Baked Parmesan Zucchini

For those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting but don’t want to sacrifice health or flavor, look no further. This Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with savory goodness, and packed with nutrients. Honestly, after a long day juggling work and family, this is my “go-to” to satisfy everyone! It’s simple, satisfying and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

My grandmother, Nonna Emilia, always had a way of coaxing the most incredible flavors out of simple garden vegetables. I remember summers spent in her sun-drenched kitchen, the aroma of herbs and roasting vegetables filling the air. While she made a lot of incredible meals, she wasn’t so creative when it came to eating vegetables. This Baked Parmesan Zucchini reminds me of those happy memories, the simple flavors bringing me back to her warm, loving embrace. It’s a dish that bridges generations, a little taste of Nonna Emilia’s garden in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian seasoned)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss zucchini slices with olive oil.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each zucchini slice into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides.
5. Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and the Parmesan topping is golden brown.
7. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips for Best Results

For the absolute best Baked Parmesan Zucchini, start with fresh, firm zucchini. Avoid zucchini that feels soft or mushy to the touch; these will release too much moisture during cooking and lead to soggy results. Make sure to slice the zucchini into even rounds to ensure uniform cooking. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Giving the zucchini some room allows it to roast properly, creating a crispy exterior and tender inside. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture. Finally, freshly grated Parmesan cheese really makes a difference in terms of both flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose and other additives that can prevent it from melting and browning properly.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Parmesan Zucchini is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect side dish for a wide variety of meals. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete and healthy dinner. It also pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, adding a burst of fresh flavor and texture. For a vegetarian option, try serving it with a hearty grain bowl or as a topping for a homemade pizza. If you’re looking to elevate the dish even further, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dollop of pesto before serving. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as a midday snack or added to salads for a flavorful boost. No matter how you choose to serve it, Baked Parmesan Zucchini is sure to be a hit!

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side dish or a healthy way to satisfy your cravings, this Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe ticks all the boxes. Easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and packed with nutrients, it’s a guaranteed winner. It can be customized to fit your unique personal tastes, for instance you can add more garlic powder, herbs to the recipe. From family dinners to summer barbecues, it is suited for all occasions. So the next time you are looking for a vegetable dish that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, I urge you to add this recipe to your regular rotation.

Baked Parmesan Zucchini

This easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe is a comforting, flavorful, and healthy side dish perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium zucchini sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated is best!
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs panko or Italian seasoned
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• Large Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss zucchini slices with olive oil.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each zucchini slice into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides.
5. Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and the Parmesan topping is golden brown.
7. Serve immediately.

Notes

Start with fresh, firm zucchini. Avoid zucchini that feels soft or mushy. Slice the zucchini into even rounds. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese really makes a difference. Consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dollop of pesto before serving. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as a midday snack or added to salads.

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