Description

This Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe offers a deliciously crunchy and savory side dish that combines fresh zucchini spears coated in olive oil, garlic powder, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy zucchini with a satisfying crisp texture reminiscent of fried snacks but baked for a lighter option.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini

4 fresh, firm zucchini, quartered lengthwise

Seasoning and Coating

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the zucchini.
Prepare the zucchini. Wash the zucchini thoroughly and cut each one into four long sticks or quarters lengthwise to create uniform pieces that will bake evenly.
Dry the zucchini. Use paper towels to pat the zucchini sticks dry, which helps the olive oil and seasonings adhere better and promotes crispiness.
Season and coat. Toss the zucchini sticks in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
Arrange on baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the zucchini sticks cut-side up in a single layer to ensure even baking.
Add Parmesan cheese. Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each zucchini piece to form a flavorful, crispy crust when baked.
Bake until crispy. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is golden brown and the zucchini is tender.
Cool before serving. Allow the baked zucchini to cool slightly after removing from the oven to let the cheese crust set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use a wire rack over the baking sheet so air circulates around the zucchini pieces.
Adjust garlic powder and seasoning to your taste preference.
To make it gluten-free, ensure the Parmesan cheese you use does not contain additives with gluten.
Serve immediately for the best texture, as the crust may soften over time.
Try adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil for an additional flavor twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked zucchini, Parmesan zucchini, crispy zucchini, healthy side dish, low fat zucchini recipe