Crispy Garlic Parmesan Baked Zucchini

Ingredients

4 medium zucchini
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp dried parsley
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup shredded mozzarella, optional
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Full Recipe

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash and dry the zucchini. Cut each zucchini lengthwise into thick halves or quarters, depending on size.
Pat the zucchini dry so the coating sticks well.
In a bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Brush the cut side of each zucchini piece with olive oil.
Press the Parmesan mixture firmly onto the cut side, creating an even coating.
Arrange zucchini coating-side up in a single layer without overcrowding.
Sprinkle with mozzarella if using.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the topping is crisp and golden.
For an extra-browned crust, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

For Extra Crispy Zucchini

Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Remove as much moisture as possible from the zucchini.
Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Bake at high heat and finish briefly under the broiler.

Nut Information

This recipe contains no nuts as written.

Peanuts: None
Almonds: None
Cashews: None
Walnuts: None
Pecans: None
Pistachios: None
Hazelnuts: None

For a serious allergy, check packaged Parmesan, breadcrumbs/panko, mozzarella, and seasonings for peanut/tree-nut cross-contact warnings.

Quick Q&A

Can I make it without breadcrumbs?
Yes. Use Parmesan alone for a lower-carb version, although the crust will be less crunchy.

Can I use zucchini rounds?
Yes. Cut into ½-inch rounds and reduce baking time to about 15–20 minutes.

Can I use cheddar instead of Parmesan?
Yes, but Parmesan gives the best crispy, savory crust.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Can I air-fry them?
Yes. Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–14 minutes, depending on thickness.

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.