Prep time
15 Minutes
Prep time
25 minutes
Serves
Ingredients
To make this baked parmesan zucchini, you’ll need:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped parsley or lemon zest for garnish
Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Rene Cleveland
August 11, 2025 at 10:44:39 PM
Credit for this recipe goes to Fitnessfoodchef.com
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Next, rinse the zucchinis and slice them into even 1/4-inch thick rounds. This ensures they cook evenly and crisp up uniformly. Then, place the slices on a paper towel and pat them dry. Removing excess moisture is key—this helps the parmesan adhere and encourages a crispy texture rather than steaming in the oven.
2. Season and Toss
Place the zucchini slices into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss the slices well until evenly coated.
Next, add most of the grated parmesan cheese—but set aside about 2 to 3 tablespoons for later. Gently toss the zucchini again so the cheese sticks to the oiled surfaces. This step builds a flavorful coating while keeping some cheese in reserve for added crisp texture during baking.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Lay the seasoned zucchini slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they don’t overlap—this gives each slice enough space to roast evenly and get those delicious crispy edges.
Once arranged, sprinkle the reserved 2 to 3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese directly over the tops of the zucchini slices. This final cheesy layer melts and browns beautifully in the oven, creating a golden, crisp finish that adds even more flavor and texture.
4. Bake to Crispy Perfection
Put the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Halfway through, flip the zucchini slices to ensure both sides become golden and slightly crisp.
You’ll know they’re done when the cheese turns golden brown and the edges of the zucchini start to curl up slightly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the zucchini from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Then garnish with chopped parsley, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy!