This Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a tasty side dish that everyone will love! Fresh zucchini is sliced, topped with cheese, and baked until golden and crispy.
Trust me, your family will be fighting over the last piece! I like to serve it with dinner, but it’s so good you might just snack on it right out of the oven! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are key here for their mild flavor and texture. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds the perfect cheesy goodness. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese blend instead.
Garlic Powder: This enhances the flavor. For fresh garlic lovers, you could use 1-2 minced garlic cloves for a stronger taste.
Italian Seasoning: It adds a wonderful herby flavor. Substitute with mix of any dried herbs you have, like thyme, rosemary, or even Italian spice blends.
Olive Oil: This helps with crispiness. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil or melted butter if you like.
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini is Crispy?
Getting the perfect crispy zucchini is all about preparation and baking technique. Follow these steps for great results:
- Preheat your oven fully before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Cut zucchini into uniform sizes; thinner sticks (about 1/2 inch) crisp up better.
- Space the zucchini out on the baking sheet to avoid steaming. They should not be touching.
- Don’t skip the olive oil, as it helps to get that nice golden color.
- Keep an eye on them while baking, since ovens vary. You want them golden brown and tender, but not mushy.
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Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium zucchinis, washed and sliced into sticks or wedges
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of baking, totaling around 25-30 minutes for a delicious side dish or snack that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your zucchini will bake evenly and get that lovely crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis and slice them into sticks or wedges that are about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. This way, they’ll cook evenly!
3. Mix the Seasoning:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until well mixed.
4. Coat the Zucchini:
Add the zucchini sticks to the bowl and toss them well, making sure each piece is coated with the olive oil and seasoning mixture.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Spread the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet. It’s important they aren’t overlapping to ensure they crisp up nicely!
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan:
Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini sticks. This will create a beautifully crispy topping as they bake.
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden and crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this yummy side dish!
This recipe is straightforward and results in a scrumptious dish with a crispy cheese crust and tender zucchini inside—perfect for any dinner or snack time!
FAQ for Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! While zucchini is a great choice, you can also use eggplant, yellow squash, or even asparagus. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the vegetable pieces.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t call for any flour or breadcrumbs. Just make sure the Parmesan cheese you use is certified gluten-free if you’re particularly sensitive.
Can I Prepare the Zucchini in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the zucchini and toss it in the seasoning mix a few hours ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up.
