Description
This Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe offers a crispy and flavorful way to enjoy zucchini as a healthy side dish or snack. Lightly coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then baked until golden and crunchy, these zucchini slices are a delicious low-fat alternative to fried zucchini fries.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis
Coating
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the zucchini slices.
- Prepare Zucchini: Wash the zucchinis under cold water thoroughly, then pat them dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
- Slice Zucchini: Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then slice each half into 1/4-inch thick half-moons for even cooking.
- Transfer to Bowl: Place all the sliced zucchini into a medium-sized mixing bowl, ready for coating.
- Whisk Egg: In a small separate bowl, crack the egg and whisk it until the yolk and white are fully combined.
- Coat Zucchini with Egg: Pour the whisked egg over the zucchini slices and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In another small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Stir the dry ingredients thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.
- Coat Zucchini Slices: Take each zucchini slice one by one, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing so the coating adheres well.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, keeping a small space between each for even crisping.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Evenly drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top of the arranged zucchini slices to promote browning and crispness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the zucchini slices are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked zucchini from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving to set the crisp texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- To make this dish vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg or other egg substitute and use vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with a dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch dressing for extra flavor.
- Ensure the zucchini slices are dry before coating to help the crust adhere better.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for extra crispiness by allowing air to circulate around the zucchini slices while baking.