Ingredients

For the Courgette Snacks:

• 3 medium courgettes (zucchinis)
• Salt: A pinch (to taste)
• Cheese: About 100 grams (cheddar, parmesan, or any cheese of choice)
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (approx. 100 grams)
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon (dried)
• Dried garlic: 1 teaspoon (powder or granules)
• Eggs: 2 large
• 00 flour: 3 tablespoons (or all-purpose flour)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (for pan-frying and brushing)

Optional:

• Mayonnaise or other sauces: For dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Courgettes

1. Slice the Courgettes: Start by washing the courgettes and trimming the ends. Slice them into rounds that are about 0.5 cm thick.
2. Season and Rest: Sprinkle salt on the courgette slices and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them release any excess water, which will make them crispier during cooking. After the time is up, pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. Grate the Cheese: Take about 100 grams of cheese (cheddar or parmesan works well) and grate it finely.
2. Mix Breadcrumbs and Seasonings: In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated cheese, dried oregano, and dried garlic. Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute the cheese and seasonings.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

1. Beat the Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk two large eggs until well-beaten.
2. Prepare the Flour: In another shallow dish, place the 00 flour (or all-purpose flour). This will be used for dredging the courgette slices.

Step 4: Coat the Courgettes

1. Dredge the Courgette Slices: Take each courgette slice and coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Dip in Egg: After dredging in flour, dip the slices into the beaten eggs.
3. Coat with Breadcrumb Mixture: Finally, coat the egg-dipped courgette slices in the breadcrumb-cheese mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides.

Step 5: Cook the Courgettes

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Pan Fry for Extra Crunch (optional): Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Lightly fry each coated courgette slice for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. This step adds extra crunch but can be skipped for a lighter option.
3. Bake the Courgettes: Transfer the fried (or raw, if skipping the frying) courgette slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

• Remove the courgette slices from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as mayonnaise, garlic aioli, or marinara sauce.

Cooking Tips

1. Choose Fresh Courgettes: Fresh, firm courgettes will yield the best results. Avoid courgettes that are soft or have wrinkled skin.
2. Customize the Coating: For an extra cheesy flavor, you can add more cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for a unique flavor profile.
3. Avoid Overcrowding: If frying the courgettes, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will prevent them from getting crispy. Work in batches for the best results.
4. Alternative Baking Methods: If you want to avoid pan-frying, you can spray the breaded courgette slices with olive oil spray and bake them directly for a lighter version.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover courgette snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to regain their crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the breaded, uncooked courgette slices. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Based on 4 servings.

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• Yes! Simply swap the regular flour for a gluten-free alternative, like almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

2. What other cheeses can I use?

• Parmesan works best for its sharp flavor, but you can use cheddar, pecorino, or mozzarella for a milder or more melty cheese effect.

3. Can I air-fry these courgette slices?

• Yes, air frying is a great alternative to baking. Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook the courgette slices for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. What can I serve these snacks with?

• These crispy courgette snacks pair perfectly with dips like mayonnaise, garlic aioli, marinara sauce, or a light yogurt-based dip for a healthier option.

5. Can I make these in advance?

• Yes, you can bread the courgette slices in advance and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before cooking. Bake or fry them when ready to serve.

Conclusion

These Crispy Courgette Snacks with a cheesy breadcrumb coating are a delicious and healthy appetizer that can be enjoyed by everyone. Their crunchy texture and rich flavor make them an ideal choice for parties, family gatherings, or even a simple snack. Easy to prepare and bake, they offer a great alternative to fried snacks, and you can pair them with a variety of dips to suit your taste. Try this recipe next time you’re in the mood for a quick and tasty dish!