This Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a tasty side dish that’s super simple to make! Just slice the zucchini, sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese, and pop it in the oven until golden and crispy.
I love how quickly this dish comes together. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy veggies without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests! 🥒✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are perfect here for their mild flavor and tender texture. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too; it will give a similar taste and texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavor. If you want a lighter option, you can use Pecorino Romano, or for a dairy-free alternative, try nutritional yeast for that cheesy taste without the dairy.
Breadcrumbs: Adding breadcrumbs gives a nice crunch. You can easily make your own with toasted bread. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds.
Italian Seasoning: This blend adds a great herby flavor. If you don’t have it, use mixed dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Fresh herbs can also brighten up the dish if available. Just chop a bit more of these!
How Do I Get My Zucchini Perfectly Crispy?
Achieving the perfect crispy texture with baked zucchini is all about moisture control and the right cooking method. Since zucchini has a high water content, here are a few steps to ensure great results:
- Make sure to slice the zucchini evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels after slicing to remove excess moisture.
- Coat them evenly in olive oil and the cheese mixture to help with browning and crispiness.
- Bake on a single layer on the baking sheet; don’t overcrowd them. You want airflow around each piece!
These tips will help you serve up perfectly crispy, cheesy zucchini every time!
Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake. Total time will be around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and fun way to enjoy a healthy side dish that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Set your oven to preheat at 425°F (220°C). This will help your zucchini bake up crispy and delicious.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash and dry the zucchinis. Cut off the ends and slice each zucchini lengthwise into quarters or halves—whichever you prefer. You want them to look like sticks that are easy to pick up!
3. Mix the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs (if you’re using them for extra crunch), Italian seasoning (or basil), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will be the tasty coating that makes your zucchini irresistible!
4. Coat the Zucchini:
Drizzle olive oil over the sliced zucchini and gently toss them to coat evenly. Then, sprinkle the Parmesan mixture over the zucchini and carefully toss until each stick is well coated. Yum!
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Next, lay out the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Make sure they’re not crowded; they need space to crisp up nicely!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for the zucchini to be tender with a golden, crispy cheese coating—perfectly delightful!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, take the zucchini out of the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy baked zucchini sticks as a delicious and healthy side dish!
FAQ for Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other vegetables like eggplant, summer squash, or even bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable’s moisture content and thickness.
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again.
Can I Make the Coating Spicier?
Definitely! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the Parmesan mixture to give it a kick. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance!
What Dishes Pair Well with Baked Parmesan Zucchini?
This zucchini makes a great side for grilled chicken, fish, or any pasta dish. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
