Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini – Easy Cheesy Side in 20 Minutes
Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini instantly takes me back to summer evenings when garden zucchini was always on the table. The smell of garlic, oregano, and melting Parmesan drifting from the oven was irresistible. Each slice comes out with a golden, cheesy crust and a soft, juicy inside — the kind of snack that feels indulgent but is secretly healthy. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light appetizer, this zucchini recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the zucchini, trim the ends, and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Toss zucchini slices with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over the top of each slice.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden and crispy.
- (Optional) Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness, then serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
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Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this recipe
This crispy baked Parmesan zucchini recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and delivers that perfect crunch without frying. It uses simple pantry ingredients, making it budget-friendly yet flavorful. Best of all, it’s versatile — serve it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and it fits into low-carb and keto-friendly meal plans too.
Ingredients (with substitutions)
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution Tip |
| Zucchini | 2 medium | Swap with yellow squash |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Avocado oil or melted butter |
| Parmesan cheese | 30g grated | Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (dairy-free) |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Fresh minced garlic for extra punch |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 tsp | Italian seasoning or dried basil |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Garlic salt or seasoned salt |
How to make crispy baked Parmesan zucchini step by step
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Wash zucchini, trim ends, and slice into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Toss slices with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange zucchini in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the tops.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until cheese is golden and slightly crispy.
Tip: For restaurant-style crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
How to serve crispy baked Parmesan zucchini
These zucchini rounds make an amazing appetizer with marinara or ranch dipping sauce. For dinner, pair them with pasta, grilled chicken, or steak. They’re also perfect as part of a veggie platter for parties, or even as a healthy swap for fries. In summer, serve them with fresh salads; in fall or winter, pair them with hearty roasted meats.
How to perfect crispy baked Parmesan zucchini
- Slice zucchini evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Pat slices dry before seasoning to avoid sogginess.
- Use enough Parmesan to form a golden crust.
- Bake on parchment or a wire rack for best crunch.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overcrowding the baking sheet — this causes steaming instead of crisping.
- Using too much oil — zucchini absorbs quickly and turns greasy.
- Baking at low heat — prevents cheese from crisping.
- Skipping parchment — cheese sticks and burns.
Storage & reheating instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture gets mushy).
- Reheating: Use oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make crispy baked Parmesan zucchini in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I use shredded Parmesan instead of grated?
Grated works best, but shredded will still give a cheesy, golden finish.
Is crispy baked Parmesan zucchini keto-friendly?
Definitely — zucchini and Parmesan are naturally low-carb.
Can I prepare ahead?
Slice and season in advance, but bake just before serving.
Conclusion
Crispy baked Parmesan zucchini is proof that a few simple ingredients can transform into something crave-worthy. It’s quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor, making it ideal for snacks, sides, or party platters. Save this recipe to enjoy golden, cheesy zucchini whenever the craving strikes — it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
