Cheesy Zucchini Rounds

Crispy, golden, cheesy zucchini rounds with tender zucchini in the middle. They make an easy side dish, appetizer, or light snack.

Ingredients

Zucchini

2 medium zucchini
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheese Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon paprika, optional
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

For extra browning, you can place a wire rack over the baking sheet.

2. Slice the zucchini

Wash and dry the zucchini. Trim off both ends.

Slice into rounds approximately ½ inch (1–1.5 cm) thick. Try to keep the slices similar in thickness so they cook evenly.

3. Remove excess moisture

Arrange the zucchini rounds on paper towels and lightly sprinkle with salt.

Let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat them thoroughly dry.

This step helps prevent watery zucchini and gives you better browning.

4. Season

Place the zucchini in a bowl and toss gently with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and the remaining salt.

Arrange the rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Add the cheese

Combine the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Sprinkle the cheese mixture generously over each zucchini round. Add a light sprinkle of paprika if desired.

6. Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese has melted.

For a more golden, bubbly top, switch the oven to broil/grill and cook for 1–2 minutes. Watch closely because the cheese can brown quickly.

7. Serve

Remove from the oven and let the rounds rest for 2–3 minutes.

Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving, assuming 4 servings:

Calories: 190
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fat: 13 g
Fiber: 2 g
Net carbs: ~5 g

Nutrition will vary depending on the size of the zucchini and the cheese used.

🧀 Allergen Information

Contains: Milk/dairy
Gluten-free: Yes, naturally
Egg-free: Yes
Nut-free: Yes, using the listed ingredients
Vegetarian: Yes

Q&A

Q: How do I stop the zucchini from becoming watery?
Salt the slices for about 10 minutes and thoroughly pat them dry before seasoning and baking. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Q: Can I use cheddar instead of mozzarella?
Yes. Cheddar gives the rounds a stronger flavor. A mozzarella-cheddar combination is also delicious.

Q: Can I use only Parmesan?
Yes, but Parmesan browns more quickly. Keep an eye on the rounds during the final minutes.

Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at approximately 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, checking near the end because cooking times vary between air fryers.

Q: Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can slice and season the zucchini a few hours ahead, but for the best texture, add the cheese and bake shortly before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Q: How should I reheat them?
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until hot. This helps the cheese become bubbly again.

Q: Can I add meat?
Yes. A small amount of cooked crumbled bacon, turkey, or chicken can be added on top before baking.

Q: Can I make them without Parmesan?
Yes. Use additional mozzarella or another melting cheese, although Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps the topping brown.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.