Easy Baked Zucchini Squash Recipe with Parmesan

Baked zucchini is a simple, yet tasty side dish that compliments many different dishes. It’s a great way to get some veggies into your diet in a delicious and easy way. There are many different ways to make baked zucchini, but this version with parmesan is the simplest (and best). It’s made by coating fresh zucchini with olive oil, Parmesan cheese and spices, then baking until crisp. The zucchini absorbs the flavors of the seasonings as it bakes making it appetizing and flavorful.

This is such an easy recipe that you can make in no time. It’s the perfect side dish, just like the crispy brussel sprouts recipe, for meats, pastas, and really, anything you can think of. This will definitely be a favorite at the dinner table from here on out!

Zucchini has always been one of my favorite vegetables – which is a relief, because it’s the one item that never ceases to grow like crazy in our garden. There are so many great ways to enjoy zucchini – I’m partial toward zucchini fries or even zucchini chips. It can make such a great veggie side dish. However, my very favorite way to enjoy this dish is by simply roasting it with some parmesan, salt and pepper – which is exactly what this recipe features.

It’s kind of like a combination of a sauteed zucchini recipe and baked zucchini recipe.

Is zucchini healthy?

Zucchini is a healthy choice for side dishes, since it’s low in calories and packed with nutrients and antioxidants. One cup of zucchini contains just 45 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates (2 grams from dietary fiber), 1 gram protein and a fair amount of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, B

What can I do if I don’t have zucchini?

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that goes well with many other dishes. You can substitute the same amount of eggplant, yellow squash or even potatoes. Eggplant has more calories and carbohydrates since it’s slightly denser than summer squash. Potatoes are higher in calories and carbohydrates, since they’re more concentrated in starch.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

Do not substitute shredded cheddar, colby jack or Mexican blend in this recipe. Parmesan is a dry, aged cheese that has more flavor than other cheeses and melts well for a thicker coating on the zucchini. If you’re lactose intolerant, use a different cheese or leave it out altogether.

What spices should I add?

Salt and pepper are the only two spices you need. Any other seasonings would overpower the luscious flavor of Parmesan cheese on baked zucchini.

How do I cook leftover baked zucchini?

Heat leftover baked zucchini in the microwave on high for about 1 minute. It’s best to serve it immediately.

How long does it take to bake zucchinis?

You can expect your oven to preheat within 10 minutes, since zucchinis are thin and do not require much time to cook. Baked zucchini should be crispy, but not too browned. You’ll know when it’s done when the zucchini is tender and easy to pierce with a fork.

How long does baked zucchini last in the fridge?

This recipe will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator, so you can easily make this dish in advance. It’s best to heat the leftovers in the microwave for 1 minute before serving.

Ingredient List

• 2 medium zucchini (or 1 large zucchini, or four small zucchini)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese + 2 tbsp
• salt
• pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Slice zucchini slices (about 1/2″ thick)
3. Place zucchini in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil
4. Shake to coat zucchini with olive oil
5. Add parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
6. Shake to coat.
7. Place in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or a silicone baking mat.
8. Sprinkle with an additional 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese
9. Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, finish on a low broil for another couple of minutes.

The beauty of this recipe is truly in its simplicity. It’s one of our favorite low-calorie recipes and side dishes.

what goes with baked zucchini ?

baked zucchini can go great with any meat dish. Try it as a side dish to pork chops, steak or roast chicken. The flavors of Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan and seasonings complement each other and make for a flavorful meal.

how to make baked zucchini crispy ?

First, start out by patting the zucchini dry after you’ve sliced it with paper towels. This can help absorb some of the extra moisture.

To make baked zucchini crispy, coat the sliced zucchini in Parmesan. Press all sides of the zucchini slice into the coating before placing it on a baking tray to bake. This will create a thick coating that’s crunchy when baked.

what is healthy about baked zucchini?

Baked zucchini is a healthy side dish for several reasons. This recipe only uses Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, which are both low in fat and high in calcium. The zucchini also contains a good amount of dietary fiber when eaten with the skin on.

Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamin C, B6, thiamin and magnesium. It also provides some protein, potassium, phosphorus, niacin and riboflavin.

what are some variations for this recipe?

You can add a variety of ingredients to this recipe to change its flavor. While we love using simple spices, you can try adding hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, dried basil or oregano for an Italian twist or turmeric and garam masala for an Indian spin on baked zucchini. For even more flavor, you could also try different kinds of cheese like mozzarella or crumbled feta. You could add garlic powder or onion powder for some additional seasoning. I usually used dried seasonings, but you can use fresh ones as well. You can grate your own fresh parmesan cheese, or use shredded parmesan cheese as a topping insead of grated.

You can add some breadcrumbs to the parmesan – this can help make htem extra crispy.

Add additional herbs, such as garlic or Italian seasoning or fresh herbs to make it more fragrant and tasty.

what veggies can I add to this zucchini recipe?

Try adding other types of vegetables to this zucchini recipe, such as bell peppers, onions and eggplant. You can also experiment using different seasonings. Try adding fresh basil leaves for an Italian twist or adding Chinese five spice to give the dish an Asian twist.

how can I lower fat and calories in zucchini?

To lower fat and calories in this recipe, use a low-fat Parmesan cheese or leave it out altogether if you’re lactose intolerant. Another way to reduce fat intake is by baking the zucchini instead of deep-frying it.

when is zucchini season?

Zucchini is in season during the summer months, which makes it a popular vegetable in many home gardens. You can find zucchini at your local farmers’ market or grocery store around this time. However, you can find fresh zucchini year-round at the grocery store since it’s also available frozen and canned.

More Recipes You May Enjoy:

• Easy Sourdough Zucchini Bread Recipe
• Easy Cheesy Baked Zucchini Tots
• Zucchini Fries
• Easy Instant Pot Green Beans – Crisp and Tasty!
• How to Make Veggie Platters People Actually Want to Eat
• Easy Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chili (Vegetarian)
• Easy Garlic Butter Broccoli Caulifower Side Dish Recipe
• Easy Oven Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Garlic

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that goes well with many other dishes. This baked zucchini recipe is a quick and easy side dish recipe, plus it’s full of flavor! You can substitute eggplant or potatoes if you don’t have zucchini at home. Baked zucchini should be crispy, but not overcooked. It’s the perfect summer side dish.