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 Cabbage and Onion
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Ingredients
- 2 pounds zucchini
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons Panko Seasoned Bread Crumbs
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray. I like to line my baking sheet with foil and spray the foil. Easy cleanup.
- Cut zucchini in half (width). Then slice each piece into strips (length). Place on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle zucchini well with oil. Using your hands, toss zucchini to make sure each piece is coated well with the oil. Line up zucchini in a row facing up and slightly touching.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs, cheese, and pepper.
- Bake at 400° 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.
These look so good with the Parmesan! I love zucchini and am always trying to find new ways to prepare it
I live this healthier twist on fried zucchini. Still delish but not fried!
These look so yum! Love that the recipe is so easy to follow
These look so amazing and I love how easy they are to make. I’m definitely serving these with ranch and I know my son will love them too! Yay for veggies!
I don’t have enough zucchini recipes, so this is amazing! All that parmesan makes it sound soooo good!
Mmmm, I’ve just planted a few courgettes at the allotment and can’t wait for the crop! This is my favourite veggie and will clearly make this recipe as you mentioned cheese, which I could survive on!
I love both parmesan and zuccini, so I love this baked parmesan zucchini fries recipe too! So easy to make and so delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this! I have more zucchini and squash growing in my garden than I know what to do with. Even after gifting everyone in the neighborhood with a few. This recipe comes in very handy! I love Parmesan too!
I have to try these baked parmesan zucchini fries. I love finding kid-approved recipes for my family. These sound like a good, easy side for any day of the week. Thank you for sharing this treat.
This Parmesan zucchini fries recipe looks delicious. I can always use another zucchini recipe. Thanks so much for sharing!
Great recipe with just a handful of ingredients. And I am so glad I came across it! We ha a couple of courgettes leftover and were looking for a good side dish, and this really hit the spot! Loved the crispy cheesy coating 🙂