Okay, so you know how every summer, you’re suddenly drowning in zucchini? Like, your neighbors are leaving it on your doorstep in the dead of night? Yeah, me too! I’m *always* looking for new ways to use it up that don’t involve zucchini bread (as much as I love it!).
That’s where these Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices come in. Seriously, they’re the *easiest* side dish ever. Even my kids, who are convinced that all green vegetables are the enemy, gobble these up. I think it’s the Parmesan. Everything’s better with Parmesan, right?
I’ve been making these for years, tweaking them here and there, and trust me, this version is the winner. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. I even served them at a BBQ last summer, and everyone was asking for the recipe! So, get ready to say goodbye to zucchini overload with these amazing Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices! They’re about to become your new go-to side!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices
Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed! Here’s why:
- They’re ready in like, 25 minutes!
- You only need a handful of ingredients – stuff you probably already have!
- Even picky eaters (ahem, kids!) love ’em.
- They’re actually pretty good for you! All that zucchini goodness!
Quick and Easy Preparation
I’m all about easy, especially on busy weeknights. This recipe is seriously foolproof. Just slice, toss, and bake! Boom! Dinner is served. No fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen required. Promise!
Simple and Accessible Ingredients for Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices
You won’t need to hunt down any weird or expensive ingredients for these. Zucchini, olive oil, Parmesan… it’s all pretty basic stuff. That’s how I like it! Easy on the wallet, easy to find – win-win!
A Delicious and Kid-Friendly Way to Enjoy Zucchini
Okay, zucchini can be a tough sell sometimes, right? But the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder? They work magic! The zucchini gets nice and tender, and the flavor is just… *chef’s kiss*! Even my notoriously picky nephew asks for seconds!
Ingredients for Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices
Alright, here’s what you’ll need. Don’t worry, it’s a short list!
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced ¼ inch thick (ish – don’t stress!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated (the powdery kind!)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (or a few good grinds!)
How to Prepare Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices
Okay, let’s get baking! This is seriously so easy, you’ll be amazed.
Preparing the Zucchini
First things first, grab those zucchinis and give ’em a good wash. Now, slice them into ¼ inch thick rounds. Try to keep them roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly, ya know? No one wants some slices crunchy and some mushy!
Seasoning Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices
Grab a big bowl and toss those zucchini slices in with the olive oil. Make sure they’re all coated nicely! Then, sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss it all together until the zucchini is evenly coated in that cheesy, garlicky goodness. Yum!
Baking to Perfection
Alright, before you even *think* about slicing the zucchini, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important! Now, spread the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don’t pile them on top of each other! Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the Parmesan is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on them – ovens vary!
Tips for the Best Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices
Want to take these zucchini slices from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
This is a biggie! Make sure those zucchini slices have plenty of room to breathe on the baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of bake, and you’ll end up with soggy zucchini. No bueno! Use two baking sheets if you need to!
Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste
Everyone’s taste buds are different, right? So, before you pop that baking sheet in the oven, give a zucchini slice a little taste. Need more garlic powder? Add it! Want a bit more salt? Go for it! Make it your own!
Variations on Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe (go you!). Now, wanna get a little fancy? Here are some fun ways to mix things up and make these Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices your own!
Add a Spicy Kick
Feeling fiery? Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper on the zucchini before baking. Trust me, it adds a *serious* kick! Start with a little, you can always add more next time, right?
Experiment with Cheese
Parmesan is classic, but don’t be afraid to get cheesy (pun intended!). Try swapping it out for mozzarella, provolone, or even a little bit of crumbled feta. Ooh, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar! Each cheese gives it a totally different vibe. My favorite part is trying new things!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices
These Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices are seriously versatile! They’re perfect as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Or, you know what? Toss them on top of pasta with a little extra Parmesan for a super simple vegetarian meal! Honestly, I’ve even been known to just snack on them straight from the baking sheet. Oops!
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices
Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few things people often ask me about these super easy baked parmesan zucchini slices.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Totally! Yellow squash works great in this recipe. It’s got a similar texture and mild flavor, so it’s a perfect substitute. Just slice it up the same way you would the zucchini and you’re good to go!
How do I prevent the zucchini from getting soggy?
Ah, the dreaded soggy zucchini! The key is not overcrowding the pan (as I mentioned before!). Also, make sure your oven is nice and hot before you pop them in. A higher temperature helps them to bake instead of steam. You can also pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel before tossing them with the oil and Parmesan. That helps a bunch!
Can I make these Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices ahead of time?
You *can*, but I don’t really recommend it. They’re definitely best fresh out of the oven, when the zucchini is tender and the Parmesan is all melty and delicious. If you absolutely *need* to make them ahead, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to crisp them up a bit. Just be warned, they won’t be quite as good as fresh!
Nutritional Information for Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist! This is just a rough estimate. The exact nutritional info for these Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices will depend on the brands you use and how big your zucchini are. Just a heads-up!
Enjoy Your Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices
Okay, you’ve made ’em, you’ve devoured ’em! Now, pretty please, leave a rating or comment below! And don’t forget to share your masterpieces on Insta! I wanna see!
Print
Hate Zucchinis? Try Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Slices are a simple and delicious side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss zucchini slices with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and Parmesan cheese is golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone.
- Adjust baking time depending on the thickness of your zucchini slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
