Cheesy Zucchini Pancakes are super easy to make, they are good for you and they taste unbelievably delicious!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Zucchini Pancakes
If you’ve ever had zucchini sitting in the fridge and thought, “Okay but what do I actually do with you?”…this is the answer.
These Cheesy Zucchini Pancakes are crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, and packed with flavor without feeling heavy. The combination of mozzarella and parmesan gives you that perfect melty stretch plus salty, nutty depth. They taste indulgent, but they’re mostly veggies… which feels like a little kitchen win.
You’ll love how simple they are. No fancy equipment. No complicated steps. Just sauté, mix, scoop, and flip. The baking powder keeps them light so they’re not dense or gummy, and squeezing out the moisture from the zucchini ensures you get golden, crisp edges instead of soggy centers.
They’re also incredibly versatile. Serve them as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak, stack them up for brunch with a dollop of sour cream, or even tuck them into a sandwich like a veggie patty. They work as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner side — and they reheat beautifully.
And if you have picky eaters? The cheese does some serious heavy lifting here. Even people who claim they “don’t like zucchini” usually go back for seconds because the flavor is mild and balanced by garlic, onion powder, and parmesan.
Basically, they’re crispy, cheesy comfort food with a veggie twist and once you make them, you’ll start looking for excuses to buy more zucchini.
Crispy edges, cheesy centers, and just enough garlic to make them irresistible — these Cheesy Zucchini Pancakes are the kind of recipe that feels simple but tastes special. Once you nail that golden crust, you’ll be hooked.
Not only are they super simple to make but they are the perfect way to ‘sneak’ in some veggies and not sacrifice taste!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to squeeze the moisture out of the zucchini?
Yes. This is the most important step. Zucchini holds a lot of water, and if you skip squeezing it out, your pancakes will be soft and won’t crisp up properly. After sautéing and cooling, use a cheesecloth or clean flour sack towel and squeeze firmly until most of the liquid is removed.
Can I skip sautéing the zucchini first?
You technically could use raw zucchini, but sautéing helps remove moisture and enhances the flavor. It also prevents the pancakes from tasting watery or undercooked in the center. For best texture and flavor, don’t skip this step.
Why are my zucchini pancakes falling apart?
This usually happens for one of three reasons:
- Too much moisture in the zucchini
- Not enough flour or egg to bind
- Flipping too early
Make sure the mixture is well combined and let the first side cook fully (about 3–4 minutes) before flipping.
Can I make these gluten free?
Yes. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will still be tender and crisp, especially since the cheese helps bind everything together.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Colby blend all work well. Parmesan adds salt and depth, so if you swap it out, consider adjusting your seasoning slightly.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, but they won’t be quite as crispy. Place scoops of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra browning, broil for the last couple of minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer to bring back that crispy texture. Microwaving works, but they’ll be softer.
Can I freeze zucchini pancakes?
Yes. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat straight from frozen in a skillet or oven until heated through and crisp again.
What can I serve with zucchini pancakes?
They’re delicious with:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- A fried or poached egg on top
- Grilled meats or roasted vegetables
They also make a fun vegetarian option for brunch boards or appetizer platters.
Even the kids will love them! Which is always a plus 🙂
They are high in protein, low in calorie and they make the most amazing appetizer, snack or even an incredible lunch!
Everyone was complimenting me on how tasty they were. This recipe is TRIED AND TRUE! They will come out just like the picture, dont worry!
They are Great for dipping in just about anything, I love putting sour cream on top! Ive made this as a dinner side dish too and for breakfast with eggs and bacon ?
You can also bake these if you would prefer! They will come out still delicious if you want to save some calories!
They are a recipe that you will come back to time and time again.
Please remember to SHARE on Facebook and PIN IT!
FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST BY CLICKING HERE <——
Cheesy Zucchini Pancakes
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini shredded
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp. oil and saute shredded zucchini and minced garlic for about 5 minutes, until tender.
- Let cool and squeeze out excess moisture using a cheesecloth or a flour sack.
- Combine flour, baking powder, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, onion powder, and pepper in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add in sauteed zucchini and eggs and stir.
- Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and scoop 2 tbsp. of the mixture at a time into the skillet.
- Use the back of a spoon to spread the batter into 3 inch circles.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes, flip and cook another 3-4 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?
Make sure to follow on Pinterest for more recipes!
Leave A Reply!