Golden, bubbly cheese, garlicky butter, and a tender zucchini “crust”—these Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks are everything you love about cheesy bread, just a little lighter and fresher. They’re perfect for dipping into warm marinara, serving alongside soup or salad, or snacking on straight from the pan while the cheese is still gloriously stretchy.

This is the kind of recipe you pull out when you’ve got extra zucchini on the counter and a craving for comfort food. With simple pantry ingredients and plenty of melty mozzarella, you’ll have a shareable tray of breadsticks that feels game‑day indulgent but sneaks in a hearty serving of veggies.

What Kind of Zucchini Should I Use for Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks?

For the best texture, choose firm, medium zucchini with shiny, unblemished skin. Smaller to medium squash tend to be less watery and have fewer seeds, which makes them ideal for grating into a crust that bakes up tender instead of soggy.

You don’t need to peel your zucchini—most of the color and nutrition live right in the skin. Just trim the ends, grate on the large holes of a box grater, and be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as you can before mixing the zucchini with cheese and egg. That step is the secret to breadsticks that slice cleanly and hold their shape.

Ingredients for Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks

Fresh zucchini
Zucchini is the base of these breadsticks and stands in for traditional dough. Once grated and squeezed dry, it bakes into a soft, flavorful crust that’s lighter than bread but still satisfying.

Shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella goes both inside the crust and on top, creating a gooey, stretchy bite and that irresistible browned, bubbly finish.

Grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth that keeps the flavor from being one‑note cheesy. It also helps the crust firm up as it bakes.

Large egg
The egg binds the grated zucchini and cheeses together so the crust doesn’t fall apart when you slice and lift each breadstick.

All‑purpose flour
A small amount of flour gives structure to the zucchini mixture, helping it behave more like a soft dough and less like a vegetable fritter.

Garlic (fresh and powdered)
Fresh minced garlic goes into the buttery topping for bold aroma, while garlic powder seasons the crust evenly from the inside.

Italian seasoning
A simple blend of dried herbs adds classic pizzeria flavor that complements the cheese and zucchini without overpowering them.

Unsalted butter
Melted butter brushed over the top before the final bake creates a rich, golden edge around each breadstick.

Fresh parsley
A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that makes the breadsticks look as good as they taste.

Salt and black pepper
Just enough seasoning sharpens the flavors and keeps the zucchini from tasting flat.

Marinara or pizza sauce (for serving)
A warm bowl of sauce on the side turns these breadsticks into a full snack situation—perfect for dunking and sharing.

How To Make Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks

Step 1: Prep the pan and oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet or a 9×13‑inch pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray. This keeps the zucchini crust from sticking and makes it easy to lift out and slice.

Step 2: Grate and drain the zucchini

Grate the zucchini on the large holes of a box grater into a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towel. Sprinkle lightly with salt, let it sit for a few minutes, then squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. The drier the zucchini, the crisper your breadsticks.

Step 3: Mix the zucchini crust

In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, part of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, flour, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated and the mixture looks thick and sticky.

Step 4: Shape and bake the crust

Transfer the zucchini mixture to the prepared pan. Use your hands or an offset spatula to press it into an even rectangle about 1/4‑inch thick. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges look set and the top is just starting to turn light golden.

Step 5: Add the cheesy garlic topping

While the crust bakes, melt the butter and stir in the minced fresh garlic and a pinch of Italian seasoning. When the crust comes out of the oven, brush the garlic butter evenly over the surface, then top with the remaining mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan if you’d like.

Step 6: Bake until bubbly and golden

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and browned in spots. For extra color, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes—just watch closely so the cheese doesn’t burn.

Step 7: Slice and serve

Let the breadsticks cool for 5 minutes so the cheese can set slightly. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into strips or rectangles. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm with marinara for dipping.

Serving and Storing Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks

These breadsticks are at their absolute best fresh from the oven, when the cheese is melty and stretchy and the edges are crisp. Serve them as a starter on pasta night, pile them onto a game‑day snack board, or pair them with a simple salad for a lighter lunch.

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place the breadsticks in an airtight container with parchment between layers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, skip the microwave and use the oven or an air fryer so the crust can crisp back up—about 5–7 minutes at 375°F usually does the trick.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked breadsticks. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven until warmed through and bubbly.

What to Serve With Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks?

Cozy Soups

Pair your breadsticks with a creamy tomato soup or a hearty turkey vegetable soup for a comforting, restaurant‑style combo that’s perfect on chilly evenings.

Fresh Green Salads

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese. Think simple Caesar, Italian chopped salad, or a basic mixed greens salad with plenty of crunchy veggies.

Pasta Night Favorites

Serve alongside baked lasagna, spaghetti carbonara, or any of your favorite pasta dishes. The cheesy zucchini crust soaks up extra sauce beautifully.

Game‑Day Snack Boards

Add these breadsticks to a platter with wings, meatballs, veggies, and dips. They’re easy to grab, kid‑friendly, and always one of the first things to disappear.

Protein‑Packed Mains

Round out grilled chicken, steak bites, or shrimp skewers with a tray of these breadsticks on the side for a fun twist on the classic bread‑and‑salad combo.

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If these Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks are disappearing fast at your table, you might love a few more easy starter and snack recipes from Savor Queen:

Crispy Fried Zucchini – Double down on your favorite veggie with crunchy, golden zucchini rounds that are perfect for dipping.
https://savorqueen.com/crispy-fried-zucchini/
Garlic Ritz Snacks – Buttery, garlicky cracker bites that come together in minutes and vanish almost as quickly.
https://savorqueen.com/garlic-ritz-snacks/
Easy Rotel Dip – A creamy, cheesy dip with a little Tex‑Mex kick that pairs beautifully with these breadsticks on a game‑day spread.
https://savorqueen.com/easy-rotel-dip/
Italian Antipasto Cream Cheese Log – A make‑ahead appetizer loaded with bold Italian flavors, ideal for holidays and gatherings.
https://savorqueen.com/italian-antipasto-cream-cheese-log-recipe/

Save This Pin For Later

Save this cheesy idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find the next time you’ve got extra zucchini and a craving for something warm, garlicky, and loaded with melty cheese.

Try it with your own twist—maybe a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, a blend of Italian cheeses, or a drizzle of ranch on top—and let me know how it turns out in the comments. Your tweaks might inspire someone else’s new favorite snack.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations from Savor Queen over on Pinterest. Your next go‑to weeknight dinner or party appetizer might be waiting there: https://www.pinterest.com/mydelicioushomerecipes/