Name: Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch rounds; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Optional: chopped parsley or lemon zest for garnish

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Looking for the ultimate healthy side dish that tastes good? Look no further! These Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini rounds are crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Perfect for satisfying savory cravings or adding a veggie boost to your diet, they are quick to make with just a few ingredients and are ready in under 30 minutes.

Unlike classic heavy fried options, this recipe uses minimal oil and delivers golden-brown perfection straight from the oven. It’s a high-flavor, guilt-free recipe that fits perfectly into any clean eating or fitness-focused routine. Add it to your weekly meal prep and you won’t regret it!

Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zucchini is a versatile and healthy vegetable that, when paired with freshly grated Parmesan and roasted in the oven, becomes a delicious snack or side dish. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. With a crisp, cheesy crust and tender inside, these baked Parmesan zucchini rounds make a satisfying and guilt-free treat that’s perfect for any meal or occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: chopped parsley or lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Rinse the zucchinis and slice them into even ¼-inch thick rounds. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step helps the Parmesan adhere and ensures a crispy texture.

2. Season and Toss:

In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the zucchini slices with olive oil, and then sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss well until the zucchini is evenly coated.
Add most of the grated Parmesan cheese (saving about 2-3 tablespoons for later) and toss again so the cheese sticks to the oiled surfaces.

3. Arrange on Baking Sheet:

Lay the seasoned zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping to ensure even roasting.
Sprinkle the reserved Parmesan cheese over the top of the zucchini slices. This extra layer will melt and crisp up beautifully, giving the dish a golden, crunchy finish.

4. Bake to Crispy Perfection:

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, flipping the zucchini slices halfway through. They are done when the cheese turns golden brown and the edges of the zucchini start to curl up.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Remove the zucchini from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute or two. Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serve immediately while the zucchini is hot and crispy.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Notes

Cauliflower Size: Cut the zucchini into similar-sized rounds to ensure even cooking.
Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference. For a milder version, mix the buffalo sauce with additional butter.
Crispiness: For extra crispy zucchini, you can bake them a few extra minutes or mix in a spoonful of breadcrumbs with your cheese.

Storage:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, but Parmesan gives the best crispiness and flavor.

2. Can I use frozen zucchini?

Fresh zucchini works best for this recipe as frozen zucchini tends to release more water and may not achieve the same crispy texture.

3. Can I make these zucchini rounds ahead of time?

You can slice and season the zucchini ahead of time, but it’s best to bake them fresh for the best crispy texture. You can also store the uncooked zucchini in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.

4. How can I make these zucchini rounds spicier?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for an extra kick, or drizzle with hot sauce after baking.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses just Parmesan cheese and no breadcrumbs. If you want to make it more substantial, you can add gluten-free breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

6. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast as a substitute for the cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

7. How do I ensure the zucchini gets crispy?

Make sure to dry the zucchini well before seasoning and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this allows the zucchini to crisp up evenly.

8. Can I serve these zucchini rounds as a snack?

Absolutely! These zucchini rounds are perfect as a snack on their own or served with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara.

9. How can I make these zucchini rounds lower in fat?

To reduce the fat content, you can use less olive oil and replace the Parmesan cheese with a lower-fat cheese or nutritional yeast.

10. Can I make these zucchini rounds in an air fryer?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the zucchini for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They will turn out crispy and golden in no time.

Conclusion

These Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini rounds are a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’ll be sure to satisfy your savory cravings without any guilt. Easy to make, healthy, and full of flavor, these zucchini rounds will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal prep! Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness in every bite.