If you’re looking for a nutritious yet delicious snack, these baked zucchini and oatmeal sticks are the perfect choice! Packed with flavor, easy to make, and healthier than pizza, this recipe has become a family favorite. The best part? You can enjoy them every day without guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Alternative: These baked sticks are lower in carbs and rich in fiber, making them a great snack or side dish.
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: A great way to sneak in vegetables for picky eaters!
- Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal.
Ingredients
To make these crispy and cheesy zucchini sticks, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini (grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to draw out moisture)
- 3-4 tablespoons oatmeal (helps bind the mixture)
- 100g grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 2 eggs (for structure and moisture)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (or any herbs of choice)
- Optional: Garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash and grate the zucchini using a coarse grater.
- Sprinkle salt over the grated zucchini and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture.
- After 10 minutes, squeeze out the moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is crucial to achieving crispy sticks.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, oatmeal, grated cheese, eggs, black pepper, and chives.
- Mix everything well until you have a thick, sticky batter. If the mixture seems too wet, add an extra tablespoon of oatmeal.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into stick-like cylinders or small patties.
- Place them on the baking tray, ensuring they have space in between.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These zucchini and oatmeal sticks are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with:
- Garlic yogurt dip
- Tomato salsa
- Hummus
- Guacamole
- Marinara sauce
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These freeze well! Simply place them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Final Thoughts
These baked zucchini and oatmeal sticks are better than pizza – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness! They make a fantastic snack, side dish, or even a light meal. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a guilt-free, delicious, and healthy treat that the whole family will love.
Did You Try This Recipe?
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