This Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a tasty way to enjoy veggies! Just slice zucchini, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake for a crispy, cheesy treat.
You won’t believe how simple it is to make. It’s a great side dish, and honestly, I sometimes eat it as a snack—so good! And it’s perfect for sneaking in some greens! 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchinis work best for this recipe. If you can’t find zucchini, you can use yellow squash as a substitute. They have a similar texture and flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor and crispy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative. For a sharper taste, Pecorino Romano works well too!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to, but you can use melted butter or avocado oil if you prefer. Just be aware that different oils may slightly change the flavor.
Italian Seasoning: This blend is fantastic, but you can mix your own or use individual dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme if needed. Fresh herbs could also be a great touch if you have them on hand!
How Do I Get My Zucchini Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy texture, it’s important to follow a few key steps in this recipe. Here’s how to prep your zucchini so it turns out just right:
- Cut Evenly: Make sure your zucchini sticks are cut to similar sizes. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Coat with Oil: Tossing the zucchini in olive oil helps the Parmesan stick and crisp up nicely.
- Single Layer: Arrange the zucchini in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam them, making them soggy instead of crispy.
- Watch the Time: Baking at a high temperature helps them crisp up. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes; you want them golden but not burnt!
By following these steps, you’ll end up with perfectly baked, crispy zucchini every time! Enjoy your cooking! 🌟
Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. A quick and easy dish that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help the zucchini become tender and the Parmesan to crisp up. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis and trim off both ends. Then, slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Cut each half into sticks that are about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
3. Toss with Olive Oil:
In a large mixing bowl, place the zucchini sticks and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss well until all the zucchini is evenly coated. This oil is key to getting that golden, crispy coating!
4. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This blend adds flavor and deliciousness to your zucchini.
5. Coat the Zucchini:
Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the zucchini sticks. Gently toss until all sides of the zucchini are coated with the Parmesan mixture. This will give them that tasty, cheesy crust when baked.
6. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Lay the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t touching each other, as this will help them crisp up better.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them for that perfect crispy finish!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once done, take your baked zucchini out of the oven. If you want a pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve warm as a delightful side dish or a satisfying snack!
Enjoy your delicious and healthy baked Parmesan zucchini!
FAQ for Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Can I Use Different Types of Zucchini?
Absolutely! While medium zucchinis are ideal, you can also use yellow squash for a fun twist. Just make sure they’re similar in size for even cooking!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is already gluten-free as it doesn’t include any flour. Just make sure your Parmesan cheese doesn’t contain any additives or fillers that could have gluten.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to add other toppings like crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or different herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor boost. Just sprinkle them on before baking!
