Crispy Zucchini Stacks with LemonHerb Aioli
These Crispy Zucchini Stacks are utterly delicious Parmesan herbs and a zesty aioli make them a real crowdpleaser Get the recipe and tips for perfectly crispy stacks ... Vegetarian Delights
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a bit of alright? Ever wondered how to make courgettes exciting? Let me introduce you to Crispy Zucchini Stacks .
Honestly, these are the business! These aren't your average zucchini fritters recipe !
Quick Hook
Got courgettes coming out of your ears? These Crispy Zucchini Stacks are your answer. Get ready for crispy, savory, and utterly addictive bites. Trust me, you'll love them! They are really yummy.
Brief Overview
These zucchini stack appetizer are inspired by Italian summer evenings. Think simple ingredients, big flavors. This recipe is a doddle (medium difficulty) and takes about 40 minutes.
Makes enough for 4 people to share, maybe even 2 if you are greedy.
Main Benefits
The best thing? These are a great way to get your veggies in. They're a healthy zucchini fries recipe and a proper treat.
Perfect for a light lunch, starter or cheeky snack. What makes them special? The crispy texture and the zesty lemon aioli – simply lush!
These Parmesan zucchini stacks are like sunshine on a plate. I remember when my mate Sarah first made these, everyone scoffed them down in minutes. No word of a lie.
You might also enjoy this Crispy Zucchini appetizer as Parmesan Zucchini Fries . They are baked parmesan zucchini fries too! Baked Zucchini Fries With Parmesan Cheese are also a similar dish that is delicious.
These Summer squash recipes are all really tasty!
Let's talk ingredients. You'll need some lovely fresh zucchini.
Alright, let's whip up some Crispy Zucchini Stacks ! Think of these as the posh, elevated version of your nan's fried zucchini – a bit less chippy tea, a bit more gastro pub.
Honestly, we're going for a real crowd-pleaser here. These are like the sophisticated cousin of Parmesan Zucchini Fries . You know?
Crispy Zucchini Stacks with LemonHerb Aioli Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Time to Get Sorted!
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. Here's what you'll need to make these Crispy Zucchini Stacks sing.
Main Ingredients: The Nitty-Gritty
Here's the shopping list, darling. Remember, quality counts!
- Zucchini: 2 medium (about 1 pound / 450g total). Go for firm ones. Avoid the massive marrows people try to offload in late summer.
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon (or sea salt). Salt enhances the flavour. Don't skip it!
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup ( 60g ). Just plain flour will do.
- Large Eggs: 2 , lightly beaten. Free-range if you can!
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (about 85g ). These give the best crunch. But you could try regular if need be!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (about 50g ), plus more for garnish. Proper stuff, not the dusty powder in a jar.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped.
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced. The smellier, the better.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon. Freshly ground is always a winner.
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, for frying. Not extra virgin, something for cooking at medium heat.
Lemon-Herb Aioli Ingredients :
- Mayonnaise : 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) - Full fat is best.
- Lemon Juice : 1 tablespoon, fresh.
- Fresh Dill : 1 tablespoon, chopped.
- Garlic : 1 clove, minced.
- Black Pepper : 1/4 teaspoon.
- Salt : Pinch.
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You!
Honestly, the right seasoning can make or break these stacks.
- Essential Spice Combo: Garlic, parsley, and basil are the holy trinity here.
- Flavour Enhancers: A squeeze of lemon in the zucchini fritters recipe mixture works wonders.
- Quick Sub Options: If you haven't got fresh herbs, dried will do in a pinch. Halve the quantity, yeah?
Ever tried adding a pinch of red pepper flakes? Gives a lovely kick! You could also use dried oregano, thyme or chives for the fresh herbs.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make these.
- Box Grater.
- Mixing Bowls (various sizes).
- Large Skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick).
- Spatula.
- Paper Towels.
- Slotted Spoon.
- Cookie Sheet (optional, for keeping stacks warm).
A good non-stick skillet is your best friend when making these healthy zucchini fries recipe . It stops them from sticking and burning.
If you haven't got one, cast iron does the trick too.
Right, with all that sorted, you're ready to start cooking these awesome Crispy Zucchini Stacks !
Let's Make Crispy Zucchini Stacks!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a bit of fried goodness? But sometimes, you want something a tad more fancy, you know? That's where these Crispy Zucchini Stacks come in.
Think of them as the smarter, better-dressed cousin of fried zucchini parmesan . This recipe is the bomb and you will love it.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place
First things first, get everything prepped. Grate your 2 medium zucchinis (about 450g total) and toss with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
This is key! Place them in a colander for at least 15 minutes to drain. Seriously, don't skip this.
While that’s happening, chop your 1/4 cup fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup fresh basil, mince 1 clove of garlic, and get everything else measured out.
This prep really makes a difference! Having this essential mise en place prepared and available is a huge deal.
Stacking Up Success: The Process
- Pat the grated zucchini really dry with paper towels. This is super important to get them crispy.
- In a bowl, mix the zucchini with 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 lightly beaten large eggs, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs, minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Form into small stacks (about 1/4 cup each). Don’t overwork them!
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the stacks for 3- 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels. Think of this as your time-saving organization tips .
- Serve with lemon-herb aioli.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and serve!
Pro Tips for Zucchini Stack Perfection
Want next-level Parmesan Zucchini Fries that impress the heck out of everyone? Hot oil is key, you know? Make sure your skillet is ready to rock, and the oil is nicely heated, before you add those zucchini stacks.
Also, don’t overcrowd the pan. Do batches.
Common mistake? Not draining the zucchini enough. Seriously, squeeze out all the moisture you can! The secret to a great Crispy zucchini appetizer is the amount of water that is drained from the zucchini.
Want some Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries ? You can totally bake these! Just pop them in the oven at 200° C ( 400° F) for about 15- 20 minutes , flipping halfway.
It won't be as crispy as frying, but it's a healthier option to have healthy zucchini fries recipe option that everyone will love.
These zucchini stack appetizer are a summer favorite.
Recipe Notes for Perfect Crispy Zucchini Stacks
Right then, let's talk shop about these Crispy Zucchini Stacks . This isn't just some thrown-together recipe. I've tweaked it loads, like trying to get a dodgy telly signal.
Honestly, these tips are your shortcut to getting it right first time, alright? They are much better than Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries .
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters, you know? I once served these to my fussy Auntie Maureen, and even she was impressed. For the Zucchini stack appetizer , try layering them on a rustic wooden board.
A dollop of that lemony aioli on top is a must. A sprig of dill or parsley? Bang tidy! Think about a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or even a sparkling elderflower presse to make it special! I like it with a Parmesan Zucchini Salad on the side.
Storing Your Stacks: Storage Tips
These Crispy Zucchini Stacks are best fresh. I mean, who can resist them? But if you do have leftovers, pop them in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 2 days.
Honestly, reheating them can be a bit hit-and-miss. They're never quite as crispy , but a quick blast in a hot oven (around 350 degrees Fahrenheit ) can help.
Don't even think about freezing them, mate. Just trust me on this.
Remixing It: Variations
Fancy a bit of a twist? Me too! For a Healthy Zucchini Fries Recipe , ditch the panko for almond flour.
Suddenly, it’s gluten-free, innit? Or, if you're feeling spicy, a pinch of chilli flakes in the Zucchini fritters recipe mixture gives it a right kick! You can also try other Summer squash recipes as variations of zucchini.
What's In It: Nutrition Basics
Okay, so these aren't health food. But they're not terrible either. Roughly, you're looking at about 350 calories per serving.
They've got protein from the Parmesan and eggs, some fibre from the zucchini, and healthy fats from the olive oil.
Think of it as a treat, not a diet staple, yeah? They are great with Fried zucchini parmesan .
So there you have it. All my secrets for Crispy Zucchini Stacks that are perfect. Go on, give it a go.
You might even surprise yourself! And maybe you will get tasty Baked Zucchini Fries With Parmesan Cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren't my Crispy Zucchini Stacks crispy? They're a bit soggy!
Ah, the soggy stack conundrum! The most common culprit is excess moisture in the zucchini. Make sure you salt the grated zucchini and let it drain in a colander for at least 15 minutes (longer is better!). Then, pat it really dry with paper towels. Hot oil is also key; don't overcrowd the pan, as that lowers the oil temperature.
Can I make these Crispy Zucchini Stacks ahead of time? Like, before the guests arrive for drinks?
You can do some prep work, but for the best crispy texture, it's best to fry the stacks just before serving. You can grate the zucchini, drain it, and mix the other ingredients ahead of time. Keep the mixture in the fridge until you're ready to cook. You can also make the Lemon-Herb Aioli in advance. If you absolutely must make the stacks ahead, re-crisp them in a hot oven (about 375°F/190°C) for a few minutes before serving.
I don't have panko breadcrumbs. Can I use regular breadcrumbs for the Crispy Zucchini Stacks?
Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs give a lovely, light crispness, but regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch. You can even use crushed crackers or Matzo meal. The texture might be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious. Just be sure to use plain breadcrumbs, not seasoned, unless you want a specific flavor profile.
Are there any variations I can try with these Crispy Zucchini Stacks? Fancy something a bit different!
Definitely! Get creative! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the zucchini mixture for a bit of a kick, or crumble goat cheese on top instead of Parmesan for a tangy twist. For a vegan version, you can use vegan egg substitute and vegan Parmesan cheese. You could even try different herbs in the aioli – tarragon or chives would be lovely.
How should I store leftover Crispy Zucchini Stacks? And will they still be crispy the next day?
Store any leftover Crispy Zucchini Stacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Sadly, they will lose some of their crispness, as fried foods tend to do. To try and revive them, reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer. Honestly though, they're best eaten fresh – any excuse to make another batch, right?
I'm watching my waistline. Are these Crispy Zucchini Stacks healthy?
While these are definitely a treat, you can make some adjustments to lighten them up a bit. Use less oil when frying, or try baking them instead (though they won't be quite as crispy). You could also swap out the mayonnaise in the aioli for Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content. Everything in moderation, as they say!
