If you’re looking for a quick and nutritious snack or a delectable side dish, look no further than these Baked Parmesan Zucchini sticks. This recipe transforms crisp-tender zucchini into a flavorful treat with a Parmesan cheese coating that’s baked to perfection. It’s a great way to enjoy vegetables with minimal fuss!
Ingredients:
4 zucchini, quartered lengthwise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light greasing.
Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will create a flavorful coating for the zucchini.
Coat the Zucchini: Arrange the quartered zucchini on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and evenly sprinkle the Parmesan mixture over the top. Gently toss to ensure the zucchini is well coated.
Bake: Spread the zucchini out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the Parmesan coating is golden brown and crisp.
Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and, if desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Serving Tips:
Immediate Enjoyment: For the best taste and texture, serve the Baked Parmesan Zucchini immediately after baking. The coating will be at its crispiest and the zucchini will be perfectly tender.
Dipping Sauce: Pair these zucchini sticks with a dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or a light garlic aioli for an extra burst of flavor.
Side Dish: These zucchini sticks make a great side dish for a variety of main courses, including grilled meats, pasta dishes, or as a component of a vegetable platter.
Garnishing: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a bit of extra Parmesan cheese just before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Storage Tips:
Cooling: Allow the zucchini sticks to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To maintain the crispiness, reheat the zucchini sticks in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.
Freezing: If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze the baked zucchini sticks. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
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FAQs:
Can I use other types of cheese besides Parmesan?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a mix of cheeses for different flavors. However, Parmesan adds a unique tangy taste and crispiness that is hard to replicate.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the Parmesan cheese you use is labeled gluten-free, and you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
Can I prepare these zucchini sticks ahead of time?
You can prep the zucchini sticks ahead of time by coating them and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This can save time and make meal prep easier.
What can I serve with Baked Parmesan Zucchini sticks?
These zucchini sticks pair well with a variety of dishes, such as grilled meats, pasta, or as part of a vegetable platter. They can also be served with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for added flavor.
Conclusion:
Baked Parmesan Zucchini sticks offer a deliciously crispy and healthy snack or side dish that’s easy to make. With their flavorful Parmesan coating and tender zucchini, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy them fresh or store leftovers for a quick and convenient treat!
📖 Recipe:
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Baked Parmesan Zucchini
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Parmesan Zucchini sticks are a perfect healthy snack or side dish, offering a crispy and flavorful coating of Parmesan cheese and spices. Baked to golden perfection, this easy-to-make recipe turns fresh zucchini into a delicious and nutritious treat for any meal.
Ingredients
4 zucchini, quartered lengthwise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, thyme, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Zucchini: Place the quartered zucchini on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the Parmesan mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Bake: Arrange zucchini in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, until tender and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, ensure the Parmesan cheese is gluten-free and consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred.
To keep zucchini crispy, avoid reheating in the microwave; use an oven or toaster oven instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per serving
Keywords: Baked Parmesan Zucchini, healthy snack, vegetable side dish, crispy zucchini sticks, easy zucchini recipe
