Who knew zucchini could be so versatile? These savory zucchini waffles are like a warm hug on a rainy afternoon, crispy yet tender, with a hint of herbs that dance on your tongue. I first tried them during a lazy Sunday brunch, and now they’re a go-to whenever I need comfort disguised as breakfast—or dinner, who’s judging?
Steps
- Grate one medium zucchini to yield a packed cup, then squeeze out the excess liquid using a dish towel or paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine the grated zucchini with one large egg, minced onion, shredded cheddar cheese, panko, and a pinch of kosher salt.
- Heat a mini waffle iron and spray it with oil once it reaches the desired temperature.
- Place 1/4 cup of the zucchini mixture onto the waffle iron and spread it out evenly.
- Close the waffle iron and cook until the indicator light turns off and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove the waffle, set aside to keep warm, and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini, grated (1 packed cup)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 medium onion, minced
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or dairy-free cheddar
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free panko if preferred)
- Kosher salt, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 300 kcal | Carbohydrates: 26 g | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Cholesterol: 216 mg | Sodium: 850 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 8 g
FAQ
- What are the nutritional benefits of zucchini?
- Zucchini is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as manganese and antioxidants. Its high water and fiber content can help with digestion and potentially enhance heart health.
- Can I make these zucchini waffles gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make the zucchini waffles gluten-free by using gluten-free panko in the recipe.
- What can I use instead of cheddar cheese in the recipe?
- You can substitute shredded parmesan, feta cheese, or mozzarella for cheddar cheese in the zucchini waffles.
- How should I store leftover zucchini waffles?
- Leftover zucchini waffles can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat them, simply use a toaster.
- What can I serve with zucchini waffles?
- Zucchini waffles pair well with a variety of proteins such as yogurt-marinated chicken, grilled steak, or air fryer shrimp. They can also be accompanied by side salads like grilled corn salad or arugula salad.
Tips
- Ensure you thoroughly squeeze out the excess liquid from the grated zucchini using a dish towel or paper towels to prevent the waffles from becoming soggy.
- Experiment with different cheese options like parmesan, feta, or mozzarella to customize the flavor of your zucchini waffles.
- Add a burst of flavor by incorporating fresh herbs such as chives, dill, or parsley, or season the batter with spices like garlic powder or paprika.
- If you don’t have a mini waffle iron, a regular-size waffle maker works just as well for this recipe.
Equipment
- Mini Dash waffle iron (or a regular-size waffle maker if preferred)
- Oil spray bottle (for spraying oil onto the waffle iron)
