Craving a delicious and healthy veggie side dish that comes together in a flash? This Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe is your new best friend! It’s incredibly quick to prepare, using just a few simple ingredients. Get ready for tender zucchini rounds topped with a golden, cheesy crust that everyone will adore. This satisfying side is perfect for busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll quickly fall for this simple Baked Parmesan Zucchini!
- It calls for minimal ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Prep and cook time are super quick, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- This dish serves as a perfect, easy side for almost any meal.
- The irresistible cheesy, crispy topping will become your favorite part.
- It’s a fantastic, flavorful way to enjoy fresh zucchini.
Ingredients
Making this delightful Baked Parmesan Zucchini requires only a handful of fresh items. Gather these to get started:
- 2 medium zucchini sliced into 1/4 to 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan pre-shredded is also fine
Notes & Substitutions
- Zucchini: Always choose firm, fresh zucchini. Look for ones without blemishes.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor.
- Parmesan: Grate your parmesan fresh for the absolute best melt and texture. Pre-shredded works too, but fresh is superior.
- Seasoning: Feel free to elevate the flavor. A pinch of garlic powder or a dash of dried Italian herbs would be wonderful.
- Other Cheeses: Get adventurous! Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are excellent hard cheese alternatives for a similar savory kick.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets to create this wonderful side. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A large baking sheet
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A mixing bowl (optional, for tossing)
- Aluminum foil (for easy cleanup)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking this fantastic Baked Parmesan Zucchini! Follow these easy steps for a delicious result:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a broil-safe baking sheet with foil. This optional step makes for super easy cleanup later!
- Place your zucchini slices on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil. Toss the slices gently until each piece is well-coated. Spread the zucchini out into a single, even layer on the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
- Top each individual zucchini slice with a spoonful of parmesan cheese. Ensure every piece gets a good layer of cheese.
- Bake on the center oven rack for about 10 minutes. The zucchini should be just fork-tender. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
- Once tender, set your oven’s broiler to high. Broil the zucchini for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully during this stage, as the cheese can brown very quickly. You want it bubbly and beautifully golden brown.
- Remove from the oven immediately. Serve and enjoy your perfectly cooked cheesy zucchini!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Slicing Zucchini: Cut your zucchini into even rounds, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Uniform slices cook more consistently.
- Preventing Mushy Zucchini: Avoid overcrowding the pan. Zucchini releases moisture, and overcrowding causes it to steam instead of roast, leading to mushiness. Use two pans if needed.
- Achieving Crispiness: The broiler is your secret weapon for a golden, crispy cheese topping. Don’t skip this crucial step!
- Watch the Broiler: Cheese browns incredibly quickly under the broiler. Stay by the oven and check every 30 seconds to prevent burning.
- Dealing with Excess Moisture: If your zucchini seems very watery, gently pat the slices dry with paper towels before tossing with olive oil. This helps them crisp up better.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives right after baking.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Baked Parmesan Zucchini complements many meals and is easy to customize.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a balanced meal.
- Pair it with your favorite pasta dish for a lighter veggie option.
- Enjoy it with a hearty tomato soup or next to a simple sandwich.
- Offer it as a dippable snack with a side of warm marinara sauce.
- Storage:
- Store any leftover Baked Parmesan Zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- The cheese topping might lose some crispness upon storage.
- Reheating:
- For the best results, reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese crisps up again. A microwave will warm it but won’t restore crispness.
- Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning for a subtle kick.
- Herby: Sprinkle dried Italian seasoning or a mix of oregano and basil onto the zucchini.
- Garlic: Dust with garlic powder before baking for an aromatic touch.
- Cheese: Experiment with other hard, salty cheeses like Asiago or Gruyere.
- Add-ins: For a fun twist, top each zucchini slice with a mini pepperoni before baking.
Nutrition
This Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a nutritious addition to any meal. Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including Vitamin C and potassium. For more information on the health benefits, Healthline provides a comprehensive overview of zucchini’s nutritional value. Parmesan cheese adds a good source of calcium and protein. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish without guilt!
| Nutrition Fact | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 106 kcal |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
FAQ
- What kind of zucchini is best for this Baked Parmesan Zucchini? Choose medium, firm zucchini. Smaller ones are often more tender and less watery than very large ones.
- Can I use frozen zucchini? It is not recommended. Frozen zucchini releases too much water when thawed, resulting in a soggy dish.
- How thick should I slice the zucchini? Aim for 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick rounds. This thickness ensures they become tender but still hold their shape.
- Can I make this in an air fryer? Yes, you can! Arrange slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- How do I know when it’s done? The zucchini should be fork-tender, and the parmesan cheese topping should be bubbly and golden brown.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Can I prepare this recipe in advance? It’s best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for optimal texture. You can slice the zucchini a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge.
Conclusion
There you have it: a wonderfully simple yet incredibly delicious Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. This dish perfectly embodies our mission of making baking simple for everyone. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and offers a satisfying cheesy crunch. We truly hope you give this easy recipe a try tonight! Don’t forget to share your comments and photos; we love seeing your creations!
Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Foil
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini sliced into 1/4 to 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan pre-shredded is also fine
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 450°F and line a broil-safe baking sheet, optionally with foil, for easier cleanup.
- Arrange zucchini slices on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, toss to coat, and spread into a single layer.
- Sprinkle the zucchini generously with salt and pepper, then top each slice with parmesan cheese.
Baking & Broiling
- Bake on the center rack for approximately 10 minutes, until the zucchini is fork-tender.
- Switch to high broiler and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the parmesan cheese is bubbly and nicely browned.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your baked parmesan zucchini!