll be surprised how much comes out!

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the well-drained zucchini, finely chopped onion, grated Parmesan, flour, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until you have a thick, cohesive batter. At this point, you can add a handful of chopped fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy—dill or parsley are excellent choices for a fresh twist.

Step 3: Shape and Fry the Patties

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter for each patty, shaping and flattening them slightly with your hands or the back of a spoon. Place the patties in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they’re deeply golden and crisp. Flip gently, and let both sides get that irresistible crunch.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Serve your Zucchini Patties warm while they’re at their crispiest and most flavorful. Get ready for them to disappear quickly!

How to Serve Zucchini Patties

Garnishes

Garnishing your Zucchini Patties elevates them from simple to stunning. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is a classic choice, adding cool creaminess that perfectly balances the savory patties. Sprinkle with extra chopped herbs, a bit more Parmesan, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.

Side Dishes

These patties pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving them alongside a crisp green salad, roasted potatoes, or a vibrant tomato and cucumber salad for a refreshing summer meal. They also make a wonderful addition to a mezze platter with olives, hummus, and pita.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate! Zucchini Patties can be tucked into pita bread with crunchy veggies for a light sandwich, or stacked with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella for a playful twist on caprese. You can even serve them slider-style on mini buns, topped with your favorite sauces for an irresistible party bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Zucchini Patties left over (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them a handy option for quick snacks or lunches.

Freezing

These patties freeze exceptionally well! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just reheat straight from frozen whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring back their signature crisp, reheat Zucchini Patties in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to soften the patties.

FAQs

Can I make Zucchini Patties gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The flavor and texture remain incredible, and everyone can enjoy them.

Do I need to peel the zucchini before grating?

No need to peel—just wash and trim the ends. The skin is tender and adds a lovely color and nutrients to your patties.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

If you prefer, try using crumbled feta or shredded cheddar for a different flavor profile. Each brings its own unique twist to the patties.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Arrange the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

How do I keep my Zucchini Patties from falling apart?

Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini, and mix the batter well so the egg binds everything together. If the mixture seems too loose, add a bit more flour or breadcrumbs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new go-to appetizer or a creative way to celebrate summer’s bounty, give Zucchini Patties a try. They’re easy, satisfying, and incredibly versatile—once you taste that crispy-cheesy goodness, you’ll be hooked!

Zucchini Patties Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These crispy and flavorful zucchini patties are a perfect vegetarian appetizer made with fresh grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic. Lightly fried to golden perfection, they make an ideal summer snack or side dish, served warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini Mixture

2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Frying

2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchinis and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
Make the batter: In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, chopped onion, grated Parmesan cheese, flour, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until a well-combined batter forms.
Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat to prepare for frying the patties.
Form and cook patties: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture for each patty and flatten it slightly. Place the patties carefully into the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and serve: Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve the patties warm.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour.
Add chopped fresh herbs such as dill or parsley to the batter for extra flavor.
These patties pair well with sour cream or Greek yogurt as a dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American