Zucchini Patties Recipe

If you’re craving something golden, cheesy, and irresistibly crisp, Zucchini Patties are about to become your new favorite comfort food. These savory rounds of goodness combine the fresh flavor of zucchini with the addictive pull of two cheeses and a hint of onion, all hugged together in a delicate, golden crust. Every bite brings you a taste of summer, making it the perfect recipe for using up a glut of garden zucchini (or for when you simply want a quick, satisfying appetizer or snack). Whether you’re serving them hot out of the skillet or piling them onto a lunch plate, these Zucchini Patties are sure to steal the show at any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Zucchini Patties lies in their simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in building flavor, texture, or that luscious cheesy stretch we all adore. Gather your ingredients, and you’ll see just how easily magic happens with a few kitchen staples.

• Grated zucchini: The heart of every patty, zucchini brings moisture, a tender bite, and that lovely green color.
• Eggs: These help bind everything together, ensuring your patties hold their shape once cooked.
• Chopped onion: Onion adds savory depth and a touch of sweetness to balance the cheeses.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough flour keeps everything cohesive and gives the patties structure.
• Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty punch that really intensifies as the patties cook.
• Mozzarella cheese: This brings melty gooeyness and a subtle creaminess.
• Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors; add to taste so the zucchini shines without overpowering.
• Vegetable oil: Used for frying, it gives the patties their delicious golden exterior.

How to Make Zucchini Patties

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Start by reaching for a medium-sized bowl—you’ll want a bit of room to stir everything together comfortably. Add your grated zucchini first, followed by the beaten eggs, chopped onion, all-purpose flour, Parmesan cheese, Mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of salt. Stir everything together thoroughly; you want an even distribution so that each bite of your Zucchini Patties delivers the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Pour your vegetable oil into a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Give the pan a minute or two to get hot—this ensures your patties start sizzling as soon as they hit the surface, leading to that irresistible crispy crust.

Step 3: Shape and Cook the Patties

Scoop up heaping tablespoonfuls of the zucchini mixture and drop them gently into the hot skillet. Use a spatula to flatten each mound into a patty shape, about half an inch thick. Don’t worry about perfect circles; a little rustic unevenness is part of their charm. Let the patties cook for a few minutes undisturbed, so a golden crust has a chance to form.

Step 4: Flip and Finish Frying

Once you spot a lovely brown edge, carefully flip each patty and cook the other side until it’s also golden and crisp—usually another two to three minutes. If needed, add a bit more oil to keep things from sticking. Continue with the rest of the mixture, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

When each batch is ready, move your Zucchini Patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. For maximum enjoyment, serve them hot while the cheese is still perfectly melty and the edges are delightfully crispy.

How to Serve Zucchini Patties

Garnishes

Bright garnishes make Zucchini Patties look and taste even better. A sprinkling of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or chives works wonders, adding a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice can wake up all the flavors, while a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt turns your patties into an irresistible treat.

Side Dishes

These patties complement a wide range of sides. Pair them with a vibrant tomato salad for a light lunch, or serve alongside roasted potatoes and sautéed greens for a heartier meal. They also shine beside simple rice pilaf or as the star atop a bed of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Stack Zucchini Patties into a tall tower for a fun presentation, or tuck them into sliders with a slice of tomato and a smear of aioli for party-perfect bites. Cut them into quarters and serve them as warm appetizers with a dipping sauce of your choice—marinara, ranch, or even tzatziki all make great partners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Zucchini Patties (which honestly isn’t likely!), simply let them cool to room temperature, then tuck them into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing their signature texture or taste.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange fully cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen Zucchini Patties can be stored for up to two months, letting you satisfy that savory craving any time.

Reheating

For best results, reheat patties in a hot skillet over medium heat, adding a touch of oil to revive their crisp exterior. Alternatively, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. Microwave reheating will work in a pinch but may soften the exterior, so pan or oven is the way to go if you want to keep that classic crunch.

FAQs

How can I prevent my Zucchini Patties from being soggy?

If you find your patties turning out a little too soft, try squeezing excess moisture from the grated zucchini before mixing it with the other ingredients. Simply place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out over the sink. This ensures a firmer, crispier texture every time.

Can I use other cheeses besides Parmesan and Mozzarella?

Absolutely! While Parmesan and Mozzarella offer a perfect blend of flavor and melt, you can experiment with feta, cheddar, or even a hint of smoked Gouda for something different. Each will lend its own delicious twist to your Zucchini Patties.

Are these patties gluten-free?

The classic recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or even chickpea flour to keep them gluten-free. Just check your binding and adjust the amount as needed to ensure everything holds together nicely.

Can I bake Zucchini Patties instead of frying them?

Yes! Arrange patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking yields a lighter version that still gives you that satisfying exterior.

What other vegetables can I add for variety?

Feel free to mix in finely diced bell peppers, carrots, or corn for extra color and flavor. Just be mindful to keep the moisture content in check—too many juicy veggies can affect the crispiness of your Zucchini Patties.

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create something as crave-worthy as Zucchini Patties. They’re the kind of recipe you’ll soon know by heart, eager to show off or adapt as the seasons change. Give these a try—you might just find yourself making double batches!

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