Cheesy Baked Zucchini Bites with Creamy Spicy Dip

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🧀 Cheesy Baked Zucchini Bites with Creamy Spicy Dip

Ingredients

For the Zucchini Bites:

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Spicy Dip:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1–2 tbsp hot sauce
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Slice the zucchini into rounds about ½ inch thick. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Beat the egg in a separate bowl.
  5. Lightly dip each zucchini round into the beaten egg, then press the cheesy breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the top.
  6. Arrange the zucchini on the prepared baking tray and lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil.
  7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the topping is golden and bubbly.
  8. For extra crispiness, broil/grill for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  9. Meanwhile, combine all the dip ingredients in a small bowl and mix until creamy.
  10. Serve the hot, cheesy zucchini bites immediately with the creamy spicy dip.