When you take a bite of Cheesy Zucchini & Tomato Bites, you’re greeted with a delightful explosion of flavors that dance on your palate. The creamy cheese oozes out, perfectly complementing the tender zucchini and juicy tomatoes, all while the herbs elevate everything to heavenly levels. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited.

I remember the first time I made these for a summer barbecue; my friends devoured them faster than I could say “zucchini.” Kids and adults alike couldn’t resist their cheesy goodness, making them an instant hit. Perfect for picnics or casual get-togethers, these bites promise not just flavor but also laughter and warmth around the table.

Sharing these delicious bites at gatherings has always sparked joy among my friends and family, often leading to requests for the recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Zucchini: Choose firm zucchinis with smooth skin for the best texture in your bites.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Look for ripe, plump tomatoes that burst with flavor when bitten into.

• Shredded Cheese: Use your favorite melty cheese blend; mozzarella works wonders for gooeyness.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin adds richness; drizzle it generously over veggies before baking.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano and basil gives these bites an aromatic kick.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These add delightful crunchiness; don’t skip this step if you want texture!

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste based on personal preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cheesy Zucchini & Tomato Bites

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare your ingredients. This ensures even cooking right from the start.

Prepare the vegetables: Slice the zucchini into rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes. The more uniform you cut them, the better they’ll cook together.

Season generously: In a large bowl, toss the sliced zucchini and tomatoes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until every piece is well-coated with flavor.

Add cheesy goodness: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the seasoned vegetables in the bowl. Mix gently so that each piece gets its fair share of cheesy love.

Create a crunchy topping: In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and mix until they resemble sandy beach vibes—this will create that coveted crunch on top.

Bake until golden: Spread the cheesy vegetable mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top it off with crunchy panko and bake for about 20-25 minutes until everything is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve hot: Once baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!

With these simple steps, you’ll have a plateful of Cheesy Zucchini & Tomato Bites that will impress everyone at any gathering!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sauté the zucchini first to remove excess moisture, then layer the tomatoes and cheese for a melty finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out zucchini for eggplant or peppers and experiment with different cheeses like feta or gouda.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for optimal crispiness.

Sharing these cheesy bites with friends reminded me of my Aunt Clara’s infamous parties. She always said, “If it’s not cheesy, it’s not fun!”

FAQ

Can I use frozen zucchini for Cheesy Zucchini & Tomato Bites?

Using fresh zucchini is best, but if frozen is all you have, thaw and drain excess water.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella provides great meltiness, but feel free to mix in parmesan or cheddar.

How can I make these bites gluten-free?

Simply substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a delicious alternative.

Print

Cheesy Zucchini & Tomato Bites

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (approx. 16 bites) 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy Zucchini & Tomato Bites are a scrumptious appetizer bursting with flavor. These bite-sized treats feature tender zucchini and juicy tomatoes, all topped with gooey cheese and a crunchy panko finish. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or casual dinners, they are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, for a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss zucchini and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Add shredded mozzarella cheese to the vegetable mixture; stir gently to combine.
4. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil until crumbly.
5. Spread the cheesy vegetable mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with panko breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 bites (100g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 20mg