Here’s a high-protein take that actually tastes good.
High-Protein Zucchini Cheese Sticks
Ingredients
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2 medium zucchini, cut into sticks
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1 cup low-fat mozzarella, cut into sticks or shredded
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½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
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1 large egg
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¾ cup protein-boosted breadcrumbs
(use regular + grated Parmesan if you prefer) -
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & black pepper
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the zucchini
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Pat zucchini sticks dry very well
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Lightly salt and let sit 10 minutes, then blot again
2️⃣ Assemble
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Wrap each cheese stick with zucchini (or sandwich cheese between 2 sticks)
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Freeze 15 minutes (key for keeping cheese inside)
3️⃣ Coat
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Whisk yogurt and egg together
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Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, seasoning, salt & pepper
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Dip zucchini in yogurt mix, then breadcrumb mix
4️⃣ Bake or Air Fry
Air Fryer:
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390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once
Oven:
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425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes
Cook until golden and melty.
High-Protein Dipping Sauce (Optional)
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½ cup Greek yogurt
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1 Tbsp marinara
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Garlic powder + salt
Protein Boost Tips
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Use high-protein mozzarella if available
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Add extra Parmesan to coating
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Serve with Greek-yogurt dip instead of ranch
Variations
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🌶️ Spicy (add cayenne or chili flakes)
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🧄 Garlic-parm overload
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🥓 Add turkey bacon bits to coating
If you want, I can give you exact macros, a keto version, or a meal-prep friendly method