Introduction
There’s something truly special about recipes that get passed down through generations—those little kitchen treasures that carry stories, memories, and a whole lot of love. Growing up, I was always fascinated watching my grandmother stir, chop, and season with such care, her hands moving almost by memory while her heart was far from just cooking. It wasn’t about perfection or fancy ingredients; it was about sharing a piece of home, something warm and comforting on the table. Zucchini scarpaccia is exactly that kind of dish for me—simple, rustic, and full of character. It’s easy to make, a little messy sometimes (because let’s be honest, zucchini can be slippery!), but always brings people together. This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a way to keep tradition alive while adding your own touch, and that’s what makes every bite feel like home. PrintAmazing Easy Zucchini Scarpaccia Recipe – Cozy & Delicious!
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Zucchini scarpaccia is a traditional Italian dish that features a thin, savory pancake made primarily with grated zucchini. It has a light and slightly crispy texture on the outside while remaining soft and tender inside. Often enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal, this recipe highlights the fresh and delicate flavors of zucchini combined with simple seasonings to create a comforting and satisfying dish
Perfect for warm weather or whenever you want a quick and flavorful option that celebrates seasonal vegetables
Ingredients
From 1/4 cup olive oil
2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (a mandolin slicer works best)
1/2 cup flour
1 cup fine cornmeal
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1/4 cup juice from the zucchini slices
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, oregano, and Parmesan cheese.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then stir in the zucchini juice.
Add the zucchini slices to the egg mixture.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the zucchini and egg mixture, stirring until well combined.
Using a spoon, drop portions of the batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly to form fritters.
Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
Serve warm.
Notes
Make sure the batter is well mixed but not overworked
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing to prevent crumbling
Use a nonstick pan to avoid sticking
Serve warm for best texture and flavor
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 6
Ingredients and measurement
1/4 cup olive oil 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced 1/2 cup flour 1 cup fine cornmeal 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese 2 eggs 1/4 cup juice from the zucchini slicesPreparing time
15 minutesCooking time
8-10 minutesInstructions
Heat the oil
Warm the olive oil up in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough so those fritters sizzle but not so hot they burn right away.Mix dry ingredients
In a big bowl, stir together the flour, cornmeal, dried oregano, and Parmesan cheese so everything’s evenly combined.Prepare wet ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the zucchini juice—you’ll have to squeeze or drain your thin zucchini slices for that juice before adding them in. Stir to mix.Combine zucchini and wet mix
Add the zucchini slices into the egg and juice mixture, coating them well. It gets a little sticky here, but that’s just right.Make the batter
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the zucchini and egg bowl. Stir carefully until everything comes together into a thick batter, no big lumps.Cook the fritters
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot olive oil, then gently press each one down to flatten slightly. Cook them about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy (watch that first batch closely—it’s a little messy, but you’ll get there).Drain and serve
Lift fritters out with a slotted spatula, let them drain on paper towels, then serve warm.Notes
Zucchini juice trick
Don’t toss that zucchini juice! It adds moisture and flavor, making these fritters extra tender.Mandolin slicer love
If you have a mandolin slicer, use it. It slices uniformly thin, so the fritters cook evenly—trust me, your first time without one is a little wild.Don’t crowd the pan
Cook in batches so the oil stays hot enough. Overcrowding means soggy, greasy fritters, and nobody wants that.Parmesan freshness
Freshly grated Parmesan really makes a difference here. The pre-grated stuff is fine in a pinch but fresh will give you that nutty, rich punch.Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (ha!), they’re good warmed up the next day in a toaster oven—still crispy but a little less perfect, like me on mornings after too little sleep.
Cooking tips :
Choose the right zucchini thickness
I’ve learned that slicing zucchini too thick makes the fritters soggy, so try to aim for really thin slices. A mandolin slicer works like magic here, but hey, if you only have a knife, just take your time and don’t rush—thin is your friend.Don’t crowd the pan
One oops I keep making? Overloading the skillet. The oil temperature drops and you end up with sad, greasy fritters. Cook them in small batches so they stay crispy and get that perfect golden brown.Use fresh Parmesan
Grated Parmesan makes a huge difference. I once tried pre-grated stuff when in a pinch, and my fritters just didn’t have that lovely cheesy bite. Fresh is worth the tiny extra effort.Save that zucchini juice
It sounds weird, but squeezing out the juice from the zucchini and adding it to the eggs gives the batter a nice moisture balance and subtle flavor punch. Don’t toss that liquid; it’s secret gold.FAQ :
Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free. They’ll still be delicious and crispy.Is it better to fry or bake these fritters?
Frying gives that crispy, golden texture that’s hard to beat. Baking is possible but expect less crunch and a different texture. If you bake, spray with a little oil and flip halfway through.How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to revive crispiness. Microwave makes them soggy, so resist the urge!Can I add other veggies?
For sure! Grated carrot or finely chopped spinach work great. Just squeeze out extra moisture so the batter isn’t too wet—it’s a bit of a balancing act but totally doable.Conclusion
These zucchini fritters are one of those recipes that somehow turn a humble vegetable into something downright addictive. I love how the crispy edges meet the tender insides, and the Parmesan adds that perfect savory punch. Honestly, every time I make them, I end up sneaking a few more before they’re even plated. A little side note—you might find the zucchini juice a bit unexpected, but it really keeps the fritters moist and flavorful. Just watch your skillet temperature; I’ve burnt a batch or two rushing them, so patience is key. Whether it’s a quick snack, a light lunch, or a side dish, these fritters always bring a bit of sunshine to the table.Suggestions of another similar recipes
Zucchini and Carrot Fritters with Fresh Dill
Try mixing grated carrots with zucchini, adding fresh dill instead of oregano for a fresh twist. They fry up golden and taste fantastic with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.Sweet Potato and Cornmeal Fritters
Swap zucchini for sweet potato and keep that cornmeal crunch. These are slightly sweeter and pair wonderfully with a tangy avocado dip.Cauliflower and Parmesan Patties
Use finely chopped cauliflower with Parmesan and eggs, similar to the zucchini batter. It’s a great low-carb option that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside.Spinach and Feta Vegetable Fritters
Throw in some spinach and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean vibe. These fritters hold together well and make a lovely brunch addition or appetizer.