Baked Parmesan Zucchini

These Baked Parmesan Zucchini sticks are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with cheesy flavor. They’re an easy, healthy side dish or snack that the whole family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, golden exterior with tender zucchini inside
• Flavorful Parmesan and garlic coating
• Quick to prepare and bake
• Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack
• Low in calories but high in flavor

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 medium zucchini, cut into sticks or rounds
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prep the Zucchini
   • Preheat your oven to 200 °C (400 °F).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Pat the zucchini sticks dry to help the coating stick.
2. Prepare the Coating
   • In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Drizzle zucchini with olive oil, then toss to coat evenly.
   • Press zucchini sticks into the Parmesan mixture so they are well coated.
3. Bake the Zucchini
   • Arrange zucchini on the baking sheet in a single layer.
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
   • Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.
4. Serve
   • Serve hot with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip.
   • Enjoy as a side dish, appetizer, or healthy snack.

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You Must Know

• Patting zucchini dry is key to getting a crispy coating.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan — give each piece space to bake evenly.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Serve immediately for the best texture.

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Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Re-crisp in the oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 5–7 minutes.
• Do not freeze — zucchini becomes watery when thawed.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Zucchini: Yellow squash can be used as a substitute.
• Breadcrumbs: Gluten-free or crushed cornflakes work as well.
• Cheese: Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
• Herbs: Add thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a flavor twist.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
• Pair with sandwiches, burgers, or wraps.
• Add a dipping sauce like garlic aioli, marinara, or ranch.

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Pro Tips

• Press the Parmesan mixture onto the zucchini to ensure it sticks during baking.
• Flip halfway for even browning and crispiness.
• Broil at the end for a golden crust, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I bake frozen zucchini?
It’s better to use fresh zucchini; frozen zucchini releases too much water and won’t crisp well.

→ Can I make them ahead of time?
You can prep the zucchini and coating, then bake fresh before serving.

→ Can I make them spicy?
Yes, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the coating for a kick.

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✨ These Baked Parmesan Zucchini sticks are crispy, cheesy, and addictive — a healthy yet indulgent side dish or snack that everyone will love.

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