![- 2 medium zucchinis, grated and water squeezed out - 1 cup ground turkey or chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh herbs for extra flavor - Additional seasonings - Each serving has about 200 calories. - The meatballs contain 20g protein, 10g fat, and 15g carbs. In this dish, zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. Ground turkey or chicken gives protein. The breadcrumbs bind the mix and help shape the meatballs. Parmesan cheese adds a nice, salty flavor. You can change things up with fresh herbs or spices. I like to use parsley, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. These add a burst of flavor and freshness. This recipe is great for anyone wanting a tasty and healthy meal. It's low in carbs and high in protein. You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. For more details on the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy. 2. Grate the zucchinis using a box grater. Place them in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much water as you can. This step is key. Too much moisture will make the meatballs soggy. 1. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained zucchini. 2. Add the ground turkey or chicken. 3. Then, mix in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. 4. Use your hands to mix everything well until combined. 5. To form meatballs, grab a handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1.5 inches wide. Place them on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. 1. Drizzle the olive oil over the meatballs. This helps them brown nicely in the oven. 2. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. 3. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of a meatball. If it reads 165°F, they are ready. 4. While they bake, you can warm marinara sauce in a small pot over low heat for serving. To avoid soggy meatballs, squeeze out water from the zucchini well. You want to get rid of as much moisture as possible. Use a clean kitchen towel for this. After grating the zucchini, place it in the towel, twist, and squeeze until dry. This simple step makes a big difference in texture. For even cooking, shape meatballs the same size. Aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter. This helps them cook through at the same rate. Also, space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This ensures hot air circulates, letting them brown nicely. Marinara sauce pairs perfectly with these meatballs. The rich sauce adds great flavor. You can also try pesto or a yogurt dip for a twist. For sides, consider serving them with whole-grain pasta or a fresh salad. Quinoa or brown rice also complements the meal well. Adding roasted veggies makes it even better. You need a few essential tools to make this recipe easy. A box grater is must-have for the zucchini. You’ll also want a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients. For baking, use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. An instant-read thermometer is great for checking if your meatballs are done. Aim for 165°F for safe eating. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ground turkey or chicken with other meats. Ground beef works well if you want a richer flavor. For a leaner option, try ground bison. If you prefer plant-based choices, consider using lentils or chickpeas. These options keep the dish healthy while adding unique tastes. To amp up the flavor, add spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes. A dash of soy sauce lends a savory kick. You can mix in chopped bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition. These vegetables not only boost the flavor but also add color. If you want a crispy texture, try air frying the meatballs. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 12-15 minutes. For a quick option, pan-frying in a skillet gives a nice crust. You can even grill them for a smoky flavor. Just preheat your grill to medium heat and cook them for about 10 minutes. Each method adds its own twist to the dish, making it fun to try different styles. Check the Full Recipe for more details. To keep your baked zucchini meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate them right after they cool down. For freezing, place the meatballs on a baking sheet first. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. This helps keep them moist. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also microwave them, but add a splash of marinara sauce to keep them juicy. In the fridge, your meatballs will last about three to four days. If you freeze them, they can stay good for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell off or look discolored, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your baked zucchini meatballs fresh for the best taste! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can use other meats. Ground beef, pork, or lamb work well. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken is great. If you prefer a plant-based choice, try lentils or black beans. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to match your meat choice. Yes, you can easily make these meatballs gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Many stores sell these, or you can crush gluten-free crackers. Always check labels to avoid cross-contamination if you have severe allergies. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Look for a golden brown color on the outside. If they are firm to the touch, they are likely done. These meatballs pair well with many sides. Serve them with marinara sauce over pasta or zucchini noodles. A fresh salad or roasted veggies make great sides too. You can also try them on a sub roll for a tasty meatball sandwich. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. In this article, we explored how to make delicious baked zucchini meatballs. We listed essential ingredients, shared helpful preparation steps, and provided baking tips. I offered variations, storage advice, and answered common questions. Remember, these meatballs are nutritious and can fit any diet. Whether you choose turkey, chicken, or a veggie option, you can enjoy a tasty meal. Try different flavors and enjoy cooking! It's an easy and fun dish for everyone.](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/d4c3d459-f799-48a5-b99b-3e7fa7cf0f78-250x250.webp)
Baked Zucchini Meatballs
Discover a delicious and healthy twist on classic comfort food with these baked zucchini meatballs! Made with fresh zucchini, ground turkey, and savory herbs, these meatballs are perfect for a nutritious meal. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they're sure to impress everyone at your dinner table. Ready to elevate your cooking?