Super Easy Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

Looking for a healthy and scrumptious side dish or snack? This Super Easy Parmesan Crusted Zucchini recipe is perfect for you! With tender-crisp zucchini covered in a golden, cheesy crust, it’s sure to become a favorite. Ideal for a quick weeknight side or as a party appetizer, this recipe combines simplicity with great taste.

Ingredients:

• 3 zucchinis
• 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the Broiler
   Set the broiler on high with the oven shelf positioned around 10 inches from the heat source. This ensures the zucchini will cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.
2. Prepare the Zucchini
   Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then slice each half into three pieces lengthwise. You should have six pieces from each zucchini.
3. Season the Zucchini
   Arrange the zucchini pieces on a baking tray. Drizzle them with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat the zucchini evenly, then line them up on the tray, pressing them against each other for better stability during broiling.
4. Add the Crunchy Toppings
   Sprinkle the zucchini first with panko breadcrumbs, followed by grated parmesan cheese. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top to help the toppings adhere and become golden during broiling.
5. Broil to Perfection
   Place the tray under the broiler for about 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the zucchini is tender-crisp. The zucchini should be cooked through but still have a bit of bite to it.
6. Serve Immediately
   Transfer the zucchini to a serving dish and enjoy right away! The crispy, cheesy topping is best when fresh out of the oven.

Quick and Nutritious

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 90 per serving
• Servings: 4

Serving and Storage Tips:

1. Pair with Main Dishes
   This Parmesan Crusted Zucchini is a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or a hearty pasta dish for a balanced meal.
2. As an Appetizer
   These zucchini sticks make a fantastic appetizer for parties. Serve them with a dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or a garlic aioli to impress your guests.
3. Garnish and Presentation
   For a touch of color and flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil before serving. This adds a fresh element and enhances the dish’s presentation.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration
   If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
2. Reheating
   For best results, reheat the zucchini in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, until warmed through and crisp. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the zucchini soggy.
3. Freezing (Not Recommended)
   Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the zucchini can become mushy upon thawing and reheating. The breadcrumb and cheese topping may also lose its crispness.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Super Easy Parmesan Crusted Zucchini at its best, whether fresh out of the oven or as tasty leftovers.

Variations:

Adding a twist to the classic Parmesan Crusted Zucchini can introduce new flavors and textures, making the dish even more exciting. Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Garlic and Herb Zucchini

Enhance the flavor with garlic and fresh herbs:

• Ingredients: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the olive oil before drizzling it over the zucchini.
• Directions: Follow the original recipe, ensuring the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed over the zucchini before broiling.

2. Spicy Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

Add a kick with some spice:

• Ingredients: Mix 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with the panko breadcrumbs.
• Directions: Follow the original recipe, incorporating the spicy breadcrumb mixture.

3. Lemon-Parmesan Zucchini

Introduce a refreshing citrus flavor:

• Ingredients: Add the zest of one lemon to the parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs mixture.
• Directions: Follow the original recipe, sprinkling the lemon-infused topping over the zucchini before broiling. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

4. Cheesy Zucchini Sticks

Increase the cheesiness with multiple kinds of cheese:

• Ingredients: Mix 1 tablespoon of grated mozzarella or cheddar with the parmesan cheese.
• Directions: Follow the original recipe, ensuring an even distribution of the mixed cheeses over the zucchini.

5. Pesto Parmesan Zucchini

Incorporate the rich flavor of pesto:

• Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto over the zucchini before sprinkling with breadcrumbs and parmesan.
• Directions: Follow the original recipe, adding the pesto as an additional layer beneath the breadcrumbs and cheese.

6. Crusted Zucchini Fries

Transform the zucchini into finger-friendly fries:

• Directions: Instead of slicing the zucchini into lengthwise pieces, cut them into fry-shaped sticks. Coat them with the olive oil, salt, and pepper, then follow the original recipe for adding breadcrumbs and parmesan. Adjust broiling time to ensure the thinner pieces cook evenly.

7. Mediterranean Style Zucchini

Incorporate Mediterranean flavors for a unique twist:

• Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Directions: Follow the original recipe, incorporating these additions into the topping mixture.

8. Vegan Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

Make it vegan without sacrificing flavor:

• Ingredients: Use vegan parmesan cheese and substitute the panko breadcrumbs with a vegan variety.
• Directions: Follow the original recipe using these vegan substitutions.

Experimenting with these variations can keep your Parmesan Crusted Zucchini exciting and cater to different taste preferences. Enjoy exploring these flavorful twists!

FAQs:

1. Can I use other types of squash instead of zucchini? Yes, you can substitute zucchini with other types of squash, such as yellow squash or pattypan squash. Just ensure they are sliced similarly for even cooking.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare this recipe in an air fryer? Yes, you can cook the zucchini in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the zucchini for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden and tender-crisp.
4. How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy? To prevent sogginess, make sure to broil the zucchini at a high temperature and avoid overcrowding the baking tray. This ensures proper air circulation and helps achieve a crispy texture.
5. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese? Yes, pre-grated Parmesan cheese works fine for this recipe. However, freshly grated Parmesan often provides a more robust flavor and better melting quality.
6. What dipping sauces pair well with Parmesan Crusted Zucchini? Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, and spicy sriracha mayo are all great options for dipping.
7. Can I prepare this dish in advance? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the zucchini slices and breadcrumb mixture in advance. Store them separately and assemble just before broiling.
8. What are some additional seasoning options? Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as paprika, cumin, Italian seasoning, or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty flavor.
9. Is it necessary to use extra virgin olive oil? While extra virgin olive oil adds a nice flavor, you can use other oils like avocado oil or canola oil if you prefer.
10. Can I add more cheese? Yes, you can increase the amount of Parmesan or add other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for extra cheesiness. Just be mindful that more cheese might require a slightly longer broiling time to achieve a golden crust.

These FAQs should help you navigate any questions you might have while preparing and enjoying your Parmesan Crusted Zucchini. Happy cooking!

This Super Easy Parmesan Crusted Zucchini is not only delicious but also quick to make, making it a perfect addition to any meal or a satisfying snack on its own. Enjoy the blend of textures and flavors in every bite!