This Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a tasty way to enjoy veggies! Slices of zucchini are topped with crunchy Parmesan cheese and baked until golden and delicious.
It’s like giving your veggies a cozy cheese blanket! Perfect as a side dish or a snack. I love making a big batch and munching on them while binge-watching my favorite show! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are best for this recipe. If you can’t find zucchini or want to switch it up, try yellow squash—they’re similar in taste and texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a lovely cheesy flavor. For a dairy-free option, you could use nutritional yeast, which offers a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They add extra crunch! If you want to skip breadcrumbs, you can use crushed cornflakes or even ground almonds for a gluten-free option.
Garlic Powder: This adds fantastic flavor. Instead, fresh minced garlic works well, just adjust the amount to your taste.
How Do You Get Your Zucchini Crispy?
Getting that delicious crispy topping requires a few key steps. First, ensure you slice the zucchini evenly, so they cook at the same rate. Also, the olive oil helps crisp it up, so don’t skip it!
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly on the zucchini and press gently. This keeps it from falling off while baking.
- Bake until golden brown. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid burning.
Letting them cool slightly also helps them hold onto their crispy topping longer!
Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium zucchinis, cut into sticks (about 4-5 inches long)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes for baking, totaling about 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash and dry the zucchinis. Cut them into sticks, each about 4 to 5 inches long and roughly 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect crisp!
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs (if using), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it up until everything is evenly combined. This will be the topping that makes your zucchini delicious!
4. Coat the Zucchini:
In a large bowl, take the zucchini sticks and drizzle with olive oil. Toss them around to make sure they’re evenly coated with the oil. This helps them become golden and crispy when baked.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the coated zucchini sticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Space them out so they’re not overlapping—this helps them cook evenly!
6. Add the Topping:
Now, take the cheese mixture you made earlier and sprinkle it over the zucchini sticks. Press down lightly on the cheese mixture to make sure it sticks—this is the yummy layer on top!
7. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the zucchini to be tender and the topping to be golden and crisp.
8. Serve:
Once they’re done baking, remove the zucchini from the oven. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy! You can garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color if you like. Enjoy!
Enjoy this simple, cheesy, and crispy baked zucchini dish perfect as a side or healthy snack!
FAQ for Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other vegetables like yellow squash, eggplant, or even asparagus. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as different veggies may require more or less time to become tender.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can use pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative that still offers a cheesy taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness instead of using a microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the zucchini and the cheese mixture ahead of time. Simply coat the zucchini and then assemble just before baking. You can keep the zucchini sticks in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
