This Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a fun and tasty way to enjoy veggies! Coated in Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, they come out golden and crunchy in the oven.
You’ll love how simple it is to make—just slice, dip, and bake! Plus, it makes a great snack or side dish. I definitely munch on these straight off the tray! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Medium zucchinis are just right for this recipe, but you can also use yellow squash if you want a different color. If you can’t find fresh zucchinis, frozen ones could work too—just make sure to thaw and drain them well!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a fantastic flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can bring that cheesy taste without the dairy. However, the texture won’t be quite the same.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add flavor, but you can use plain breadcrumbs or crushed crackers in a pinch. Panko breadcrumbs give an extra crunch, which I really love!
Herbs and Spices: The garlic powder, oregano, and basil work great together. For more freshness, feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them—just increase the amount slightly.
How Do You Get Zucchini Crispy in the Oven?
Achieving crispy zucchini takes a few key steps. Start by cutting the zucchinis into similar sizes for even cooking. Here’s how you can nail the crispiness:
- Preheat your oven to a high temperature (425°F/220°C) to help create a crispy exterior.
- Coating the zucchini sticks well with the egg and breadcrumb mixture is essential. Make sure every bit of zucchini has a layer.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Spread the zucchini sticks out so they have space to get crisp. Use two sheets if needed.
- Finally, a light spray of oil helps achieve that golden, crunchy finish. Don’t skip this step!
With these tips, your baked Parmesan zucchini will come out perfectly crispy every time!
Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (can substitute with panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of baking. So in total, you’ll be enjoying your crispy baked Parmesan zucchini in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve that perfect crispiness on your zucchini. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash and dry the zucchinis thoroughly. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then slice each half into 3-4 long sticks, similar in size to thick French fries. This ensures they cook evenly!
3. Set Up the Dipping Stations:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined—this will be your egg wash. In another shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. This mix adds a ton of flavor!
4. Coat the Zucchini:
Now it’s time to coat your zucchini! Dip each stick first into the egg wash, letting any excess egg drip off. Next, roll it in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Place the coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Crisp Them Up:
Once all your zucchini sticks are on the baking sheet, lightly spray them with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help them become golden and crunchy as they bake.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when the zucchini is tender, and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The aroma will definitely get your mouth watering!
7. Cool and Serve:
Remove the baked zucchini from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you like, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Serve warm, and enjoy as a tasty snack or a healthy side dish!
Feel free to pair these crispy delights with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch dressing. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Vegetables for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While zucchini is fantastic, you can also use other veggies like eggplant, summer squash, or even thinly sliced bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the vegetable.
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Parmesan Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make These Zucchini Sticks Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can coat the zucchini sticks in the breadcrumb mixture and place them on the baking sheet ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking if they were refrigerated.
What Can I Serve With Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of dips such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a tangy yogurt sauce. You can also serve these zucchini sticks alongside grilled meats or in a salad for added crunch!
