This Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a fantastic way to enjoy veggies! With a golden, crunchy coating and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s so tasty you won’t believe it’s healthy.
Perfect as a snack or side dish, these zucchini bites disappear fast! I always make extra because they taste amazing fresh out of the oven. Trust me, you’ll want to share… or not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, medium-sized zucchini works best here. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash can be a good alternative as it has a similar texture and flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is key for that cheesy crunch. Pecorino Romano can also be used for a sharper flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a similar taste.
Breadcrumbs: I highly recommend using panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko gives that desirable crunch. Gluten-free options are available if needed!
Seasonings: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add wonderful flavor. Feel free to swap fresh herbs like basil or oregano if you have them on hand. A little bit of chili powder can spice things up too!
How Do I Get My Zucchini Extra Crispy?
The secret to crispy zucchini lies in moisture control and the cooking technique. Zucchini can hold a lot of water, so it’s important to get that moisture out!
- Slice the zucchini evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- After cutting, sprinkle with salt and let sit for about 10 minutes. This draws out additional water. Pat them dry with a towel before proceeding.
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet. It helps with even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Make sure there’s space between zucchini sticks so air can circulate, which leads to crispiness.
Following these tips will help you achieve that golden brown, crunchy exterior on your baked Parmesan zucchini! Enjoy your cooking!
Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium zucchini
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano/basil mix
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crispy baked Parmesan zucchini recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to bake, so in total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious side or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will give you that nice, crunchy finish you’re looking for. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the zucchini doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash and dry your zucchini thoroughly. For even cooking, cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, and then slice each half into thirds or quarters lengthwise. This will create nice, evenly sized sticks for baking.
3. Make the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This will be your delicious coating!
4. Coat the Zucchini:
Toss the zucchini sticks into a large mixing bowl and drizzle the olive oil over them. Gently toss until the zucchini sticks are evenly coated with the oil. This step helps the coating stick!
5. Dredge the Sticks:
Take each zucchini stick and dip it into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to help it adhere. Make sure each stick is well-coated.
6. Arrange for Baking:
Place the coated zucchini sticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. It’s important they don’t overlap, as this will ensure they bake evenly and get nice and crispy.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, give them a gentle turn. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
8. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and, if you’d like, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish. Serve them immediately for the best crunch!
9. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy these crispy baked Parmesan zucchini sticks as a healthy, tasty snack or a wonderful side dish. They’re sure to impress!
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! This crispy coating works well with other veggies too. Try using eggplant, yellow squash, or even asparagus. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since different vegetables have varying moisture levels and cooking times.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up, instead of using the microwave which can make them soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Just double-check the Parmesan cheese packaging as well, as some brands may use additives containing gluten.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini?
These zucchini sticks pair wonderfully with a variety of dips! Try a classic marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a tangy lemon garlic aioli for a delicious twist. They’re perfect for dipping and make the experience even more enjoyable!
