Baked Parmesan Zucchini

Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavor, this Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a simple and delicious way to turn fresh zucchini into an irresistible side dish or snack. These golden, oven-roasted rounds are coated in herbs and parmesan cheese, giving you all the satisfaction of a fried bite—without the oil or the mess. Perfect for weeknight dinners, party platters, or healthy snacking!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 25 minutes with just a few ingredients.
Crispy & Cheesy – Golden parmesan crust without frying.
Healthy Side Dish – Low in carbs, high in fiber, and packed with flavor.
Kid-Friendly – A sneaky and tasty way to eat more veggies.
Perfect for Any Meal – Serve it with pasta, grilled meats, or enjoy on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a little kick
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Tools You’ll Need
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or non-stick foil
Mixing bowl
Tongs or spatula
Sharp knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice the Zucchini

1. Wash and dry the zucchini.
2. Slice into ¼-inch thick rounds—try to keep them uniform for even baking.

Step 3: Season the Zucchini

1. In a mixing bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Make sure each slice is evenly coated.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan

1. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle grated parmesan generously over each slice.
3. For extra crispiness, press the cheese lightly into the surface of the zucchini.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the parmesan is golden brown and crispy.
2. For a crispier top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes—keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
3. Serve warm as a side dish, snack, or appetizer.

Tips for Crispy Baked Zucchini
Don’t Overcrowd – Space the slices out so they roast, not steam.
Use Fresh Parmesan – Grated straight from the block melts and browns better than pre-packaged.
Uniform Slices – Ensure even cooking and crispness by slicing zucchini evenly.
Eat Fresh – These are best served right out of the oven for the crispiest texture.

Serving Suggestions
With Marinara Sauce – Serve with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Next to Grilled Chicken – Pairs well with any grilled meat or seafood.
On a Salad – Add crunch and flavor to a fresh garden salad.
Part of a Veggie Platter – Combine with roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Oven or Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F until warmed through and crisped up again (5–8 minutes).
Microwave: Not recommended—it softens the zucchini and loses crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash works the same way and adds color variety.

2. Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes! Zucchini and parmesan are both low in carbs, making this dish keto-appropriate.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can omit the cheese or try a dairy-free parmesan alternative. Note: it may not crisp as well.

4. How can I make them extra crispy?
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, and be sure to press the cheese into the zucchini before baking.

5. Can I prep this in advance?
You can slice the zucchini and pre-mix the seasonings ahead of time, but bake them just before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts
This Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to make veggies exciting. With its crisp texture, cheesy topping, and minimal prep, it’s a go-to side that you’ll want to make again and again. Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or a vibrant veggie side dish—it’s sure to be a hit every time.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Share your version online and tag your creation—I’d love to see your take on this crispy classic.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 130 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 5g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 180mg

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