Zucchini Sesame Squares
Zucchini Sesame Squares are savory, cheesy bites with a hint of garlic and red pepper, perfect for snacking or light meals, appealing to vegetable lovers and cheese fans.
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced red pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Sauté onion, garlic, and red pepper until tender.
- Add shredded zucchini and sauté a few minutes.
- Combine cooked vegetables with eggs, bread crumbs, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in shredded Swiss cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish and bake until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like basil or thyme into the mixture. If you're out of Swiss cheese, feel free to substitute with mozzarella or cheddar. You can also replace the bread crumbs with crushed crackers or gluten-free alternatives for a different texture. Make sure to squeeze excess moisture from the zucchini to prevent a soggy dish.
Serving Suggestions
These Zucchini Sesame Squares make a delightful appetizer or side dish. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or a light dipping sauce, such as a yogurt-based tzatziki. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside grilled chicken or fish. Consider incorporating them into a vegetarian spread with other American recipes for a complete feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squares in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual squares for a quick snack, but the oven method will keep them crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Sesame Squares contains roughly 251 calories, with 10g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (160% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1966mg per serving (85% 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 squares ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to stir well before pouring it into your baking dish. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and is perfect for meal prep.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Both options will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
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).