Oh, zucchini! Just the word alone takes me back to sun-soaked summer afternoons spent at my grandmother’s house. Surrounded by lush gardens, she would always invite me to help her with the harvest. We’d pluck the freshest zucchinis, and I remember the joyous laughter over our veggie haul—the day those green beauties became the stars on our dinner table. One of my favorite ways she revered those summer squashes was with her Parmesan Crusted Zucchini. The smell of toasty spices mingling with the fresh crunch of zucchini takes me back to those warm memories every time I make it. And let me tell you, every bite is a heartwarming embrace of nostalgia and flavor! This Parmesan Crusted Zucchini recipe is not only a celebration of summertime bounty but also a fabulous, easy dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-friendly, with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• Crispy, cheesy, and delightfully flavorful, it will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
• Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or as a main event with some tasty dips.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients that will transform your ordinary zucchini into a crunchy, cheesy delight:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano or thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• Olive oil spray (or 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Are you ready to dive into this delicious journey? Let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Trust me, you want it nice and hot to get that perfect crunch!
2. Prepare the Zucchini: Slice your zucchinis into rounds; aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness is perfect for that crispy texture while keeping the inside tender. Pro Tip: Don’t slice them too thick, or they might not cook through.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk your eggs until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic lies!
4. Dip and Coat: First, dip each zucchini round into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well-coated, then immediately transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it’s generously coated. Give it a little pat to help everything stick.
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, and arrange the coated zucchini rounds in a single layer. Leave a little space between each slice for maximum crunchiness.
6. Drizzle or Spray: Give your zucchini rounds a light spray with olive oil or drizzle with olive oil for added crispness. This is a game changer!
7. Bake Away: Pop your zucchini in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You’ll want to flip them halfway through for even cooking—don’t skip this step, or one side might be lonely!

Pro Tips & Variations

Feeling a little adventurous? Here are some fun ideas to customize your Parmesan Crusted Zucchini:

• Add Spice: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when mixing the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick!
• Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can take your dish to the next level. Just chop them finely and add them to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Cheesy Goodness: Feeling cheesy? Mix in a bit of shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese into your breadcrumb mixture for that melty, gooey goodness.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute the regular breadcrumbs with a gluten-free version or crushed nuts for a delightful crunch without the gluten.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your kitchen is smelling divine and those zucchini rounds are out of the oven, let’s talk about serving! I love to pile these crispy delights on a rustic wooden platter and serve them warm, drizzled with a little balsamic glaze for an elegant touch. Pair them with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and a slice of crusty bread to wipe up any leftover flavors. You could even serve them as a snack with marinara sauce or tzatziki for dipping—what a hit that would be!

Storage Tips

Let’s say you’ve made a big batch (which is totally understandable, trust me). Here’s how to keep that deliciousness intact:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, the longer they sit, the less crispy they’ll get.
• Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded zucchini rounds! Just lay them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just pop them in the oven and add a couple of minutes to your baking time.
• Reheat: To revive leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can; we want that crunch back!

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! This technique works wonders with eggplant, summer squash, or even bell peppers. Just remember, cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetable.

What should I do if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

No worries! You can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. Both will give a lovely flavor to your dish!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the zucchini rounds ahead of time and leave them in the fridge, breaded but uncooked, until you’re ready to bake. Just cover them tightly so they don’t dry out.

What can I serve as a dip with the zucchini?

Dijon mustard, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli would pair wonderfully with these crispy bites. Get creative!

Are these suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Kids love the crunchy texture and cheesy flavor. They can be a sneaky way to get some extra veggies into their diet!

Conclusion

There you have it! Parmesan Crusted Zucchini is not just a quick, easy dish; it’s a warm reminder of simpler times spent in the kitchen. I hope your kitchen fills with the delightful aroma of crispy zucchini, and more importantly, I hope that every bite brings a smile to your face. Whether shared with family or enjoyed solo with a cozy movie, this recipe is bound to become a favorite! I would love to hear how yours turns out, so don’t hesitate to drop a comment or share your own twists. Happy cooking, my friend!

Ultimate Parmesan Crusted Zucchini: Crispy, Delicious & Easy!

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Crispy Parmesan Zucchini bites are easy to make and delicious. Perfect for a healthy snack or side dish! Try this flavorful veggie recipe today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Salt and pepper to taste

2 large eggs

Olive oil spray (or 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Slice zucchinis into rounds, aiming for about 1/4 inch thick.

In one bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.

Dip each zucchini round into the egg mixture, then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's well-coated.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the coated zucchini rounds in a single layer.

Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Notes

A delightful Parmesan Crusted Zucchini recipe that combines crispy, cheesy flavors with the freshness of zucchini, making for a perfect dish any day of the week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 180 calories
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 10 grams

Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Zucchini, zucchini recipes, easy side dishes, vegetarian recipes