Zucchini is quietly having a moment online, and honestly, it might have all started with Chef Thomas Keller. His MasterClass recipe for oven-roasted zucchini has been floating around, but lately, TikTok creators have been giving the humble veg a stylish glow-up. While it’s not dominating the algorithm just yet, there’s no denying that zucchini recipes are starting to get more love, and for good reason. Originally cultivated in northern Italy during the 19th century and later brought to the U.S. by Italian immigrants, zucchini has long been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. And this summer, it seems like TikTok is embracing that legacy with recipes that lean into bold Italian flavors like garlic, tomato, and Parmesan. Between this and the viral rise of the tomatini, it’s safe to say that Italian-inspired eats are having a well-deserved spotlight this summer.
First up is a Mediterranean-inspired twist on Thomas Keller’s oven-roasted zucchini, courtesy of TikTok creator @ketorecipes (aka ShredHappens). Dubbed as “pillowy zucchini,” this version takes things to the next level with a flavorful blend of feta, crushed pistachios, fresh mint, lemon zest, and some sumac.
TikTok creator @lifeechiara brings us a cozy Italian comfort dish, and it’s as charming as it sounds. Made with rice flour, corn flour, red onion, and even a generous helping of grated cheese, this recipe bakes zucchini into a golden, crispy-edged casserole that’s perfect for sharing (or not).
If you’re a fan of snackable, bite-sized eats, @eating.my.empire’s recipe deserves a spot on your “to-cook” list. Packed with shredded zucchini, parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and bold seasonings like dried basil, oregano, and fresh garlic cloves, these bites bring major flavor with minimal effort. As an added bonus, they’re air fryer-friendly too.
For a savory, pan-fried option with serious flavor payoff, @christieathome’s recipe is a must-try. These crispy fritters let chopped zucchini shine and are best served with a tangy dipping sauce made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that perfect nutty finish.
TikToker @literallyjust_a_girl shares her take on zucchini patties, a no-fuss Amish-style recipe that’s equal parts comforting and versatile. Made with shredded zucchini (fresh or canned, skin-on preferred), these patties come together with flour, eggs, and simple seasonings like salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. They’re perfect tucked into a sandwich or served as a crispy side for dinner.
If you’re feeling fancy, @margaukitchen’s recipe is quite the vibe. Made with just half a zucchini, these adorable savory pastries combine sautéed onions, honey, thyme, and creamy cheese all wrapped in dough and baked in the oven to golden perfection.
@eatingwell takes snack time up a notch with this recipe, featuring a crunchy curly twist on your usual fry fix. If you don’t have a spiralizer, no worries: store-bought zucchini noodles (aka zoodles) do the trick. They’re coated in cornstarch, egg whites, panko, dried oregano, and finely grated parmesan cheese, and baked until crispy. Bonus points for the dipping sauce, an unexpected but tasty mix of light ranch and low-sodium marinara.
@taylorrecipes24’s recipe is the savory bread your summer dinner table has been waiting for. In addition to grated zucchini, it’s packed with flavorful mix-ins like dried basil, thyme, garlic powder, and grated parmesan. For an extra punch of flavor, she recommends folding in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
For a crunchy snack with major ranch energy, @iricksnacks’ chip recipe is a total win. Thinly sliced zucchini gets a moisture-reducing salt treatment before being dunked in egg wash and coated in a savory blend of parmesan and ranch seasoning. Whether you’re team air fryer or loyal to the oven, these chips crisp up beautifully either way in under 20 minutes.
User @lainiecooks wraps things up with this cozy and creative recipe. Thin vertical slices of zucchini are pre-baked to soften, then rolled up with a creamy filling made from cottage cheese, parmesan, pesto, and more. Once stuffed, they’re placed in a baking dish over a layer of tomato sauce and baked again. It’s everything you love about lasagna, just a little lighter.
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