Tasty Veggie Bites

As seen on: Easy and Flavorful Side Dish Recipes

These crunchy veggie patties mix freshly grated zucchini with Parmesan and Mozzarella for a yummy starter or side. They don't take long to cook and you can switch things up to make them without gluten.

emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Fri, 18 Apr 2025 20:35:25 GMT
Two golden-brown zucchini fritters stacked on a black plate, topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with fresh parsley. Save this
Two golden-brown zucchini fritters stacked on a black plate, topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with fresh parsley. | emilyscooks.com

I'm sharing my go-to summer zucchini recipe. These fritters have reached celebrity status at my place – they've got those crisp edges with soft middles, packed with garden-fresh zucchini and gooey cheese. They vanish within moments whenever I cook them, doesn't matter if it's just a regular family meal or when buddies drop in.

An Ideal Starter

I've brought these to practically all my summer get-togethers and nobody can resist them. That golden crust and how well they go with various dips makes folks grab seconds and thirds. My top choice is a simple mix I throw together using Greek yogurt, garden herbs and a bit of lemon juice.

Fresh-Picked Wonder

What gets me most about these fritters is how they turn plain zucchini into something you can't stop eating. Even my picky nephew asks for more when these show up. The subtle zucchini taste mixed with cheese and garlic just works so perfectly together.

Basic Components

You'll be shocked how a handful of everyday items can make something this tasty. Zucchini straight from your garden or local market really makes them special. I always shred cheese myself since it melts way better than the bagged stuff. And don't leave out fresh garlic – it gives that awesome savory touch.

Quick Process

Whipping up these fritters isn't complicated at all. The main trick I've figured out is getting zucchini as dry as possible. I grate it, sprinkle salt, then squeeze like crazy. This bit of extra work means your fritters turn out crispy every single time.

A plate of golden-brown zucchini fritters topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with parsley. Save this
A plate of golden-brown zucchini fritters topped with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with parsley. | emilyscooks.com

My Kitchen Wisdom

After making tons of batches, I've learned some handy tips. Keeping your stove at medium heat is super important – too high and they'll get black before cooking inside, too low and they'll soak up oil. I've also learned not to rush flipping them, letting that first side get properly golden.

Leftovers Rock

These fritters taste amazing hot off the pan but they store really well too. I often cook extra and keep them in the fridge for quick meals later. A fast warm-up in a pan brings back their crunchiness. They've come to my rescue during many hectic weekday lunches.

Great Company

While these fritters stand tall by themselves, they match up nicely with other foods. They're fantastic next to some grilled fish or chicken during summer. I sometimes drop a fried egg on top for breakfast. You can pair them with almost anything.

Crowd Pleasers

Whenever I take these to gatherings, friends want the instructions right away. They're ideal party snacks – easy to grab while chatting and they taste good without reheating. Plus they look fantastic on a serving dish with various sauces and herbs.

Totally Addictive

Take my word for it, once you sample these zucchini fritters, you'll be hooked. They've become such a fixture in my cooking that summer wouldn't seem right without them. When zucchini plants are going crazy, there's no tastier way to handle the overflow.

A stack of golden-brown zucchini fritters is displayed on a plate, with a side of dipping sauce in the background. Save this
A stack of golden-brown zucchini fritters is displayed on a plate, with a side of dipping sauce in the background. | emilyscooks.com

Tasty Variations

The standard version rocks but feel free to play around. I toss in fresh dill or mint from my garden sometimes. Other days I'll add shredded carrots for extra color and a bit of sweetness. Each new combo brings its own charm.

All-Inclusive Bites

When my pals with gluten issues visit, I just swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs. They turn out just as crispy and yummy. It makes me smile knowing everyone at the table can enjoy them no matter what food limits they have.

Wholesome Treats

These fritters are my favorite veggie delivery system. They're loaded with nutritious zucchini and when I bake them they're even better for you. It's comfort food you won't feel bad about later.

Prep Day Champion

I enjoy making a huge batch on Sundays for grab-and-go meals all week. They work great for fast lunches or dinner sides. Just warm them up and they're nearly as good as fresh, making crazy weekdays much smoother.

Crispy Success

Getting that perfect crunchy outside comes down to method. I've found you need patience with the water removal step and making sure your pan heats up right. These small but important details transform okay fritters into amazing ones.

A stack of golden-brown zucchini fritters on a black plate, with a hint of steam rising from them. Save this
A stack of golden-brown zucchini fritters on a black plate, with a hint of steam rising from them. | emilyscooks.com

Round-the-Clock Snack

These fritters fit into any mealtime. I enjoy them for breakfast with some eggs, as a simple lunch with greens, or alongside dinner. They're even tasty as a late-night snack, though they rarely stick around that long at my place.

Little Chef Approved

It's wild how these fritters can turn veggie haters into fans. My children love helping make them, especially mixing and forming the patties. It's become our fun kitchen activity and they always happily eat what they've helped prepare.

Seasonal Perfection

There's just something magical about making these fritters with peak-season zucchini. You can't beat the taste, and it's so rewarding to use up that garden surplus. They really capture what summer cooking is all about.

Lighter Option

Though I love the classic pan-fried style, baking these fritters works great too. They still get nicely crisp in the oven and you won't feel guilty having another one. It's comfort food with a healthier angle.

Never Disappoints

Whether I'm cooking these for just the family or taking them to a potluck dinner, they always get rave reviews. Something about their crunchy outside and soft inside keeps people coming back for more. They've turned into my signature dish that everyone asks me to bring.

A stack of golden-brown zucchini fritters garnished with a sprig of rosemary, served on a black plate with a small bowl of dipping sauce in the background. Save this
A stack of golden-brown zucchini fritters garnished with a sprig of rosemary, served on a black plate with a small bowl of dipping sauce in the background. | emilyscooks.com

Common Questions

→ Why are my zucchini fritters falling apart?

Your mix probably doesn't have enough stuff holding it together. Try adding more Panko breadcrumbs, eggs, and cheese to bind everything nicely. Also, use plenty of oil when cooking and don't flip them too much while they're in the pan.

→ How do you keep zucchini fritters from getting soggy?

Getting rid of extra water from your zucchini is super important. Grab a mesh bag or cheesecloth and really squeeze out all the moisture after you've grated it. Don't skip this step if you want your fritters nice and crispy.

→ Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

You can mix everything a few hours early and stick it in the fridge. But for the best crunch, cook them right before you want to eat them. If you've got leftovers, warm them up in the oven to bring back some of that crispiness.

→ What can I serve with zucchini fritters?

These go really well with dips like sour cream, yogurt sauce, or tomato marinara. They're great next to grilled meats or just by themselves as a snack with some fresh salad on the side.

→ Can I freeze zucchini fritters?

You sure can freeze them after cooking. Let them cool down completely, then put them in a sealed container with parchment paper between each layer. You can heat them straight from the freezer in your oven until they're hot and crispy again.

Wrap-Up

These crunchy veggie patties mix freshly grated zucchini with Parmesan and Mozzarella for a yummy starter or side. They don't take long to cook and you can switch things up to make them without gluten.

Cheese Zucchini Patties

Perfectly crunchy golden patties packed with fresh zucchini, Parmesan and Mozzarella. A wonderful way to transform garden zucchini into something irresistibly crisp.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
15 Minutes
Overall Time
30 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Side Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: American

Makes: 4 Portions (8 fritters)

Special Diet: Low in Carbs, Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

01 items 3 tablespoons cooking oil from canola.
02 items 2 cups grated zucchini with water pressed out (grab 2 big ones, about 1.5 pounds).
03 items 1 cup crunchy Panko crumbs.
04 items 2 eggs.
05 items 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated.
06 items 1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, finely grated.
07 items 2 cloves of garlic.
08 items Salt.
09 items Black pepper, freshly ground.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Shred your zucchini with the box grater using the big holes. Dump it into a cheese cloth or mesh bag and squeeze hard to get all the water out.

Step 02

Toss the dry zucchini into a bowl with all your other stuff. Stir it up really good so everything's mixed together.

Step 03

Get a big pan hot on medium heat, then turn it down a little bit. Pour your oil in.

Step 04

Scoop out portions with an ice cream scoop. Shape them gently in your hands and drop them in the pan.

Step 05

Let them cook for 4-6 minutes on each side. Only flip once or they'll fall apart. Add more oil between batches if you need to.

Extra Notes

  1. Want these without gluten? Just swap in gluten-free crumbs. The 4C brand regular crumbs work great instead of Panko too.
  2. Make sure you get all the water out of your zucchini or you'll end up with mushy fritters.

Essential Tools

  • Large hole grater.
  • Cheese cloth or mesh bag.
  • Big frying pan.
  • Bowl for mixing.
  • Ice cream scoop.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy (from the Parmesan and Mozzarella).

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Fat Content: 17 grams
  • Total Carbs: 14 grams
  • Protein Content: 10 grams