Description
These Roasted Parmesan Zucchini Rounds are a delightful side dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are an easy and impressive addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchinis (approximately 1 pound)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat or panko)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, or thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- While the oven heats, wash the zucchinis thoroughly and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking — avoid slicing them too thin or thick, as this can lead to uneven texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the sliced zucchini to the bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss the zucchini rounds gently to ensure they are well-coated with the oil and breadcrumb mixture. A common mistake here is not coating them evenly, which can lead to some rounds being soggy.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the zucchini rounds in a single layer on the sheet, making sure they aren’t overlapping. This helps them roast evenly and become crispy.
- Bake the zucchini in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Halfway through, around the 10-minute mark, flip the rounds over to ensure both sides get that golden crisp. They should be golden brown on the outside and tender inside when done.
- Once the zucchini rounds are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: For the crispiest texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Be careful not to overcrowd the baking sheet to avoid steaming the zucchini rounds.