Crunchy Veggie Fricos Recipe: A Snappy Muffin Pan Delight

Cheese lovers rejoice as this savory crispy muffin pan veggie fricos recipe turns ordinary ingredients into a delightful culinary experience.

Golden-brown edges crisp up beautifully in each muffin cavity, creating irresistible cheese crisps packed with vegetable goodness.

The parmesan and zucchini blend seamlessly, offering a delectable crunch that surprises and satisfies.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of melted cheese and tender vegetables.

These fricos work brilliantly as a quick appetizer or unexpected side dish.

Serve them warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Prepare to elevate your cheese game with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 135 kcal

Servings: 12

What You Need for Muffin Pan Veggie Fricos

• Zucchini: Fresh, seasonal vegetable that provides moisture and light texture to the dish. Choose firm zucchinis with smooth, unblemished skin for best results.
• Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the fricos. Select crisp, bright orange carrots without soft spots.

• Parmesan Cheese: Creates crispy, golden edges and delivers rich, savory flavor. Select high-quality, freshly grated cheese for maximum taste.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and depth to the overall flavor profile. Use freshly ground pepper for most intense taste.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic, background notes that complement the vegetables. Choose pure garlic powder without additives.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the fricos. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Olive Oil or Non-Stick Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking in the muffin pan. Select a high-quality olive oil or professional-grade non-stick spray.

Tools for Baking Muffin Pan Veggie Fricos

• Muffin Pan: 12-cup standard size for perfectly portioned fricos.
• Kitchen Towel: Essential for squeezing excess moisture from vegetables.
• Grater or Box Shredder: Needed to shred zucchini and carrots finely.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: For combining all ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure spices accurately.
• Small Spatula or Knife: Helps remove fricos from the pan cleanly.
• Olive Oil Spray or Brush: For greasing the muffin pan.
• Spoon: To press and compact the vegetable mixture into muffin cups.

How to Bake Veggie Fricos in a Muffin Tin

• Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375F. Grab a muffin pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Squeeze Out Moisture

Take your zucchini and give it a good squeeze in a kitchen towel. Press out all the extra water to keep your fricos crispy and delicious.

• Create the Veggie Blend

Mix together your shredded zucchini, carrots, and Parmesan in a bowl. Sprinkle in some garlic powder, black pepper, and salt for extra flavor.

• Shape Your Crispy Treats

Carefully distribute the veggie mixture into each muffin cup. Use the back of a spoon to press down and create compact little rounds.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and let them bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for those beautiful golden edges that signal crispiness is coming.

• Cool and Release

After baking, let the fricos rest for 5 minutes. Gently nudge them out with a small spatula, being careful not to break these delicate treats.

• Serve and Savor

Enjoy your veggie fricos warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a crunchy salad topper.

Add-On Flavors for More Crunch and Zing

• Cheese Crisp Mastery: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and crispiness, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents.
• Low-Carb Veggie Boost: Perfect for keto and low-carb diets, these fricos replace traditional high-carb snacks with nutrient-dense vegetable alternatives.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the vegetable mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking for quick, convenient meal prep.
• Flavor Adventure Mix-Ins: Experiment with additional herbs like fresh thyme, rosemary, or crushed red pepper flakes to create unique flavor profiles that complement the cheese and vegetables.
• Storage Secret: Store cooled fricos in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, and quickly reheat in the oven to restore crispiness before serving.

Serving Veggie Fricos as Snacks or Sides

• Veggie Frico Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or chives on top for an extra burst of freshness and color.
• Dipping Delights: Pair these crispy bites with marinara sauce, tzatziki, or a light ranch dressing for added taste excitement.
• Salad Superstar: Crumble fricos over mixed green salads as a crunchy, cheesy alternative to traditional croutons for a delightful texture upgrade.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange fricos on a beautiful wooden board with olives, sliced meats, and additional cheese for an impressive appetizer spread that'll wow your guests.

Storage Suggestions for Fricos That Stay Crisp

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store these veggie fricos in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Stack them carefully with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual fricos in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll maintain quality for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a toaster oven for crispy texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm these fricos in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispiness. Avoid microwave heating, which can make them soggy and lose their delightful crunch.
• Advance Preparation: Mix the vegetable and cheese mixture up to 24 hours before baking. Keep the uncooked mixture covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.

Crispy Muffin Pan Veggie Fricos Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Crispy parmesan veggie fricos from Italian cuisine blend cheese and vegetables in a delightful muffin pan recipe. Melted cheese creates golden, crunchy cups perfect for appetizers or snack time that you can enjoy with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded carrot (about 2 medium carrots)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt (optional)
• Olive oil or non-stick spray (for greasing the pan)

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Lightly coat muffin pan cavities with olive oil or non-stick spray, ensuring effortless frico removal.
2. Moisture Extraction: Squeeze shredded zucchini and carrot within a kitchen towel, removing excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
3. Flavor Fusion: Blend zucchini, carrot, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a harmonious vegetable-cheese mixture.
4. Pan Distribution: Carefully spoon the blended mixture into each muffin cup, gently pressing and shaping with the back of a spoon to form compact rounds.
5. Crispy Transformation: Bake in a preheated 375F (190C) oven, watching for golden-brown edges and crisp texture, approximately 12-15 minutes.
6. Cooling and Releasing: Let fricos rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then delicately remove using a small spatula, preserving their intricate shape.
7. Serving Suggestions: Plate the fricos warm or at room temperature as an elegant appetizer, sophisticated snack, or crunchy salad topping.

Notes

• Squeeze Moisture Thoroughly: Remove as much liquid as possible from zucchini and carrots to prevent soggy, limp fricos that lose their crispy texture.
• Select High-Quality Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan with high fat content to ensure proper melting and crisp golden edges for maximum flavor and texture.
• Monitor Baking Closely: Watch fricos carefully during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning, as the thin cheese can quickly transition from golden to burnt.
• Customize Seasoning Creatively: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chili flakes to personalize the flavor profile and match your culinary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg