Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Recipe

July 2, 2025

This Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a quick and tasty veggie dish! With crispy edges and a cheesy topping, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

I love how simple it is to make—just slice, season, and bake! It’s the perfect side for dinner or a healthy snack. Plus, who doesn’t love cheesy veggies? 😋

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key here! If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works well too. Both give a nice texture and flavor.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavor. If you need a substitute, try Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Italian Seasoning: This blend adds great herb flavors. If you don’t have it, just mix dried oregano and basil together, or use whatever dried herbs you like, such as thyme or rosemary.

Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the zucchini crisp up nicely. You could use avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer. Just ensure it’s a good oil suitable for baking!

How Can I Get Perfectly Crispy Zucchini?

To get that lovely crispy texture on your baked zucchini, follow these tips:

  • Don’t skip drying the zucchini after washing! Excess moisture can make it soggy.
  • Slice the zucchini evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Make sure to arrange the zucchini in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
  • For extra crispiness, broil the zucchini for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Just watch closely to prevent burning!

By following these tips, you’ll have beautifully crispy, cheesy zucchini every time!

Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Recipe

Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchini
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil mix)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Time Needed

This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, giving you about 30-35 minutes total. A quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty vegetable side!

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). To make cleanup easy, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Cut and Prepare the Zucchini

Wash and dry the zucchini thoroughly. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise to create long spears or sticks. This helps them cook evenly and get nice and crisp!

3. Mix the Seasoning

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add so much flavor to the zucchini!

4. Coat the Zucchini

Add the zucchini spears to the bowl and toss them well to coat each piece evenly with the seasoned oil. Make sure every spear gets that delicious flavor!

5. Arrange and Sprinkle

Now, arrange the zucchini spears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each zucchini spear for that perfect cheesy topping.

6. Bake

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You want the zucchini to be tender, and the Parmesan should be golden and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on them as ovens can vary!

7. Garnish and Serve

Once they’re baked to perfection, carefully remove them from the oven. If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve the zucchini warm as a delightful side dish or enjoy as a healthy snack!

Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini!

Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Recipe

FAQ: Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini

Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?

Absolutely! While Parmesan gives a wonderful flavor, you can substitute it with mozzarella for a gooey texture or cheddar for a sharper taste. Just keep in mind that baking times might slightly vary depending on the cheese used.

Can I Make These Zucchini Bites Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep the zucchini and coat them with the seasoning mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply bake them as directed; you may need to add a couple of extra minutes if they’re cold from the fridge.

How to Store Leftover Baked Zucchini?

Store any leftover baked zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore some crispiness, or microwave briefly if you’re in a hurry.

Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?

While fresh zucchini works best for this recipe, you can use frozen zucchini. Be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before coating and baking to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to soggy zucchini!

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