Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this baked parmesan zucchini! It’s one of those side dishes that’s so simple yet so delicious, you’ll want to make it over and over again. I remember the first time I tried it; I was looking for a way to use up all the zucchinis from my garden. The combination of tender zucchini and crispy, cheesy goodness had me hooked instantly! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing. Trust me, this dish will elevate any meal and make your taste buds dance with joy!
Ingredients List
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Prepare Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Getting this baked parmesan zucchini ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is! Let’s break it down step by step so you can enjoy that cheesy, savory goodness in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your zucchini cooks evenly and gets that golden, crispy finish. While your oven is heating up, you can prep everything else!
Mix Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. The olive oil will help the seasonings cling to the zucchini, making every bite flavorful!
Coat the Zucchini
Now, it’s time to add those sliced zucchinis to the bowl. Toss them around in that delicious mixture until every slice is coated nicely. I love to get my hands in there and really make sure all the zucchini is covered. It makes a huge difference in flavor!
Prepare the Baking Sheet
Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup and prevents sticking. Spread the zucchini slices out in a single layer on the baking sheet, giving them a little space to breathe. Crowding them can lead to steaming instead of roasting, and we definitely want that crispy texture!
Add Parmesan Cheese
Now for the best part—sprinkle 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese evenly over the zucchini. Make sure to cover them well, but don’t go overboard; we want to achieve that perfect cheesy crust without overwhelming the zucchini. If you like a little extra crunch, you can use a mix of freshly grated cheese and pre-grated for texture!
Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and let those beauties bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is golden brown and the zucchini is tender but still has a little bite to it. It’s all about that perfect balance! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for just a minute before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep: You can whip this up in just 10 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute side dish!
- Healthy ingredients: With zucchini and minimal oil, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a cheesy treat.
- Vegetarian-friendly: This dish fits right into any vegetarian meal plan without compromising on flavor.
- Delicious flavor: The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan creates an irresistible taste that even veggie skeptics will love!
- Versatile: Pair it with any main dish, from grilled chicken to pasta, and watch it steal the show!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this baked parmesan zucchini. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re munching on!
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients to keep you feeling good! Enjoy your healthy side dish guilt-free!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, if you happen to have any leftovers of this baked parmesan zucchini (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact. Simply place the cooled zucchini in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days—if they last that long!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, here’s the best way to reheat: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lay the zucchini on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and that cheesy goodness is back to its crispy glory. Trust me, this method keeps them tasting just as amazing as when they were first baked! You can also toss them in the microwave for a quick fix, but they won’t be quite as crispy. So, if you have the time, go for the oven method!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to make your baked parmesan zucchini absolutely perfect every time you whip it up!
- For Extra Crunch: If you want that extra crispy texture, sprinkle a bit of panko breadcrumbs over the parmesan cheese before baking. It’ll add a delightful crunch that takes this dish to a whole new level!
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t hesitate to mix in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley with the olive oil and seasonings. They’ll infuse a wonderful aroma and flavor that really brightens up the dish!
- Even Slices: Make sure your zucchini slices are even in thickness—about ¼ inch works well. This way, they’ll cook evenly, and you won’t end up with some pieces mushy while others are still crunchy.
- Broil for a Finish: If you’re after that golden-brown cheese crust, turn on the broiler for the last couple of minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to burnt in a flash!
- Experiment with Cheese: While parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up! Try adding a bit of mozzarella for that gooey texture or even some sharp cheddar for a different flavor kick!
With these tips, you’ll be a baked parmesan zucchini pro in no time! Enjoy the process and have fun with it—there’s no wrong way to make this delicious dish!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of cheese instead of parmesan?
Absolutely! While parmesan gives a wonderful flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the zucchini and coat them with the seasoning mix a few hours in advance, but I recommend baking them just before serving. This way, you’ll get that perfect crispy texture that makes baked parmesan zucchini so irresistible!
What can I serve with baked parmesan zucchini?
This dish is super versatile! It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish, and can also be a fantastic side for pasta dishes. Honestly, it can elevate any meal, so get creative!
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
While fresh zucchini is ideal for achieving that crispiness, you can use frozen zucchini if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before coating and baking.
How do I know when my zucchini is done baking?
You’ll want to look for that lovely golden brown color on the cheese and a tender texture on the zucchini. It should be fork-tender but still have a little bite left. If the cheese is bubbly and golden, you’re in the sweet spot!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Baked Parmesan Zucchini: 5 Steps to Irresistible Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious baked parmesan zucchini recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the zucchini slices and toss to coat.
- Place the zucchini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the zucchini.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and the zucchini is tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crunch, broil for the last 2 minutes.
- Use fresh herbs for more flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: baked parmesan zucchini, zucchini recipes, healthy side dish