Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini: An Easy Weeknight Side Dish
Make tender zucchini with a crispy, golden cheese topping. This simple recipe is ready fast and works well as a healthy snack or side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crisp)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the zucchini and trim the ends. Slice the zucchini into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a medium bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil until lightly coated.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overlap them.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each zucchini slice. Press the topping down lightly.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the Parmesan topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately as a quick vegetable side dish or healthy snack.
Notes
- For the crispiest results, make sure the zucchini slices are not touching on the baking sheet.
- If you skip the panko breadcrumbs, this recipe remains naturally gluten-free.
- You can substitute zucchini spears for rounds if you prefer a different shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 15