This crispy baked parmesan zucchini is a tasty and healthy side dish! Fresh zucchini slices are coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and rich parmesan cheese, then baked to perfection.
I love how simple it is to make, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults. Serve it alongside your favorite main dish, and watch it disappear! You might even want to make a double batch! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis work best for this recipe. If zucchinis are not available, consider using yellow squash for a similar texture and flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the cheese!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide a satisfying crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, but they might not achieve quite the same crispy texture. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a fun alternative.
How Do You Get Zucchini Extra Crispy?
The key to perfectly crispy baked zucchini is ensuring they are coated properly and baked at the right temperature. Here’s how to achieve that crunchy texture:
- Make sure to slice the zucchini evenly for uniform cooking. Thicker slices can take longer to bake and may be less crisp.
- Brushing the zucchini with olive oil helps the coating adhere and adds a nice crunch. Don’t skip this step!
- When coating, press the zucchini firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a good layer sticks.
- Keep them spread out on the baking sheet; overlapping can lead to soggy zucchini. A single layer is crucial!
- Finish with a short broil at the end to get that golden, crispy top, but stay close to the oven to prevent burning.
Now, go ahead and make your delicious, crispy baked parmesan zucchini! Enjoy the crunch and flavors!
How to Make Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium zucchinis
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking spray)
- 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 around 20 minutes to bake, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy side dish that delights everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent the zucchini from sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and dry them with a towel. Cut off the ends and slice each zucchini lengthwise into quarters. You can also slice them into thicker sticks if you prefer. Each piece should be about 3-4 inches long.
3. Mix the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4. Coat the Zucchini:
Lightly brush or drizzle the zucchini sticks with olive oil. This helps the coating stick and gives it that lovely crunch. Next, take each zucchini piece and press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring that each stick is evenly coated on all sides. Gently shake off any excess breadcrumbs.
5. Arrange for Baking:
Place the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overlapping, as this will help them get nice and crispy!
6. Bake the Zucchini:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15–20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the zucchini is tender and the coating turns golden brown and crispy.
7. Optional Broil:
If you want an extra crunchy texture, you can broil the zucchini for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your zucchini is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven, and sprinkle some extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top if you like. Serve immediately as a delightful side dish or appetizer.
Enjoy your crispy, golden parmesan zucchini! It’s sure to be a hit at your table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is recommended for its rich flavor, you can try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or even mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture. Just remember that the cooking time may vary slightly based on the cheese type.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be substituted, though the texture may be slightly less crispy. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers work well too!
How Can I Store Leftover Zucchini?
Store any leftover crispy baked zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-10 minutes to keep them crispy, or microwave them for a quick option, although they may become a bit softer.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the zucchini sticks ahead of time by coating them and placing them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are chilled.
Feel free to ask if you have any other questions or need additional tips! Enjoy your cooking!
