Cheesy Zucchini Bites

Ingredients:

FOR THE ZUCCHINI BITES

  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or use a low-calorie cooking spray)
  • 2 medium zucchini (chopped small)
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella (1 cup if you like it extra cheesy, but adjust points accordingly)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (use reduced-fat if possible)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons whole wheat bread crumbs (45 grams total)
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped Italian parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 dashes pepper

EXTRAS (FOR ROLLING)

  • 1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs (approximately for rolling)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium frying pan, add the olive oil (or use cooking spray), chopped zucchini, minced garlic, salt, and water. Cook covered on medium-low heat for approximately 10-15 minutes (make sure the zucchini does not brown, you want it tender). Remove cover and continue to cook on low until the water has evaporated and the zucchini is tender.
  2. Transfer the zucchini to a large bowl and mash with a fork. To the bowl, add the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, bread crumbs (1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons), parsley, and pepper. Combine gently until compact.
  3. Form into 19 balls, then roll the zucchini balls in the 1/4 cup of bread crumbs, place on a plate, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
  4. Remove from the fridge and bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. Sprinkle with a little salt before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Lower Points:

  • Use low-calorie cooking spray instead of olive oil to reduce points.
  • Use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to reduce fat and calories.
  • Use whole wheat bread crumbs for added fiber and lower points.
  • Bake the zucchini bites instead of frying to reduce fat and calories.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

(Approximate values)

  • Calories: ~150 kcal
  • Protein: ~8g
  • Carbohydrates: ~12g
  • Fat: ~8g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sugar: ~2g

Weight Watchers Points (estimated):

  • Olive oil: 1 point (per 1 tablespoon) or 0 points (with cooking spray)
  • Part-skim mozzarella: 3 points (per 3/4 cup)
  • Parmesan cheese: 1 point (per 2 tablespoons)
  • Egg: 0 points (for 1 large egg)
  • Whole wheat bread crumbs: 3 points (for 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons)
  • Additional bread crumbs: 1 point (for rolling)

Total Points (per serving): Approximately 4-5 points

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy delicious Cheesy Zucchini Bites with lower points, making them a healthier option while still satisfying your cravings.

Ingredients:

FOR THE ZUCCHINI BITES

  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or use a low-calorie cooking spray)
  • 2 medium zucchini (chopped small)
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella (1 cup if you like it extra cheesy, but adjust points accordingly)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (use reduced-fat if possible)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons whole wheat bread crumbs (45 grams total)
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped Italian parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 dashes pepper

EXTRAS (FOR ROLLING)

  • 1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs (approximately for rolling)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium frying pan, add the olive oil (or use cooking spray), chopped zucchini, minced garlic, salt, and water. Cook covered on medium-low heat for approximately 10-15 minutes (make sure the zucchini does not brown, you want it tender). Remove cover and continue to cook on low until the water has evaporated and the zucchini is tender.
  2. Transfer the zucchini to a large bowl and mash with a fork. To the bowl, add the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, bread crumbs (1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons), parsley, and pepper. Combine gently until compact.
  3. Form into 19 balls, then roll the zucchini balls in the 1/4 cup of bread crumbs, place on a plate, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
  4. Remove from the fridge and bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. Sprinkle with a little salt before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Lower Points:

  • Use low-calorie cooking spray instead of olive oil to reduce points.
  • Use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to reduce fat and calories.
  • Use whole wheat bread crumbs for added fiber and lower points.
  • Bake the zucchini bites instead of frying to reduce fat and calories.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

(Approximate values)

  • Calories: ~150 kcal
  • Protein: ~8g
  • Carbohydrates: ~12g
  • Fat: ~8g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sugar: ~2g

Weight Watchers Points (estimated):

  • Olive oil: 1 point (per 1 tablespoon) or 0 points (with cooking spray)
  • Part-skim mozzarella: 3 points (per 3/4 cup)
  • Parmesan cheese: 1 point (per 2 tablespoons)
  • Egg: 0 points (for 1 large egg)
  • Whole wheat bread crumbs: 3 points (for 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons)
  • Additional bread crumbs: 1 point (for rolling)

Total Points (per serving): Approximately 4-5 points

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy delicious Cheesy Zucchini Bites with lower points, making them a healthier option while still satisfying your cravings.