When it comes to quick, healthy snacks or side dishes, zucchini is one of the most versatile vegetables you can use. With its mild flavor and ability to soak up any seasoning or cheese you pair it with, zucchini can be transformed into just about anything.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy zucchini is by baking it with a crispy Parmesan coating. The result is a light, savory, and satisfying dish that works perfectly as a snack, side dish, or even as a topping for pasta!
In this post, we’ll walk you through a simple recipe for Baked Parmesan Zucchini, share some tips on how to get the perfect crispy texture, and even suggest ways to elevate this dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is quick to prepare and will have your taste buds singing.
Why You’ll Love Baked Parmesan Zucchini
There’s so much to love about this dish! Here are just a few reasons why Baked Parmesan Zucchini is sure to become one of your new favorites:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy side dish in a hurry.
- Low Carb: Zucchini is naturally low in carbohydrates, making this dish a great choice if you’re looking for a low-carb snack or side dish.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of crispy Parmesan cheese and the natural mild sweetness of zucchini creates a delightful contrast.
- Healthy: This dish is baked, not fried, so it’s a much healthier option compared to many other cheesy vegetable dishes.
- Versatile: You can serve it as a snack, a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or even top your favorite pasta for extra flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Baked Parmesan Zucchini, you only need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium zucchinis: Choose firm, fresh zucchinis that are free from blemishes.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for a richer flavor, but pre-grated works fine too.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely in the oven.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a touch of savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a depth of flavor to the zucchini.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a burst of color.
How to Make Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Making Baked Parmesan Zucchini is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help crisp up the Parmesan and breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy coating.
- Slice the zucchinis into rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. You can also slice them lengthwise into strips if you prefer.
- Pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help the Parmesan crust stick better.
Step 2: Make the Parmesan Coating
- In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Pour the olive oil into a separate shallow bowl. This will be used to coat the zucchini slices before they are dipped into the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 3: Coat the Zucchini Slices
- Dip each zucchini slice into the olive oil, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Then, dip the oiled zucchini into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
Step 4: Bake the Zucchini
- Arrange the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure the slices aren’t overlapping so they can cook evenly.
- Bake the zucchini for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork.
- If you like your zucchini extra crispy, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the zucchini from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve hot as a side dish, snack, or over a bed of pasta.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Parmesan Zucchini
While the recipe is simple, there are a few tips and tricks to make sure your Baked Parmesan Zucchini turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh rather than using pre-grated cheese. It will melt better and give a richer, more satisfying flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Zucchini: Lay the zucchini slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, with no overlapping. This ensures they cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Feel free to add other seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture, like dried oregano, basil, or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Try Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, giving the zucchini a much crunchier texture. However, if you don’t have them, regular breadcrumbs will work fine.
- Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-free, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds for a similar texture.
Variations to Try
While Baked Parmesan Zucchini is delicious on its own, you can always mix things up with these fun variations:
- Add a Lemon Zest: For a refreshing twist, sprinkle some lemon zest over the zucchini before baking. The citrus flavor pairs wonderfully with the savory Parmesan.
- Cheesy Zucchini Bites: Top each zucchini slice with a small piece of mozzarella cheese before baking. It will melt into the Parmesan crust for an extra gooey bite.
- Add a Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Zucchini Fries: Slice the zucchini into thin strips instead of rounds, and bake them as “fries” for a fun, finger-food version of this dish.
Health Benefits of Zucchini
Not only is Baked Parmesan Zucchini delicious, but it’s also packed with health benefits. Here are some reasons why zucchini makes a great addition to your diet:
- Low in Calories: Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable, making it an excellent choice for those who are watching their calorie intake.
- High in Antioxidants: Zucchini is a great source of antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help protect your cells from damage and promote skin health.
- Rich in Fiber: The high fiber content in zucchini supports digestive health, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Versatile for Different Diets: Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, zucchini is a flexible option that can fit into various meal plans.
Final Thoughts
Baked Parmesan Zucchini is the perfect dish to add to your recipe rotation. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and packed with flavor, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or as a delicious snack. Whether you serve it as a side dish, snack, or part of a bigger meal, this dish is sure to impress.
Plus, with its endless variations, you can customize it to suit your tastes. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of baked zucchini!
