Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Recipe
This Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe offers a healthy and delicious way to enjoy fresh zucchini with a golden, cheesy crust. Perfect as a snack or a side dish, these zucchini sticks are seasoned with garlic powder and baked to perfection with Parmesan cheese for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 fresh, firm zucchini, quartered lengthwise
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking your zucchini.
- Prepare Zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly and cut each one into four long sticks lengthwise, creating uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Dry Zucchini: Pat the zucchini sticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Toss with Seasonings: Place the zucchini sticks in a bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the zucchini sticks out in a single layer, cut-side up to help hold the cheese crust.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each zucchini stick, ensuring full coverage for a delicious crust.
- Bake Zucchini: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese turns golden and the zucchini is tender but not soggy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the baked zucchini cool slightly to allow the cheese crust to set before serving, ensuring a perfect crispy bite.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the zucchini for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture; pre-grated varieties may not melt as well.
- These zucchini sticks can be served with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: baked zucchini, Parmesan zucchini, crispy zucchini sticks, healthy zucchini recipe, vegetarian side dish
