12 Zucchini Dinner Recipes That Even Kids Will Eat

Zucchini Tater Tots

These Zucchini Tater Tots are a kid-friendly twist on the classic favorite, perfect for sneaking some veggies into dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded zucchini
• 1 cup shredded potatoes
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix shredded zucchini and potatoes, then squeeze out excess moisture.
3. Add egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper, mixing until combined.
4. Shape the mixture into small tot shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

Zucchini Lasagna

A healthier version of the classic dish, this Zucchini Lasagna replaces pasta with thinly sliced zucchini.

Ingredients:

• 3 large zucchinis, thinly sliced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned, drain excess fat, and add marinara sauce.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta with egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer zucchini slices, beef sauce, and ricotta mixture in a baking dish, finishing with mozzarella on top.
5. Bake for 40 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly.

Zucchini Pizza Bites

These Zucchini Pizza Bites are a quick and healthy alternative to traditional pizza, perfect for little hands.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup mini pepperoni
• Italian seasoning to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat broiler on high.
2. Arrange zucchini slices on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes.
3. Top each slice with a spoonful of marinara, cheese, and a few pieces of pepperoni.
4. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
5. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning before serving.

Zucchini Fritters

Easy to make and crispy, Zucchini Fritters are a delicious way to incorporate veggies into your kids' meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini.
2. In a bowl, combine zucchini, flour, eggs, green onions, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the skillet, flattening slightly.
5. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.

Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks

These Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks are a delightful way to sneak in veggies while enjoying a cheesy treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded zucchini
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mixing well.
3. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking tray.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and firm.
5. Slice into breadsticks and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Zucchini Boats

Zucchini Boats are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a stuffed vegetable dish, tailored to picky eaters.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Hollow out zucchini halves, placing the flesh aside.
3. Cook ground turkey with the zucchini flesh until browned, adding tomato sauce and rice.
4. Fill zucchini halves with the mixture, topping with cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the zucchini is tender.

Zucchini and Corn Quesadillas

A twist on the classic Mexican dish, these Zucchini and Corn Quesadillas are packed with flavor and veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded zucchini
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cooking method:

1. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté zucchini and corn until tender.
3. Place tortillas on a flat surface; layer half with cheese, zucchini, and corn, then top with remaining tortillas.
4. Cook each quesadilla in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
5. Slice and serve with salsa or sour cream.

Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry

A quick and healthy dinner option, this Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 4 zucchinis, spiralized
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger, minced

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ginger, red bell pepper, and snap peas, stir-frying for 3 minutes.
3. Add zucchini noodles, tossing with soy sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Serve immediately as a light and tasty dish.

Zucchini Quiche

This Zucchini Quiche is a versatile dish perfect for any meal of the day, filled with cheesy goodness and wholesome zucchini.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 2 cups sliced zucchini
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and fit pie crust into a quiche dish.
2. Layer zucchini and cheese in the crust.
3. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper; pour over zucchini and cheese.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is set.
5. Cool slightly before serving.

Zucchini Meatballs

A veggie-packed alternative to the classic, these Zucchini Meatballs are sure to delight your kids.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded zucchini
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.
3. Shape into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve with marinara sauce over pasta or on their own.