Baked Zucchini Spears

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Elevate your dinner table with these delicious Baked Zucchini Spears! Bursting with flavor from garlic, oregano, and parmesan cheese, these tender yet crispy zucchini spears are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a tasty snack, these baked zucchini spears are sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium-sized zucchini
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly, then cut each into quarters lengthwise to create 8 zucchini spears.
  3. Season the Zucchini: Rub the minced garlic and olive oil over each zucchini spear, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the zucchini spears with oregano, salt, pepper, and freshly grated parmesan cheese, distributing the toppings evenly.
  5. Bake and Broil: Bake the zucchini in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until tender. Then, switch to broil and broil for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve: Remove the zucchini spears from the oven and serve them warm as a delightful side dish or snack.

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 6 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 19 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve these Baked Zucchini Spears as a delicious side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete and balanced meal.
  • They also make a great appetizer or snack option when paired with a creamy dip such as tzatziki or hummus.

Storage Instructions:

  • Store any leftover zucchini spears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  • To maintain their crispiness, store the zucchini spears separately from any sauces or dips, if possible.

Reheating Tips:

  • Reheat the zucchini spears in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
  • Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil until heated and crispy again.

Presentation Ideas:

  • Garnish the baked zucchini spears with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or basil before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
  • Serve them on a platter lined with lemon wedges for squeezing over the zucchini, adding a bright and citrusy flavor.

Customization Options:

  • Experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of the zucchini spears. Try adding smoked paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for a unique twist.
  • For a cheesy variation, sprinkle additional grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the zucchini spears during the last few minutes of baking.

Enjoying Leftovers:

  • Use leftover zucchini spears as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a quick and easy meal.
  • Incorporate them into pasta dishes or frittatas for added flavor and nutrition.

Make-Ahead Tips:

  • You can prepare the zucchini spears up to the point of seasoning and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This allows for easy assembly and baking when you’re ready to serve.
  • Alternatively, you can fully bake the zucchini spears ahead of time and reheat them just before serving for a convenient option.

Variations:

  1. Mediterranean Twist: Top the zucchini spears with diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese before baking for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
  2. Spicy Kick: Sprinkle the zucchini spears with red pepper flakes or chili powder before baking to add a spicy kick to the dish.
  3. Herb Infusion: Mix chopped fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and thyme with olive oil and drizzle over the zucchini spears before baking for a burst of freshness.
  4. Garlic Lover’s Delight: Increase the amount of minced garlic or add garlic powder to the seasoning mixture for an extra garlic flavor boost.
  5. Citrus Zing: Before baking, squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the zucchini spears and sprinkle with lemon or lime zest for a bright citrus flavor.
  6. Pesto Perfection: Spread a thin layer of pesto sauce over the zucchini spears before baking, then top with grated parmesan cheese for a flavorful twist.
  7. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the baked zucchini spears just before serving for a tangy and sweet finish.
  8. Cheesy Delight: Mix shredded mozzarella cheese with the parmesan cheese before sprinkling over the zucchini spears for an extra cheesy topping.
  9. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts over the zucchini spears before baking for added texture and flavor.
  10. Asian Fusion: Toss the zucchini spears with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds before baking for an Asian-inspired twist on this classic dish.
  11. Crunchy Coating: Dip the seasoned zucchini spears in beaten egg and then coat them in a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese before baking for a crispy exterior.
  12. Sweet and Savory: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the zucchini spears before baking for a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.
  13. Stuffed Zucchini: Hollow out the centers of the zucchini spears and fill them with a mixture of cooked quinoa, diced vegetables, and cheese before baking for a hearty and satisfying dish.
  14. Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap each zucchini spear with a strip of bacon before baking for a savory and indulgent twist on this classic dish.
  15. Italian-Inspired: Toss the zucchini spears with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated parmesan cheese before baking, then serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use other types of squash for this recipe? Yes, you can use yellow squash or pattypan squash as a substitute for zucchini in this recipe.
  2. Do I need to peel the zucchini before baking? No, there’s no need to peel the zucchini. The skin adds texture and nutrients to the dish.
  3. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, you can use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. Use about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
  4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.
  5. Can I grill the zucchini spears instead of baking them? Absolutely! You can grill the zucchini spears over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred.
  6. Can I add other vegetables to the baking sheet? Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes to the baking sheet for a flavorful mix.
  7. How do I know when the zucchini spears are done baking? The zucchini spears should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese should be melted and golden brown.
  8. Can I make this recipe keto-friendly? Yes, you can omit the olive oil and use a keto-friendly seasoning blend to make the recipe keto-friendly.
  9. Are zucchini spears suitable for meal prep? Yes, you can prepare the zucchini spears ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
  10. Can I freeze baked zucchini spears? While it’s possible to freeze baked zucchini spears, they may become mushy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or store them in the refrigerator for leftovers.

These Baked Zucchini Spears are a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy tender zucchini infused with garlic, oregano, and parmesan cheese. Whether served alongside your favorite main dish or enjoyed on their own, these zucchini spears are sure to become a family favorite!