Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini is a delightful dish that seamlessly blends the fresh, earthy flavors of zucchini with the rich, nutty taste of Parmesan cheese. If you’re searching for a quick and delicious way to enjoy your veggies, this recipe is a fantastic choice. This Step-by-Step guide will walk you through the process of preparing this dish, ensuring that even novice cooks will feel confident in making it at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Parmesan Crusted Zucchini is more than just a vegetable side dish; it’s a game-changer for your dinner table! Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have this dish ready in no time.
- Healthy Ingredients: Zucchini is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the crispy, cheesy exterior of this zucchini, making it an easy choice for family dinners.
- Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses and is also delightful as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
To make this scrumptious Parmesan Crusted Zucchini, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or Italian seasoning
These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that will impress anyone at your table.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these vivid and easy-to-follow steps to create your perfect Parmesan Crusted Zucchini:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and optional spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Zucchini: Take your three medium zucchinis and cut them lengthwise into quarters, forming spears that are easy to coat and bake.
Arrange the Zucchini: Place the zucchini spears in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, ensuring each spear is well-coated for the best flavor.
Add the Parmesan: Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini. Don’t be shy! The cheese will create a beautifully crispy crust as it bakes.
Season It Up: Season the zucchini with salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning. These additions enhance the flavors and elevate your dish.
Bake to Perfection: Bake your Parmesan Crusted Zucchini in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes. For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for an additional 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, serve your hot Parmesan Crusted Zucchini alongside a yogurt dip or marinara sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- For an added crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs combined with the Parmesan cheese.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or oregano, for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet; the zucchini spears should have enough space to crisp up nicely.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes, such as grilled chicken, fish fillets, or pasta. It also makes for a great vegetarian option when served alongside quinoa or as part of a salad. This dish can be served as an appetizer or a hearty side, making it versatile for any occasion.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on four servings):
- Calories: Approximately 120
- Protein: 4g
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
These figures can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes but provide a general overview of this dish’s health benefits!
Storing Tips & Variations for Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to restore the crispiness.
Freezing: While fresh zucchini loses its crunch when frozen, you can freeze the zucchini spears before baking. Just coat them and lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations: Try using different cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, or add different spices to suit your taste. You can also alternate with other vegetables like eggplant or asparagus for a fun twist!
Conclusion for Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
In conclusion, Parmesan Crusted Zucchini is a delightful dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking to add a new side dish to your family meals or impress guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to please. So grab your zucchinis and get cooking — you’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish disappears!
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses can work well if you’re looking for a different flavor.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you omit any breadcrumbs, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative, or skip it altogether for a lighter version!
4. How do I know when the zucchini is done?
The zucchini should be tender but still firm; the cheese should be golden and crispy. If you prefer it extra crispy, keep it in the oven a little longer.
5. What should I serve with Parmesan Crusted Zucchini?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins, salads, or can be enjoyed alone as a healthy snack!
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
A delightful dish that blends fresh zucchini with rich Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick and healthy vegetable side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Cut the zucchinis lengthwise into quarters to form spears.
- Arrange the zucchini spears in a single layer on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the zucchini.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Bake for about 12-14 minutes, and for extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes.
- Serve hot alongside yogurt dip or marinara sauce.
Notes
For extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet when baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
