Baked Parmesan Zucchini-Easy & Delicious Side Dish

If you have fresh zucchini from the garden, farmers or grocer store, this Baked Parmesan Zucchini is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to use it. Tender zucchini wedges are coated with olive oil and a simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, pepper, smoked paprika and parmesan cheese. Then, baked until tender and lightly golden.

This easy zucchini side dish takes only about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. It pairs beautifully with chicken, beef, pork, or fish and is simple enough to make whenever you have extra zucchini on hand.

I especially love this recipe during zucchini season when the garden seems to produce more zucchini than we know what to do with! Instead of letting those fresh vegetables go to waste, turn them into a flavorful side dish that the whole family can enjoy.

If you’re looking for more ways to use your zucchini, be sure to visit our [Zucchini Recipes Hub] for more sweet and savory zucchini recipes.

Why You’ll Love Baked Parmesan Zucchini:

• Quick and easy: This side dish is ready in about 20 minutes.
• Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of the seasonings in your pantry.
• A great way to use zucchini: It’s especially handy when your garden is producing zucchini faster than you can use it.
• Family-friendly: Parmesan and simple seasonings add plenty of flavor without making the zucchini complicated.
• Goes with almost anything: Serve it alongside chicken, beef, pork, fish, or your favorite pasta dish.
• Minimal cleanup: Everything comes together with a bowl, knife, cutting board and one baking sheet.

We are always looking for and thinking of new ways to use zucchini. One zucchini plant in your garden produces so much zucchini, it’s fantastic but sometimes hard to use it or share it all. We hate to waste the produce that we grow. Here are a few other zucchini recipes you will love on our recipe blog: Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread, Banana Blueberry Zucchini Bread, One Pan Zucchini Skillet, Zucchini Relish, Zucchini Bread, and Sautéed Zucchini.

Cook’s Notes:

Cut the zucchini into similar-sized wedges. This helps the pieces cook more evenly.

Don’t overcook the zucchini. You want it tender but still to have some texture rather than becoming soft and mushy.

Dry the zucchini well. After washing, pat it dry before adding the olive oil mixture. This helps the seasoning adhere and keeps excess moisture from interfering with browning.

Use freshly grated Parmesan if you prefer. Kraft grated Parmesan works well. Freshly grated Parmesan can also give you a slightly different texture and flavor.

Easy Variations For Baked Zucchini:

Add Italian seasoning: Replace the dried parsley with your favorite Italian seasoning.

Add a little heat: Sprinkle the zucchini with a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking.

Try Parmesan and mozzarella: Add a small amount of shredded mozzarella during the last few minutes of baking for extra cheesiness.

Use yellow summer squash: You can replace some or all of the zucchini with yellow summer squash.

Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the finished zucchini before serving.

Try adding panko crumbs: Add the panko crumbs with with grated parmesan cheese for a crispier topping.

Ingredients Needed for Baked Parmesan Zucchini:

Zucchini-use fresh, firm zucchini. If your zucchini is big, cut out the seeds.

Olive oil-helps the seasoning and cheese stick to the zucchini.

Garlic powder-adds a savory flavor without being overpowering.

Onion powder-also adds flavor without overpowering the vegetable.

Dried parsley-a simple herb for color and a little flavor.

Salt-brings out the other flavors beautifully.

Pepper-adds flavor-blends well with so many dishes.

Smoked Paprika-adds a smokey savory flavor and a little color.

Kraft grated parmesan cheese-adds a cheesy topping to this tender vegetable-gets crispy under the broiler.

Instructions for Baked Parmesan Zucchini:

• Wash, dry and cut the ends off of your zucchinis.
• Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and then into desired sized wedges. Place in a big bowl.
• Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or coat baking sheet with butter.
• Mix garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a small bowl, set aside.
• Pour olive oil over the sliced zucchini in the big bowl. Toss to coat well.
• Add spices to the zucchini and toss well, coating each piece.
• Add parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss to coat, again.
• Lay each piece of zucchini, skin down onto the baking pan.
• Optional: sprinkle with a little more parmesan, if desired.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until tender crisp-or your desired tenderness. Check at 10 minutes to see if the tenderness is to your liking. Check as needed. Remember, the zucchini will be under the broiler for a couple more minutes-do not overcook. The sizes of your zucchini wedges will play a part in the length of cooking.
• When the zucchini has reached your desired level of tenderness, leave the pan in the oven and turn on the broiler-watch closely. You want the edges and the cheese to toast up not burn. Broil for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy this easy summer veggie side dish.

What to Serve with Baked Parmesan Zucchini:

This easy zucchini side dish works with so many meals. Try serving it with:

• Grilled Chicken
• Baked Chicken
• Pork Chops
• Steak
• Baked Fish
• Meatloaf
• Pasta
• Burgers
• Other Roasted Vegetables

How to Store Leftover Baked Parmesan Zucchini:

Allow leftover zucchini to cool, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It is best enjoyed within 2–3 days.

To reheat, warm it in the oven or air fryer until heated through. You can also microwave it, although the zucchini and Parmesan topping may be softer. I do not recommend using the microwave. Leftover zucchini will be softer the next day and the microwave will not help that. Try placing it under the broiler when it is nearly hot through.

Can You Freeze Baked Parmesan Zucchini?:

I do not recommend freezing this particular finished dish if your goal is to preserve the best texture. Zucchini contains a lot of water, so it tends to become softer after freezing and thawing.

Instead, enjoy this recipe fresh and use your extra zucchini in recipes that freeze particularly well, such as zucchini soup or shredded zucchini saved for zucchini bread.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to peel zucchini before baking?

No. There is no need to peel zucchini before making Baked Parmesan Zucchini. The skin is tender and adds color and texture.

Should I remove the seeds from zucchini?

For small and medium zucchini, you generally don’t need to remove the seeds. If you’re using a very large garden zucchini with large, mature seeds, you will want to cut or scoop some of them out before cutting the zucchini into wedges.

How do I keep baked zucchini from getting soggy?

Start with dry zucchini and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Giving the zucchini enough space allows moisture to escape as it cooks. Also, avoid overcooking it. Crisp it under the broiler.

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?

Yes. Yellow summer squash can be substituted for some or all of the zucchini.

Can I make Baked Parmesan Zucchini ahead of time?

This recipe is best served right after baking. You can prepare the zucchini and seasoning mixture ahead of time, refrigerate them separately, and bake when you’re ready to serve.

More Zucchini Recipes You’ll Love: 💕

• Sautéed Zucchini-a quick and easy side dish.
• One Pan Zucchini Skillet-one pan and dinner is done.
• Zucchini Vegetable Casserole-a delicious creamy casserole-a meatless dinner.
• Zucchini Soup-a simple creamy soup.
• Zucchini Tomato Orzo Soup-a hearty vegetable soup with orzo pasta.
• Chocolate Zucchini Cake-a family favorite!
• Zucchini Recipes Hub

Did You Try This Recipe:

Did you try this Baked Parmesan Zucchini? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let us know if you made any tweaks or have any questions. And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and save it for later! Thank You For Your Support!

Have more zucchini to use? Visit our [Zucchini Recipes Hub] for even more delicious ways to use fresh garden zucchini.

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