Parmesan Crusted Zucchini is a simple yet delicious side dish that brings out the best in fresh zucchini. The zucchini is sliced into rounds, coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian herbs, then baked until golden and crispy. The result is a tender vegetable with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior, perfect for pairing with almost any main course. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to make use of summer zucchini. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an elegant side, Parmesan Crusted Zucchini is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Olive oil spray or a small amount of olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the Zucchini: Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with the Parmesan mixture. Dredge each zucchini slice first in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it in the Parmesan mixture. Press the zucchini slices into the Parmesan mixture to ensure they are well coated.
- Bake: Arrange the coated zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until the zucchini is tender and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Parmesan Crusted Zucchini hot, either as a side dish or a tasty appetizer!
This dish is best served fresh out of the oven, with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
