I absolutely love this Easy Zucchini Carrot Pancakes Recipe because it’s a fresh and vibrant way to sneak more veggies into your meals without any fuss. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how crispy and flavorful these little pancakes turned out, and my family goes crazy for them every time I make them. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch, or even a light snack that feels indulgent but wholesome.

What makes this Easy Zucchini Carrot Pancakes Recipe so worth trying is how versatile and straightforward it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients, and the process is quick enough to fit right into busy days. I promise, once you get the hang of squeezing out the extra moisture from the zucchini, you’ll find these pancakes come together beautifully and hold their shape perfectly for frying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses fresh zucchini and carrots you can find year-round, plus pantry staples you likely have on hand.
  • Easy Prep: Grating and squeezing veggies makes these pancakes quick to whip up with little mess.
  • Family Friendly: Even picky eaters enjoy the mild flavors and crispy texture, making meal time easier.
  • Versatile Serving: Great as a snack, appetizer, or main dish with customizable toppings to suit your mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create pancakes that are light, crispy, and packed with wholesome veggies. Plus, the combination of zucchini and carrots adds natural sweetness and moisture, balanced by green onions and parsley for freshness.

  • Zucchini: Grate it finely and salt to draw out moisture for preventing soggy pancakes.
  • Carrots: Fresh and peeled for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of green for freshness.
  • Fresh parsley: Brings brightness and herbal notes.
  • Eggs: Acts as a binder to help the pancakes hold together.
  • All-purpose flour: Gives structure; you can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
  • Baking powder: Lightens the batter so pancakes aren’t dense.
  • Salt & black pepper: Keep it simple and adjust to taste, especially since zucchini is pre-salted.
  • Olive oil: For frying, providing a lovely crisp crust.
  • Optional toppings: Sour cream or Greek yogurt complement the pancakes with tang and creaminess.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how easy it is to tweak this Easy Zucchini Carrot Pancakes Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Depending on what’s in my fridge, I’ll sometimes experiment with herbs or cheese, and you should absolutely feel free to get creative too!

  • Add cheese: I’ve added shredded Parmesan or sharp cheddar on occasion for a savory boost that really changes the flavor profile.
  • Make it gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour — it works surprisingly well!
  • Extra herbs: Sometimes I toss in a little dill or basil for a fresh twist depending on what I’m serving alongside.
  • Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne adds a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat.

How to Make Easy Zucchini Carrot Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Drain the Zucchini

First things first, shred your zucchini using a food processor or a box grater. I discovered this trick when I realized pancakes got soggy if extra moisture stayed in—the salt sprinkled on grated zucchini draws out that water. Let it sit in a strainer for about 10 minutes, then squeeze it tightly with your hands to get rid of as much liquid as you can without drying it completely. This step keeps your pancakes crispy and prevents them from falling apart when you cook them.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

While the zucchini drains, mix the grated carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. Add your beaten eggs, flour, baking powder, and black pepper. Then fold in your squeezed zucchini. I like using my hands for this part—it helps me feel the right consistency. The batter should be moist but thick enough to scoop without spreading too much.

Step 3: Fry the Pancakes

Heat a skillet over medium-high and add a good tablespoon of olive oil, swirling to coat the pan evenly. Scoop about one-third cup of batter for each pancake—you’ll get roughly eight from this recipe. Press gently with a spatula to shape them into rounds. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t crowd the pan; give each pancake space to crisp up properly. Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Garnish with extra parsley and dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like. When I serve these at home, they disappear almost instantly – that’s how good they are! Trust me, keeping them warm and crispy is key, so plate right away for the best experience.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Zucchini Carrot Pancakes Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Squeezing: Removing excess water from zucchini is what keeps your pancakes crisp and prevents sogginess—trust me, it’s worth the extra effort.
  • Right Heat is Key: Medium-high heat works best so the pancakes get browned without burning while cooking through inside.
  • Use Fresh Veggies: Fresher carrots and zucchini make a noticeable difference in flavor and moisture balance.
  • Adjust Size for Patience: If you’re short on time, make smaller pancakes—they cook faster and crisp up beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Zucchini Carrot Pancakes Recipe

The image shows a white plate holding seven golden brown vegetable patties arranged in layered rows, with the top patties being the most visible. Each patty has a rough texture with small bits of green herbs and orange vegetable pieces spread inside, and they are garnished with fresh chopped green herbs on top. Next to the plate is a small clear glass bowl filled with white sour cream topped with some green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a navy and white striped cloth partly under it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Sometimes I add a drizzle of hot sauce for a bit of zing that pairs surprisingly well with the mild, sweet veggies.

Side Dishes

These pancakes go great alongside a crisp green salad or even with a simple tomato salsa. On lazy weekends, I like pairing them with a sunny-side-up egg for a filling breakfast or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve stacked these pancakes like mini towers with layers of herb yogurt sauce in between and garnished the plate with edible flowers for a beautiful touch. They also work well as part of an appetizer platter with dips and fresh veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat them on a skillet to keep the edges crisp instead of microwaving, which tends to make them soggy.

Freezing

This Easy Zucchini Carrot Pancakes Recipe freezes well! After frying and cooling completely, I lay them flat separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for about 2 months, making them a great make-ahead option.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop frozen pancakes directly onto a hot skillet with a tiny bit of oil. This restores that lovely crispiness better than a microwave. Just heat about 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Easy Zucchini Carrot Pancakes Recipe vegan?

    Yes! You can replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative if desired. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the texture.

  2. Do I have to peel the zucchini?

    Peeling is optional. I usually leave the skin on for color and nutrients but always peel carrots for better texture. If your zucchini skin is tough or waxed, peeling is a good idea.

  3. How do I prevent the pancakes from falling apart?

    Draining the zucchini well and using the right amount of flour and egg to bind the mix is key. Also, avoid flipping them too early—wait until the edges look set and pancakes lift easily off the pan.

  4. Can I bake these pancakes instead of frying?

    You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture won’t be as crispy as pan-frying but it’s a healthier alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Zucchini Carrot Pancakes Recipe is a true keeper in my recipe box because it’s simple, quick, and incredibly tasty. Whether you’re looking for a way to brighten up dinner or sneak extra veggies into your family’s diet, these pancakes hit the spot every time. Give them a try—you might just find this becomes your new go-to comfort food that feels fresh and satisfying, just like it did for me the first time I cooked them.

Print
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Easy Zucchini Carrot Pancakes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 118 reviews
  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 pancakes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Easy Zucchini Carrot Pancakes are a delightful and nutritious twist on traditional pancakes, combining freshly grated zucchini and carrots with simple pantry staples. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a perfect quick breakfast or snack. Served with optional sour cream or Greek yogurt, they bring a fresh and wholesome flavor to your table.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 cups (packed) zucchini, grated
  • 2 cups (packed) carrots, peeled and grated
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Olive oil for frying

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Grate and drain the zucchini: Using a food processor with a grater attachment or a box grater, shred the zucchini. Place it in a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and gently toss. Set aside for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. Prepare other ingredients: While the zucchini rests, shred the carrots, slice the green onions, chop the parsley, beat the eggs, and measure the flour, baking powder, and black pepper. Add all these ingredients (except salt and olive oil) into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Squeeze excess liquid from zucchini: After 10 minutes, use your hands to squeeze the grated zucchini to remove as much liquid as possible, but don’t worry if it’s not completely dry. Add the zucchini to the bowl with other ingredients.
  4. Combine the batter: Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated into a uniform batter.
  5. Heat and prepare skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil, swirling to coat the surface evenly.
  6. Form and cook pancakes: Using a ⅓ cup scoop, drop portions of the batter onto the skillet and gently press down with a spatula to form pancakes about 8 in total without them touching each other.
  7. Pan-fry until golden: Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. Repeat cooking process: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and continue cooking remaining batter until all pancakes are done.
  9. Serve and garnish: Garnish pancakes with additional fresh parsley and serve warm, optionally with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Best enjoyed immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Since the zucchini is salted initially to remove excess moisture, no additional salt is needed in the batter except black pepper. Adjust salt to taste after cooking if preferred.
  • Using ⅓ cup of batter per pancake yields approximately 8 pancakes total. You may adjust scoop size to make larger or smaller pancakes and can also form all pancakes before frying.
  • Nutrition info is calculated per pancake excluding optional toppings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pancake
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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