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Baked Zucchini

Baked Zucchini
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Discover a simple and versatile baked zucchini recipe that’s healthy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Using fresh zucchini, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, this dish delivers a tender yet crispy texture with endless variations to suit your taste – from cheesy to spicy or vegan adaptations. Ideal as a side, snack, or light main, it’s family-friendly and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 medium-sized fresh zucchinis, washed and dried
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or basil, oregano)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative like almond flour or crushed nuts)
  • Red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne (for a spicy kick)
  • Alternative cheeses: mozzarella or feta (for variations)
  • Fresh herbs: rosemary, dill, or parsley for garnish
  • Vegan option: nutritional yeast or vegan cheese substitute instead of Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Zucchini: Wash and dry the zucchinis thoroughly. Slice them evenly into rounds or sticks, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking and crispiness.
  2. Season and Coat: In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your chosen fresh herbs. If you desire a crispy crust, add breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (or your preferred cheese) and gently toss to coat every piece evenly.
  3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the zucchini slices flat on the tray in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow hot air circulation for even baking.
  4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the zucchini for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through if you want both sides golden and crispy. Bake until the zucchini is tender and has developed a golden brown color.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the zucchini cool slightly. Sprinkle with extra fresh herbs or cheese as a finishing touch and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm zucchinis with no soft spots for the best texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking tray to help zucchini crisp up instead of steaming.
  • Pat zucchini dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture for a crisper result.
  • Experiment with different cheeses or gluten-free coatings like almond flour to suit dietary needs and preferences.
  • Keep an eye on baking time to avoid overbaking and a mushy texture.
  • Leftovers can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to restore crispiness instead of microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked zucchini, healthy zucchini recipe, gluten-free zucchini, easy vegetable side, low-calorie appetizer, vegan zucchini option, cheesy zucchini, herby zucchini

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/baked-zucchini/