This Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a tasty side dish that everyone will love. Just slice zucchini, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and bake until golden. Simple and delicious!
You won’t believe how quickly this dish disappears at dinner! I love serving it with grilled chicken or pasta. It’s a great way to sneak in those veggies! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: A fresh, firm zucchini is essential for this dish. If you’re in a pinch, yellow squash works well too. Both have a mild flavor and will turn out beautifully!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely savory kick. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy, or use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the zucchini crisp up. Don’t have olive oil? Avocado oil or melted butter also work nicely.
Herbs: Dried Italian herbs give a herby flavor. Feel free to use fresh herbs like basil or thyme if you have them! You can even mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Crispy?
Getting that crispy texture is key for perfect baked zucchini. Here are some tips:
- Cut Thickness: Cut the zucchinis evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Thinner sticks will crisp up better.
- Coat Evenly: Make sure to toss your zucchini well in olive oil and the seasoning mix so every piece is covered.
- Single Layer: Spread the zucchini sticks in a single layer on the baking sheet to avoid steaming. Crowded zucchinis won’t get crispy.
- High Heat: Baking them at a higher temperature helps them to roast quickly, creating that delightful crunch!
Follow these tips and you’ll have perfectly crispy and golden baked Parmesan zucchini every time!
Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and will need 15-20 minutes to bake. So, you can have a delicious side dish ready in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your zucchini will cook evenly and get that nice crispiness!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Rinse the zucchinis under cold water and sprinkle off any excess water. Cut off the ends, then slice them lengthwise into halves or quarters, making sticks. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
3. Coat the Zucchini:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the zucchini sticks with olive oil. Toss them around to ensure each piece is nicely coated, which helps with flavor and crisping.
4. Mix the Toppings:
In a separate small bowl, stir together the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your zucchini a delicious, cheesy flavor!
5. Add the Cheese Mixture:
Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over the zucchini sticks. Give a gentle press to make sure the cheese sticks well to each piece.
6. Bake in the Oven:
Arrange the seasoned zucchini sticks in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Making sure they’re spread out will help them get crispy. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes.
7. Check for Fall-Off-the-Fork Tenderness:
Once they are done baking, the zucchini should be tender and the cheese should be golden and crispy. If you want them extra crispy, you can broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like for an extra pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful, crunchy, and cheesy baked zucchini!
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a stand-alone snack. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Can I Use Different Vegetables for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute zucchini with other vegetables like eggplant, asparagus, or even bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable’s thickness and moisture content.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure you’re using gluten-free Parmesan cheese and seasonings. Always check labels when using packaged products to ensure no gluten is present!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can slice the zucchini and toss it with olive oil and seasonings a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, and it will be deliciously fresh!
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No worries! You can use any grated cheese you have on hand, such as cheddar or mozzarella. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a great choice that adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy.
