Cheesy Gluten-Free Zucchini Bites

Okay, friend, let's chat snacks. Not just any snacks, but the kind that make you do a little happy dance because they're delicious and *actually* work for your gluten-free life. I don't know about you, but finding truly satisfying, easy-to-grab bites that also fit my dietary needs was a bit of a struggle when I first went gluten-free. It's like the snack aisle was designed to taunt me! That's why I started experimenting, and oh boy, some of these turned into gold. Today, I'm sharing one of my absolute faves: Cheesy Zucchini Bites. They're ridiculously easy, they're packed with veggies (hello, sneaky healthy win!), and they're cheesy, which, let's be honest, makes everything better. I seriously cannot wait for you to try them! They are a perfect snack on their own, pair well with a marinara sauce for dipping, or even as a side to a meal. So, grab your aprons and let's get to it!

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 2 medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out (about 2 cups grated)
• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose baking mix (I like Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 blend, but your favorite blend should work)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese, mozzarella works great too!)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (because everything is better with garlic!)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil)

Let's Get Cooking!

1. Prep the Zucchini: This is crucial, folks. After grating your zucchini, lay it out on a clean kitchen towel and firmly press and squeeze to remove as much water as possible. If you skip this step, your bites might be a bit soggy, and we don't want that!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, half of the cheddar cheese, the parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the beaten eggs into the bowl with the dry ingredients, followed by the garlic and the squeezed zucchini.
4. Fold Everything Together: Now, gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is just combined. Don't overmix, we're going for a happy medium!
5. Get Ready To Cook: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I recommend a good non-stick skillet, if you have one. It will make the next step a breeze. (If not, don't worry, just keep an eye on things.)
6. Form the Bites: Take a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and place it into your hot skillet. It will begin to firm up quickly. Form small patties, or just keep them as a spoonful.
7. Cook to Golden Perfection: Cook the zucchini bites for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through. You might need to adjust the heat a bit to make sure they get fully cooked without burning. Work in batches, if necessary.
8. Serve them Hot! Place cooked patties on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top and serve hot. These are divine straight from the pan, but also work at room temperature.

Tips & Tricks for Snacking Success:

• Spice it Up: Want a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix. A little heat is always welcome, in my book!
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Feta or even a bit of goat cheese would be amazing additions!
• Veggie Power-Up: Finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach could be mixed in for extra veggie goodness. These are a great place for those veggies on their last leg.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just be aware, you might have to do another quick squeeze with the mixture before cooking to remove any excess moisture.
• Leftover Magic: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet for best texture.
• Air Fryer Alternative: If you have an air fryer, these are absolutely amazing done in it. Simply follow step 6 and place in your air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees. Spray the basket first, to ensure they don't stick.

Product Recommendations:

Okay, my friend, that's it! I genuinely hope you enjoy these Cheesy Zucchini Bites as much as I do. They're perfect for a quick snack, a kid-approved lunch, or even as a side dish with other gluten free meals. I'd love to hear what you think, so don't hesitate to drop a comment below and let me know how they turn out! Until next time, happy snacking!