Baked Parmesan Zucchini

Crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and loaded with savory cheesy goodness, this Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a fast, flavorful way to enjoy your veggies. Perfect as a healthy side dish, light snack, or even a party appetizer, these roasted zucchini rounds are coated with herbs, olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. They’re oven-baked to perfection and ready in under 25 minutes!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Easy – Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and quick bake time.
Crispy & Cheesy – Parmesan adds a golden crunch without frying.
Naturally Low-Carb – Great for keto and gluten-free diets.
Kid-Approved – A great way to get picky eaters to eat their veggies.
Perfect for Any Meal – Serve as a side, appetizer, or light snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
• Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or foil
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice and Season the Zucchini

1. Wash and dry the zucchini.
2. Cut into even ¼-inch thick rounds for uniform cooking.
3. In a mixing bowl, toss the zucchini with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Coat with Parmesan

1. Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer on the baking sheet—don’t overlap them.
2. Sprinkle the tops of each slice generously with grated parmesan.
3. For extra crispiness, gently press the cheese into the surface of each slice.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

1. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the parmesan is golden brown and the zucchini is tender.
2. For a crispier top, broil on high for the last 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley, basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Serve warm as a snack, side dish, or appetizer.

Tips for Perfect Baked Zucchini
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Give slices space to roast and crisp up.
Use Fresh Parmesan – Freshly grated cheese melts and browns better than pre-shredded.
Cut Evenly – Consistent thickness ensures even cooking.
Eat Immediately – These are best served hot from the oven for peak crispiness.

Serving Suggestions
With Marinara – Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Next to Grilled Chicken – Complements any grilled protein beautifully.
As a Snack – Pair with hummus or garlic aioli for dipping.
Part of a Veggie Platter – Combine with roasted carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Note: These are best fresh, as they lose crispiness over time.

Reheating:
Oven or Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 6–8 minutes until warmed and slightly crisp.
Avoid Microwave: It will soften the texture too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

2. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely. Yellow squash works the same and adds nice color variety.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

4. Can I add breadcrumbs for extra crunch?
Yes, a mix of parmesan and panko breadcrumbs will make them extra crispy.

5. Can I prep the zucchini ahead of time?
You can slice and season the zucchini in advance, but bake just before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts
Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a deliciously simple way to turn basic ingredients into something crave-worthy. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of cheesy, herby flavor—these zucchini rounds are perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to party snacks.

Try them today and let me know what you think! Snap a pic of your creation and tag it—I’d love to see your version of this easy favorite.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 135 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 4g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 200mg

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