Baked Parmesan Zucchini

Looking for a light, crispy, and healthy side dish that satisfies your snack cravings too? These Baked Parmesan Zucchini sticks are just the answer! With a golden, cheesy crust and tender zucchini inside, they’re packed with flavor and take just minutes to prep. Perfect for dipping, snacking, or serving alongside your favorite meal, this simple veggie dish will quickly become a household favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Cheesy – The perfect crunchy coating of Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
• Low-Carb Friendly – A wholesome side dish that’s great for lighter meals.
• Easy to Prepare – Minimal ingredients, no frying required.
• Kid-Approved – A fun way to get everyone to eat more veggies.
• Customizable – Add herbs or spices to match your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Zucchini Sticks:

• 3 medium zucchinis
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Parmesan Coating:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional for garnish)
• Cooking spray (for baking sheet)

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup marinara sauce
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs or a spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
3. Wash and trim the ends off the zucchinis.
4. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters to make long sticks (or into rounds, if you prefer).

Step 3: Season the Zucchini
5. Place the zucchini sticks in a large bowl.
6. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until evenly coated.

Step 4: Coat with Parmesan Mixture
7. In a separate bowl, mix the grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs.
8. Dip each zucchini stick into the mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake
9. Place the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
11. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
12. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley if using.
13. Serve hot with a side of warm marinara sauce or your favorite dip.

Tips for the Crispiest Baked Zucchini

• Use Panko – Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crunchier texture than regular ones.
• Don’t Skip the Oil – Even a little bit helps the coating crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Avoid Overcrowding – Give each piece space to allow air to circulate and crisp all sides.
• Flip Midway – Turning halfway through baking ensures even browning.
• Serve Immediately – These are best when fresh and hot from the oven.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Side Dish – Great with grilled chicken, burgers, or baked fish.
• Party Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks and a couple of dips for a crowd-pleasing platter.
• Light Lunch – Pair with a fresh salad or wrap for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
• Game Day Snack – Serve alongside nachos, sliders, or wings for a healthier touch.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
• Microwave: Use only if you don’t mind a softer texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes! Yellow squash works just as well in this recipe.

2. What can I use instead of panko?
Regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or almond flour all work well for different textures.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

4. Is fresh Parmesan necessary?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns better, but pre-grated works too.

5. Can I freeze them?
Zucchini has a high water content, so freezing may result in soggy texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Parmesan Zucchini sticks are the kind of snack or side dish you’ll want to make again and again. With their irresistible crispy coating, cheesy flavor, and wholesome veggie base, they’re a healthier alternative to fries that don’t sacrifice taste. Whether you’re trying to eat more vegetables or just looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe, this one delivers big on both flavor and crunch.

Give them a try and let me know what dip you paired them with! Share your creations online and tag us so we can see your delicious results.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 290mg

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