Description
Festive Baked Parmesan Zucchini is a delightful and easy-to-make side dish perfect for your Christmas celebrations. Tender slices of zucchini are topped with a savory mixture of Parmesan cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, and aromatic herbs, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe offers a crispy, flavorful twist on a healthy vegetable that pairs beautifully with holiday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 medium-sized zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
Toppings
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil as alternative)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even baking and a golden brown finish on your zucchini.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchini into 1/4 inch thick rounds for uniform cooking and a pleasant texture.
- Mix the Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is thoroughly coated with oil for a cohesive topping.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Generously sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over each slice, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the zucchini from the oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately as a festive side dish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste variation.
- Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a milder flavor and healthy fats.
- To make the topping extra crispy, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor and festive appearance but is optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 150g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Baked zucchini, Parmesan zucchini, Christmas side dish, festive vegetable recipe, baked vegetable, holiday side dish
