Introduction

Zucchini patties are a simple, delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavor. These crispy, savory patties are made with just a handful of ingredients and are packed with zucchini, which keeps them light, moist, and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a side dish, a snack, or a light meal, zucchini patties are a versatile and satisfying option. The zucchini is grated and well-drained, ensuring the patties hold together and get crispy when cooked. Mixed with Parmesan cheese, eggs, and a touch of seasoning, these patties are seasoned to perfection, offering a deliciously savory flavor.

Perfect for kids and adults alike, zucchini patties are a great way to sneak in more vegetables without the need for complicated cooking techniques. Plus, they can be served with a variety of sauces or used as a vegetarian burger patty. Made on the stovetop, they are quick and easy, and they can be enjoyed hot or cold. Whether you make them for lunch, dinner, or as a tasty snack, zucchini patties are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – These zucchini patties are incredibly simple to make and cook in just 15-20 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight meal.
Healthy and Light – Zucchini is low in calories but rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making these patties a healthy option for anyone looking to eat more vegetables.
Customizable – You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences. For example, try using gluten-free flour, or add different spices or herbs to change the flavor profile.
Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside – Thanks to the eggs and flour, these patties crisp up beautifully on the outside while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside.
Versatile – These patties are great on their own or can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, salads, or used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

Ingredients

Grated zucchini (well-drained)
Finely chopped onion
Parmesan cheese
Flour
Large eggs
Mayonnaise
Oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil

Variations

Cheese: Swap out Parmesan for another cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to change the taste or add extra freshness.
Spicy Zucchini Patties: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour to make these patties suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a dairy-free mayo or omit it entirely.
Zucchini and Carrot Patties: Add grated carrot to the mixture for extra sweetness and color.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure the patties don’t become soggy.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the well-drained zucchini, finely chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, flour, eggs, mayonnaise, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until fully combined, making sure the zucchini is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties about 2-3 inches in diameter. Depending on your preference, you can make them larger or smaller, but be sure to keep them uniform in size for even cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook the patties in batches if necessary. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip gently using a spatula to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them hot, either on their own or with a dipping sauce like tzatziki, ranch, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Drain the Zucchini Well: The more moisture you remove from the zucchini, the crispier your patties will be. Don’t skip this step!
Use Non-Stick Cookware: If possible, use a non-stick skillet to prevent the patties from sticking and make flipping them easier.
Adjust the Thickness: If the mixture is too loose and difficult to shape into patties, add a little more flour to help bind it together.
Seasoning: Taste the mixture before cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
Keep the Heat Moderate: Cook the patties over medium heat to avoid burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make a larger batch ahead of time, freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet and transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, cook them directly from frozen.

How to Serve

Zucchini patties are wonderfully versatile and can be served in many ways:

As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a fresh salad.
As a Snack: Enjoy them with a dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream, or a spicy aioli.
In a Sandwich: Place the patties in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a quick vegetarian burger alternative.
Topped with Yogurt: For a Mediterranean twist, serve with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
With a Salad: Serve the patties over a bed of greens with a light vinaigrette for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover zucchini patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat to restore some of their crispiness.

Freezing

To freeze zucchini patties, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, you can cook them directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat the patties, warm them in a skillet over medium heat, or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese you prefer. Parmesan works best for its nutty, salty flavor, but other cheeses can give a different texture and taste.

2. Can I make these patties without flour?

You can try substituting the flour with breadcrumbs or even ground oats for a gluten-free option. If you’re following a strict gluten-free diet, make sure to use gluten-free flour.

3. How can I make these patties spicier?

To add a spicy kick, incorporate some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture.

4. Can I make these patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together.

5. Are zucchini patties gluten-free?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free, but you can make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or using breadcrumbs that are gluten-free.

6. Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not get as crispy as fried patties, but they’ll still be delicious.

7. How do I get the patties crispy?

Make sure to drain the zucchini well before mixing, and cook the patties in a hot skillet with enough oil to crisp them up on the outside.

8. Can I make these patties without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to bind the ingredients together.

9. Can I make zucchini fritters instead of patties?

Yes, you can make smaller fritters by forming the mixture into thinner discs and frying them for a crispier texture.

10. How can I make the patties less greasy?

Use a non-stick skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that the oil stays hot and the patties cook evenly, preventing them from absorbing too much oil.

Conclusion

Zucchini patties are an easy, flavorful way to enjoy more vegetables in a fun and satisfying form. Whether you’re making them as a quick weeknight dinner, a tasty snack, or as a healthy addition to a meal, these patties will quickly become a go-to