Baked Zucchini With Parmesan
Highlighted under: Oven Cooking
I absolutely love making Baked Zucchini With Parmesan, especially during the summer when the zucchinis are abundant. This dish is incredibly simple yet bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of fresh vegetables and the rich, salty notes from the Parmesan cheese. It's a delicious way to highlight the natural sweetness of zucchini while adding a crunchy texture on top. I often serve it as a side dish during family gatherings or even as a light main course with a salad. You won't believe how quickly it comes together!
When I first tried Baked Zucchini With Parmesan, I was honestly blown away by how such a simple dish could be so full of flavor. The key for me was slicing the zucchini evenly to ensure they cooked perfectly, becoming tender without losing their structure. I also discovered that using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged made a significant difference in taste and texture.
Over time, I’ve experimented with adding herbs and spices to the topping, and I’ve found that a pinch of garlic powder or some crushed red pepper can elevate the dish even more. It’s now a regular part of my cooking repertoire, especially during family gatherings when I want something healthy yet satisfying!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and savory flavors that enhance the natural sweetness of zucchini
- Crispy topping that adds a wonderful texture contrast
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dish
Understanding the Ingredients
The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the zucchini. I recommend choosing firm, fresh zucchinis with a vibrant green color, as they bring out the best flavor. When slicing, aim for uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking. If your zucchinis are oversized, they may have more seeds and a tougher skin, which can lead to a less pleasant texture—choose medium-sized zucchinis for optimal results.
Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness to the dish, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a combination of both for a bolder flavor. The breadcrumbs create the crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender zucchini. For a gluten-free alternative, try using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain that delightful crunch.
Perfecting the Technique
When preparing the zucchini, remember that excess moisture can lead to sogginess. To mitigate this, after slicing, you can sprinkle a little salt on the zucchini rounds and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This draws out moisture; just be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before you bake to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
During baking, keep an eye on the zucchini in the oven. Oven temperatures can vary; I'd recommend checking at the 20-minute mark. You're looking for the topping to turn a golden brown and the zucchini to be tender when pierced with a fork. This attention to detail ensures a perfectly cooked, texturally satisfying result.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients:
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Now that you have your ingredients, let's prepare the dish!
Instructions
Follow these steps to delicious Baked Zucchini:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the zucchini.
Prepare the Zucchini
Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Make the Topping
In a bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
Top and Bake
Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over the sliced zucchini. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the topping is golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Your Baked Zucchini With Parmesan is ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider experimenting with different cheeses like mozzarella or adding fresh herbs like basil before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Zucchini With Parmesan works wonderfully as a side dish for grilled meats or fish, adding a fresh, flavorful element to your meal. For a heartier option, serve it over a bed of quinoa or rice, drizzled with balsamic reduction for added sophistication. Alternatively, this dish can shine as a light main course paired with a simple garden salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
To elevate the dish even further, consider adding layers of flavor by incorporating elements like sun-dried tomatoes or olives before baking. These options will enhance the Mediterranean flair of the dish and provide a welcome twist that will surprise your guests.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This baked zucchini can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. After layering the zucchini and topping it, cover your baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra few minutes if it goes into the oven cold.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature (around 350°F/175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain the crispy topping. However, I recommend finishing them under the broiler for a minute or two to restore that delightful crunch.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
It's best to use fresh zucchini as frozen may release too much water during baking, which could affect the texture.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed cornflakes for a similar crunch.
→ What can I serve with Baked Zucchini?
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a vegetarian meal with quinoa or pasta.
Baked Zucchini With Parmesan
I absolutely love making Baked Zucchini With Parmesan, especially during the summer when the zucchinis are abundant. This dish is incredibly simple yet bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of fresh vegetables and the rich, salty notes from the Parmesan cheese. It's a delicious way to highlight the natural sweetness of zucchini while adding a crunchy texture on top. I often serve it as a side dish during family gatherings or even as a light main course with a salad. You won't believe how quickly it comes together!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the zucchini.
Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture evenly over the sliced zucchini. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the topping is golden brown.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider experimenting with different cheeses like mozzarella or adding fresh herbs like basil before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g