Name: Parmesan Zucchini Spears
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 3-4 zucchini; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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These Parmesan Zucchini Spears are a healthier and delicious alternative to traditional fries. Coated in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, they are baked to perfection and make a perfect appetizer or side dish. Light, crispy, and full of flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These zucchini spears are not only quick and easy to make but also light and packed with flavor. The crispy Parmesan coating gives them a satisfying crunch, while the zucchini inside stays tender. With the added Italian seasoning, they offer a burst of savory goodness in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a flavorful side dish, these Parmesan Zucchini Spears are the perfect choice.

Ingredients

3-4 zucchini
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a cooling rack on a baking sheet and spray it with nonstick spray. Set aside.
Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters (or sixths if the zucchini is large).
Make the Parmesan Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Zucchini: Place the zucchini spears in a bowl, add the olive oil, and toss to coat evenly.
Bake the Zucchini: Arrange the zucchini spears on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle them with the Parmesan mixture.
Bake and Broil: Bake the zucchini for about 15 minutes, until tender. Then, turn the oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the top turns golden brown.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes

Variations

Add Garlic: Sprinkle some garlic powder or minced garlic over the zucchini spears before baking for a garlicky flavor.
Use Different Cheese: Swap the Parmesan with mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a gooey, cheesy variation.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture for some heat.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a new flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover zucchini spears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! While Parmesan adds a wonderful flavor, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for different variations.

2. Can I make these zucchini spears ahead of time?

These zucchini spears are best served fresh for the crisp texture. However, you can prepare them up to 2 hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator before baking.

3. Can I make these zucchini spears in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make them in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, arrange the zucchini spears in a single layer, and cook for about 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.

4. Can I skip the broiling step?

The broiling step gives the zucchini spears a golden brown finish and extra crispiness. However, if you prefer, you can skip it and bake them for a few extra minutes until they’re browned.

5. Can I use zucchini with a thicker skin?

Yes, you can use larger zucchini, but it’s best to cut them into smaller spears to ensure they cook evenly. You can also scrape out the seeds if the zucchini is too large.

6. Can I add a dipping sauce?

Absolutely! These zucchini spears pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a garlic aioli for dipping.

7. Can I freeze the zucchini spears?

While zucchini spears are best fresh, you can freeze them before baking. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 15 minutes.

8. How can I make the zucchini spears more crispy?

For an extra crispy texture, you can dip the zucchini spears in a beaten egg before coating them with Parmesan and Italian seasoning. This will help create an even crunchier crust.

9. Can I use zucchini from the garden?

Yes, garden-fresh zucchini works great for this recipe! Just make sure to slice them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.

10. How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming too soggy?

Make sure to slice the zucchini evenly and not too thick, as thicker slices can release more water. Also, using a cooling rack ensures that the zucchini spears cook evenly and don’t become soggy from sitting in their own moisture.

Conclusion

These Parmesan Zucchini Spears are a fantastic way to enjoy zucchini in a new and delicious way. With a golden Parmesan crust, fresh vegetables, and an easy recipe that’s ready in under 15 minutes, these make a great side dish or appetizer for any meal. Serve them up as a healthier alternative to fries and watch them disappear from the plate!