Zucchini Madeleines(A Quickie Appetizer)
Zucchini Madeleines are light, savory bite-sized treats bursting with fresh zucchini, Parmesan, and basil. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, their tender crumb and flavorful profile make them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion or meal. They combine simple ingredients into a delightful, quick-to-make appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a colander, mix shredded zucchini with salt and let stand until limp and liquid has drained.
- Rinse and drain zucchini well, squeezing out as much water as possible.
- While zucchini is draining, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a wide frying pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and stir often until soft, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs; then add milk, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped basil, all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground pepper, and the sautéed onion mixture.
- Drain the zucchini and fold it into the batter.
- Pour batter into greased or lined madeleine molds or mini muffin tins.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from molds and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour. If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil can work, but use less as it’s more concentrated. To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of lemon zest. Make sure to squeeze out as much water from the zucchini as possible for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
These zucchini madeleines make a delightful appetizer or snack and pair beautifully with a yogurt herb dressing for dipping. Serve them warm or at room temperature alongside a fresh salad or as part of a Mediterranean recipes spread. They also complement a glass of chilled white wine for a light gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the madeleines on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispness. For a quicker option, you can also use a microwave, heating them for 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Madeleines(A Quickie Appetizer) contains roughly 538 calories, with 17g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1354mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these madeleines ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to fold in the zucchini right before baking for the best texture. You can also bake them ahead and reheat them as mentioned for a quick serving option.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you need a substitute for Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both will provide a unique taste while still allowing the madeleines to hold their structure.
Can I freeze the zucchini madeleines?
Absolutely! Once cooled, place the madeleines in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to a month and reheated directly from frozen in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).