Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are oven-baked and crispy. They are kid-approved and loved by adults, too. If you are looking for a new spin on zucchini, this is it!

By the time winter is over and spring rolls around every year, I am ready to start planting our garden. Not only is the weather getting warmer, but green is beginning to pop up everywhere.

Along with the excitement of the changing season comes the preparations for planting our garden. There is soil to be tilled up, seeds to be planted, and plants to go into the ground.

Among the many seeds planted in our garden, zucchini is undoubtedly on our list every year. We only plant 5-6 hills of zucchini, but this supplies us with enough fresh zucchini to last all summer long. It’s the plant that keeps on giving. 🙂

I am always on the search for more ways to prepare zucchini. I like to fry it, stew it, oven-roast it, pickle it, and use it in as many dishes as I possibly can. This is where Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries comes into play.

What Is Zucchini?

Did you know zucchini is really a fruit and not a vegetable? Yep, it’s true. Zucchini is a fruit, but it is referred to mainly as a vegetable. You will find it cooked and served primarily as a vegetable when prepared at home or in a restaurant.

Zucchini is a green, smooth-skinned summer squash. They are commonly found in home gardens and are usually easy to find in grocery stores.
Here in the south, zucchinis are usually seen at every farmer’s market and produce stand during the summer months.
Today I am sharing with you one of the many ways you can prepare zucchinis at your home for your family.

Are Zucchini Fries Healthier than French Fries?

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are a healthier alternative to french fries. I don’t have any scientific studies to back up this statement, nor do I care to do research to find an answer to this question. I just know they are healthier because they are baked and not fried and baked foods are better, right? 🙂

Should I Peel the Zucchini Before Slicing and baking?

Do not peel the zucchini before slicing or baking in this recipe. I usually wash the zucchini well and leave the peel on. If they are young zucchini, the peel will be tender enough to eat.

How Do You Slice Zucchini Fries?

*Rinse the zucchini under cold water and slice the ends off.
*Cut the zucchini in half by width.
*Slice each half in half by length. You will have 4 quarters.
*Slice each quarter into strips. Slice into the thickness desired. I usually slice each quarter into 4 fries, depending on how big the zucchini might be.

Ingredients Needed for Parmesan Zucchini Fries

 zucchini
oil
bread crumbs-Panko Seasoned
Grated Parmesan cheese
pepper

How to Make Zucchini Fries

*Preheat oven to 400 degrees
*spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray
*Cut zucchini in half (width)
*slice zucchini in strips (length)
*Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with oil
*using your hands, toss zucchini to make sure the strips are coated with oil
*line up zucchini in a row on the baking pan, slightly touching
*sprinkle with bread crumbs
*sprinkle with cheese
*sprinkle with pepper
*bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes
* Optional– Switch oven to broil during the last minute. WATCH CLOSELY! Broil the fries to give them a slightly crunchy texture. Remove from the oven when you have desired crispness.

Tips for Making the Best Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Make sure zucchini strips are dry before drizzling with the oil.
Sprinkle the strips generously with bread crumbs and parmesan.
Eat immediately. They will taste so much better hot from the oven. As they sit, they will begin to get a little soggy because of the water in the zucchini. So this is really not a “make-ahead” side dish.
Switch your oven to broil for the last minute or so. This will crisp the fries even more. But, WATCH CLOSELY! I usually leave the oven door cracked and watch the whole time my oven is broiling. Remove as soon as you get the desired crispness. Again, Watch Closely. I am speaking from experience here! 🙂

What is the Best Sauce for Dipping Zucchini Fries?

Well, in my house, it is usually served with Ranch Dressing. My family eats Ranch Dressing with just about anything and everything. You might also try a Marinara Sauce. Use your favorite brand. Just warm the sauce and serve for dipping. Delicious!

Can Zucchini Fries Be Eaten as a Snack?

Zucchini fries taste great as a snack. Just add your favorite dipping sauce, and you are all set. For a homemade Marinara Sauce, check out this link.

Parmesan Zucchini Fries are super easy to make and a great way to use all of those zucchinis from your garden. They are not just another side dish to serve — make them the star of the show! They are family and kid-approved! Try some tonight.

 

For more side dishes with yummy vegetables from your garden, be sure to check out the following:

Southern Fried Yellow Squash

Fried Green Tomatoes

Crispy Southern Fried Okra

Southern Fried Cabbage and Onion