Zucchini Patties

Made with shredded zucchini, fresh herbs, and a crispy, golden exterior, these Zucchini Patties make a tasty, nutritious, and adaptable snack or side dish. They are full of taste and may be eaten as an appetizer, as a vegetarian dinner, or as a side dish for your favorite main course. Additionally, they are quick and simple to make—no complex materials or methods are required!

These patties are crispy on the outside and delicate on the inside, with a light zucchini taste enhanced by cheese, garlic, and herbs. For a filling treat, serve them with a dipping sauce or eat them in a sandwich.

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serving Size: 4-6 servings

Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, shredded (about 3 cups)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (you can use panko for extra crunch)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (or use dried parsley)

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

1 large egg

2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

 Prepare the Zucchini

 Shred the Zucchini

Start by washing and trimming the ends of the zucchinis. Using a box grater or food processor, shred the zucchini into fine strips. You should have around 3 cups of shredded zucchini.

Remove Excess Moisture

Zucchini has a high water content, so it’s essential to remove excess moisture before making the patties. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and gently squeeze or press out the liquid. You can also place the shredded zucchini in a fine-mesh strainer and press it with the back of a spoon. Removing the water helps the patties hold together better and become crispy when frying.

 Make the Patty Mixture

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Add the Egg

Crack the egg into the mixture and stir everything together with a spoon or fork until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture holds together. The egg helps bind the ingredients, making it easier to form patties.

 Form the Patties

 Shape the Patties

Using your hands, scoop a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a small patty, about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Repeat with the remaining mixture, making around 8-10 patties, depending on how large you want them. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little extra breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture.

 Cook the Zucchini Patties

Heat the Pan

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, it’s time to start frying the patties.

 Fry the Patties

Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, cooking them in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip them to ensure even cooking.

 Drain Excess Oil

Once the patties are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

 Serve

Serve the Zucchini Patties hot, either on their own with a dipping sauce or as a side dish. They’re great with a simple yogurt dip, garlic aioli, or even a drizzle of sour cream. You can also use them as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or serve them alongside a salad for a lighter meal.

Tips and Notes

Variation with Herbs:

Feel free to adjust the herbs to suit your tastes. Fresh basil, thyme, or dill can all be excellent additions. You can also use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a bolder flavor.

Cheese Options:

If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can omit the cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can also be a great substitute for the cheesy flavor.

Baking Option:

If you want a lighter version of these patties, you can bake them instead of frying. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle them lightly with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

Make-Ahead:

You can prepare the patty mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days before frying. Alternatively, you can form the patties, freeze them on a baking sheet, and transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Fry the frozen patties directly from the freezer.

Dipping Sauce Suggestions:

Pair these patties with a variety of dipping sauces, such as a tzatziki sauce, spicy mayo, or a lemony yogurt dip.

Approximate Nutrition per Patty (1 medium-sized, ~60g)

Calories: ~80-100 kcal

Protein: ~4g

Carbohydrates: ~7g

Fiber: ~1g

Sugar: ~1g

Fat: ~5g

Saturated Fat: ~1.5g

Cholesterol: ~30mg

Sodium: ~150-250mg (varies based on added salt and cheese)