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Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 127 reviews

This Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe offers a deliciously crunchy and flavorful way to enjoy fresh zucchini. Coated in a seasoned mixture of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and spices, these zucchini sticks or rounds are baked to golden perfection for a healthy, satisfying snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini

  • 2 medium fresh zucchinis, washed and sliced into ½ inch sticks or rounds

Breading Mixture

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chili flakes (optional for spicy kick)

Other Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Cooking spray or olive oil, for baking
  • Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano for garnish or mixed in breadcrumb coating

Optional Substitutes

  • Gluten-free panko or almond meal as breadcrumb substitute
  • Grated pecorino romano or asiago cheese as alternative to Parmesan
  • Flax egg substitute and nutritional yeast for vegan option

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and slice them evenly into sticks or rounds approximately half an inch thick. This thickness helps ensure even baking and ideal crispiness.
  2. Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one containing the beaten eggs, a second with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and optional spices, and a third empty plate to place the coated zucchini pieces.
  3. Coat the Zucchini: Dip each zucchini piece into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then press each piece carefully into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place the coated pieces on the empty plate.
  4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking spray or olive oil. Lay the coated zucchini pieces out in a single layer with space between them to prevent sticking and encourage even crisping.
  5. Bake to Crispy Perfection: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the zucchini pieces for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through baking to achieve even browning on both sides. Remove them when the crust is golden, crunchy, and cooked through.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond meal.
  • To make a vegan version, replace eggs with a flax egg substitute and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture or as garnish for extra flavor and freshness.
  • For a spicy twist, include cayenne pepper or red chili flakes in the breadcrumb coating.
  • Ensure even slicing of zucchini pieces for uniform cooking and optimal crispiness.
  • Flipping halfway through baking prevents sogginess and promotes golden crust on all sides.

Keywords: crispy baked zucchini, parmesan zucchini, healthy zucchini recipe, baked zucchini sticks, vegetarian appetizer, zucchini side dish

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/crispy-baked-parmesan-zucchini-recipe/