Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, crispy, and ridiculously delicious snack or side dish, these Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds are about to become your new obsession! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you get perfectly golden, cheesy zucchini bites that are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you need a healthy appetizer, a light side dish, or a guilt-free snack, these zucchini rounds are easy, addictive, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
Versatile Serve them as a snack, side dish, or even a crunchy salad topper!
Budget-Friendly Simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy No deep frying, no complicated steps—just slice, season, and bake!
Customizable Want more spice? Add chili flakes. Prefer extra crunch? Throw in some breadcrumbs!
Crowd-Pleasing Even the pickiest eaters (yes, even kids!) will love these crispy, cheesy bites.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
This recipe keeps it simple while delivering big flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
Zucchini The star ingredient! Choose firm, fresh zucchini for the best texture.
Parmesan Cheese Adds a rich, savory, cheesy crunch when baked to golden perfection.
Olive Oil Helps the Parmesan stick and gives the zucchini that crispy texture.
Garlic Powder Adds a subtle kick of flavor without overpowering the zucchini.
Salt & Black Pepper Enhances the taste and balances the flavors.
Optional: Paprika or Italian Seasoning A little extra seasoning goes a long way!
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this crispy masterpiece:
Prep the Zucchini
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the zucchini, then slice it into ½-inch rounds for the perfect crispy bite.
Season the Rounds
In a bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Coat with Parmesan
Arrange the zucchini rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle each slice generously with grated Parmesan (and any optional seasonings).
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Parmesan is melted and golden brown, and the edges are crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
Serve and Enjoy
Let them cool for a few minutes, then dig in! Serve warm with your favorite dip or as a side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 120
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
These zucchini rounds are incredibly versatile! Try serving them:
- With marinara sauce for a pizza-inspired snack.
- As a side dish alongside grilled chicken or steak.
- Dipped in ranch or garlic aioli for an extra flavor boost.
- On top of salads for a crispy, cheesy crunch.
- Stuffed into wraps or sandwiches for added texture.
Additional Tips
- For extra crispiness, pat the zucchini dry before coating it with oil.
- Want a breaded version? Mix in some panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and crunch.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make ahead: Prep and season the zucchini in advance, then bake fresh when ready.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes! Yellow squash works just as well in this recipe.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice and season the zucchini in advance, then bake when ready.
4. Why aren’t my zucchini rounds crispy?
Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan and use a high oven temperature.
5. Can I fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Pan-fry in a little olive oil over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
6. What’s the best dipping sauce for these?
They go great with ranch, marinara, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
7. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Try Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a fun twist.
8. Can I freeze these?
It’s not recommended, as zucchini holds a lot of water and can turn mushy when thawed.
9. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
10. How do I make them spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
Conclusion
These Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds are the perfect balance of cheesy, crunchy, and satisfying. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and an easy way to enjoy zucchini in a totally delicious way. Try them out today—you might just find yourself making them every week!
PrintCrispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds Recipe
Enjoy these crunchy, savory zucchini rounds coated in a blend of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Baked to golden perfection, they make a light appetizer or snack bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking (or Pan-Frying)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (or nonstick spray)
– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the flour in a separate shallow dish and the beaten eggs in another.
4. Dip each zucchini round first into the flour (shake off excess), then into the egg, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Arrange the coated rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle or lightly spray olive oil over the top.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the rounds are golden and crispy.
7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
– For an extra crisp texture, flip the rounds halfway through baking.
– You can also pan-fry the rounds in a small amount of oil for a quicker version.
– Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 5 rounds
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
