Calabacita and Cheese Bites
Easy Calabacita and Cheese Bites Recipe for Busy Families
When you’re juggling meal prep with nap times, playdates, and the endless energy of little ones, finding a quick, nutritious, and flavorful recipe is like striking gold. Enter Calabacita and Cheese Bites — a toddler-friendly twist on a beloved Mexican-American dish. These bites are packed with veggies, cheesy goodness, and just enough crunch to delight tiny hands and taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a side dish, or a meal that sneaks in some greens, this recipe delivers.
What Are Calabacita and Cheese Bites?
Inspired by the classic calabacitas (Mexican squash) dish, these bites are a modern take designed with toddlers in mind. Traditionally, calabacitas features zucchini (or Mexican squash), corn, and cheese, often served sautéed. All parents know how tricky it can be to get our children to eat the vegetables. How many grown ups like to eat their veggies?! If there is a way to get some veggies incorporated into our meals - I’m all in! These bites take all the flavors and turn them into hand-held nuggets that are perfect for little ones who love to self-feed. The recipe blends grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, cheese, and a few simple seasonings to create bite-sized patties that are baked or pan-fried to perfection. The result? A dish that’s nutritious, comforting, and easy to prepare.
I love to make this recipe for my family!
Calabacitas (zucchini) is easy to find at grocery stores and easy to prepare. I love that it’s affordable, so I know I can make this recipe anytime. If the budget needs to be adjusted - and these days it is! I’m always looking for ways to save money at the grocery store and ensure that my family is getting nutritious, healthy food. Zucchini is packed with vitamins and water, making this a great choice for the main ingredient. The cheese provides protein and calcium, and the breadcrumbs just make it even yummier. You can easily pair this with rice and beans. This recipe can be prepared quickly and you can have a delicious home cooked meal.
Calabacita and Cheese Bites
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a bowl, mix the zucchini, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, and garlic powder until combined.
- Scoop small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and form them into small patties or nuggets.
- Place the bites on the baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and firm.
- Let cool slightly before serving as a snack or side dish.
Notes
Prefer to cook on the stovetop? Follow the instructions below.
Steps:
- Prepare the Mixture: Follow the original recipe to mix the zucchini, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, and seasoning. Add two extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs to help the bites hold their shape when you cook them on the stovetop.
- Form the Bites: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape into small patties or nuggets.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter (just enough to lightly coat the bottom).
- Cook the Bites: Place the bites in the skillet, leaving space between them. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bites from the skillet, let cool slightly, and serve.
Tips for Success
Squeeze That Zucchini! Excess moisture can make the bites fall apart. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to press out as much water as possible after grating the zucchini.
Adjust the Breadcrumbs: If the mixture feels too wet to hold its shape, add a little more breadcrumbs until it’s manageable.
Customize the Flavor: For older toddlers or adventurous eaters, consider adding a pinch of cumin, paprika, or even a bit of finely chopped cilantro.
Double the Recipe: These bites freeze well! Make a bigger batch, let them cool, and store in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat in the oven or skillet for a quick snack.
Make a dip! Make an avocado dip or other veggie dip to dip the calabacita bites into. It’s fun for toddlers and young kids, and you can ensure the meal is as nutrient dense as possible.
Serving Suggestions
These bites are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some ideas:
For Toddlers: Serve with a small dollop of guacamole, sour cream, or mild salsa for dipping.
For the Whole Family: Pair with Mexican rice, beans, or a light salad to make it a meal.
On the Go: Pack them in a lunchbox for daycare, school, or picnics.
Why Your Family Will Love These Bites
For busy families, these Calabacita and Cheese Bites offer a perfect balance of tradition and convenience. They’re packed with flavor, nutrition, and the nostalgic comfort of home-cooked meals. Plus, they’re adaptable enough to fit any busy schedule.
Whether you’re making them for a picky toddler, as a snack for older kids, or to enjoy with the whole family, these bites will quickly become a household favorite. And the best part? You’ll feel good knowing you’re serving up something wholesome and delicious.
Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out!
¡Buen provecho!
