Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini Recipe

If you’ve ever indulged in Cheesecake Factory’s fried zucchini, you know it’s the perfect blend of crispy, savory, and satisfying.

Today, I’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to recreate this dish at home, complete with preparation time, cooking time, and the tools you’ll need to bring this delectable starter to life.

Let’s get frying!

What Does Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini Taste Like?

Cheesecake Factory’s Fried Zucchini is a delightful balance of crispiness and tender freshness. The golden-brown breading, seasoned to perfection, offers a crunchy, savory bite that contrasts beautifully with the zucchini’s natural, mild sweetness.

Each piece is coated with a flavorful blend of Italian breadcrumbs, garlic, and spices, making it a harmonious mix of textures and tastes. When paired with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara, it elevates the experience, adding a creamy or tangy twist.

Whether enjoyed as a starter or snack, this dish is light yet indulgent, satisfying both veggie lovers and fried food enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients Required for Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini Recipe

Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp Mrs. Dash Blend (or any seasoning of your choice)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
• Dipping sauces: Ranch, marinara, or your favorite dip

Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need

1. Cutting board & Sharp knife
2. Mixing bowls, Fork, Whisk
3. Paper towels & Plate or tray
4. Deep fryer or a deep skillet
5. Tongs or a slotted spoon

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

Recipe for Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini

Simply follow the steps given below to make your Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini at home

1. Prepare the Zucchini
Wash and dry the zucchinis thoroughly using paper towels. Trim off the ends and cut the zucchini into sticks. Aim for a uniform size—about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.

2. Create the Coatings
In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with buttermilk until smooth. In the third bowl, combine Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, white pepper, and Mrs. Dash Blend. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.

3. Coat the Zucchini
Roll each zucchini stick in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip the floured zucchini into the egg-buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll the zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres.

4. Fry the Zucchini
Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop 4-5 zucchini sticks into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove using tongs or a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the fried zucchini sticks on a serving platter. Serve with your choice of dipping sauces—ranch, marinara, or even a zesty mustard.

Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini

1. Classic Appetizer Platter
Serve the fried zucchini on a large platter with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, marinara, spicy aioli, and honey mustard. Add some fresh vegetable sticks (carrots and celery) for a colorful presentation.

2. Zucchini Parmesan
Turn the fried zucchini into a baked masterpiece! Arrange the sticks in a casserole dish, layer with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then bake until bubbly. Serve as a main dish with garlic bread.

3. Sliders Topping
Use fried zucchini sticks as a unique topping for mini sliders. Add them on top of a beef or chicken patty with a dollop of spicy aioli for extra crunch and flavor.

4. Salad Booster
Top a fresh green salad with the fried zucchini sticks. Use arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and a light balsamic vinaigrette to complement the crispy texture.

5. Party Skewers
Thread fried zucchini sticks onto skewers with cubes of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an easy, bite-sized party snack.

6. Vegetarian Tacos
Add fried zucchini sticks to soft taco shells along with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and a dollop of avocado crema. This makes a quick and satisfying vegetarian taco option.

7. Brunch Side Dish
Serve fried zucchini alongside scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, and fresh fruit for a brunch spread. The crispy zucchini adds a fun twist to the meal.

8. Dipping Duo Platter
Pair fried zucchini sticks with fried mushrooms or onion rings. Serve alongside a duo of dipping sauces—such as ranch and chipotle mayo—for a crunchy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

9. Loaded Zucchini Fries
Layer the fried zucchini on a plate and top with melted cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded fries-style dish.

10. Italian-Style Wraps
Wrap fried zucchini sticks in a warm tortilla with fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a spread of pesto mayo. These wraps make for a great lunch option.

Some Tips on This Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini Recipe

1. Choose Fresh Zucchini
Select firm, medium-sized zucchinis with smooth, unblemished skin. Smaller zucchinis tend to be more tender and less watery than larger ones.

2. Uniform Cutting
Cut the zucchini sticks into even sizes (about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick). This ensures they cook uniformly and achieve a consistent texture.

3. Dry the Zucchini Thoroughly
After washing, pat the zucchini dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the coating soggy and prevent it from adhering properly.

4. Season Your Breadcrumbs Well
Add garlic powder, white pepper, and your favorite seasoning blend (like Mrs. Dash) to the breadcrumbs. This step enhances the flavor and makes the zucchini irresistibly tasty.

5. Use Buttermilk for Richness
Mixing buttermilk with eggs adds a tangy flavor and helps the breadcrumb coating adhere better. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.

6. Double-Coating for Extra Crispiness
For an extra crispy texture, repeat the breading process: dip the zucchini in the egg mixture again and coat it with breadcrumbs a second time.

7. Maintain the Right Oil Temperature
Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. Too hot, and the coating might burn before the zucchini cooks through; too cool, and the zucchini will absorb excess oil and become greasy.

8. Fry in Small Batches
Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent the oil temperature from dropping. Frying in small batches ensures even cooking and crispiness.

9. Let Excess Oil Drain
Place fried zucchini on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps them light and crisp.

10. Serve Immediately
Fried zucchini is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it right after frying with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or a zesty aioli for the ultimate experience.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini

To store fried zucchini, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

To reheat, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the zucchini sticks on a baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Common Queries on This Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini Recipe that people often ask.

1. How many calories are in Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini?

A serving of Cheesecake Factory Fried Zucchini contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the portion size and the oil absorption during frying. If you’re making it at home, the calorie count may vary based on the ingredients and cooking method you use.

2. Where did fried zucchini originate?

Fried zucchini is believed to have originated in Italy, where zucchini (courgetti) is a staple ingredient. Italian cuisine often features fried vegetables, like zucchini fritti, as antipasti (appetizers). The dish became popular in the United States, evolving into a classic appetizer at many restaurants.

3. How do you keep breading from falling off zucchini?

To prevent breading from falling off:

• Dry the zucchini: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the zucchini before coating.
• Proper coating technique: Ensure the zucchini is evenly coated in flour before dipping in the wet mixture and breadcrumbs.
• Press the breadcrumbs: Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the zucchini to help them stick.
• Chill before frying: Let the coated zucchini sit in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to set the breading.

4. Does Olive Garden have fried zucchini?

No, Olive Garden does not currently have fried zucchini on its menu. However, they offer other fried appetizers, such as calamari and mozzarella sticks, that are similar in style.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients, like seasonings and buttermilk, are labeled gluten-free as well.

6. What dipping sauces go best with fried zucchini?

Popular dipping sauces for fried zucchini include:

Ranch dressing, Marinara sauce, Garlic aioli, Honey mustard, Spicy mayo. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!

7. Can I bake or air fry zucchini instead of deep-frying?

Absolutely! For a healthier alternative:

Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated zucchini sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

8. How do I store and reheat fried zucchini?

Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the zucchini soggy.

9. What oil is best for frying zucchini?

Choose oils with a high smoke point, such as: Canola oil, Vegetable oil, Peanut oil, These oils ensure even frying without imparting strong flavors.

10. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Yes! This recipe works well with a variety of vegetables. Try: Eggplant, Yellow squash, Sweet potato strips, Bell pepper slices, Simply follow the same coating and frying steps for these alternatives.

Congratulations! You’ve just recreated a Cheesecake Factory classic in your kitchen. This fried zucchini recipe is versatile and pairs beautifully with various dips. Whether it’s a family dinner, a game-day snack, or an appetizer for a gathering, these zucchini sticks are sure to impress.

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