If you’re searching for a snack or side that’s as crowd-pleasing as it is easy, look no further than these Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds. Golden, cheesy, and crisp on the edges, each bite bursts with savory flavor and that irresistible “just one more” quality. They’re a fantastic way to use up summer zucchini and bring the family together, whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a sunny potluck. Even picky eaters can’t resist the combo of tender zucchini and crispy, salty Parmesan!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, letting each ingredient shine. Every item adds something special to the flavor, texture, or color of your Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds, so don’t skip a thing!
- Zucchini: Choose medium, firm zucchini for the perfect bite and lovely green color.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings and cheese stick, and gives a touch of richness to each round.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky depth without overpowering the delicate zucchini flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a warm, aromatic background to the dish.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of both the zucchini and the cheese.
- Black pepper: Offers just a hint of heat and balances the savory elements.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The real star—Parmesan melts and crisps into a golden, salty crust.
How to Make Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking, but it also makes cleanup a breeze. You want a hot oven to ensure the zucchini cooks quickly and the Parmesan gets beautifully golden.
Step 2: Slice and Season the Zucchini
Slice your zucchini into ¼-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the slices as even as possible so they bake at the same rate. Toss them in a mixing bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is coated, which guarantees maximum flavor in every bite!
Step 3: Arrange and Add the Cheese
Lay the seasoned zucchini rounds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. It’s important not to overlap them—give each slice a little space. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over each round. The more evenly you spread it, the more consistent that crispy, cheesy topping will be.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into your hot oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. You’re looking for tender zucchini and Parmesan that’s turned golden and crisp around the edges. If you love an extra crunch, try broiling for 1–2 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye so nothing burns!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds immediately while they’re warm and crisp. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish or a snack, they’re best fresh from the oven when that cheese is at its crunchiest.
How to Serve Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
Garnishes
A little garnish can make your Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds even more enticing. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for color and freshness, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. A light squeeze of lemon over the top can brighten up the flavors, too.
Side Dishes
These rounds are wonderfully versatile. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or pasta for a balanced meal. They’re also fantastic with a crisp green salad or a simple tomato soup, letting the cheese and herbs shine without competition.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. You can also stack them in small towers with a dollop of marinara between layers for a fun appetizer. If you want to get fancy, serve them on a wooden board with other roasted veggies and cheese for a colorful, rustic spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), let your Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rounds may lose a bit of their crispness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze these rounds, they tend to lose their crisp texture when thawed. If you do freeze them, space them out on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen for best results, but know that the texture will be softer.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness, reheat Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds in a hot oven (about 400°F/200°C) for 5–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy. Using the broiler for a minute or two can help bring back some of that golden crunch.
FAQs
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash works beautifully in this recipe and will give your Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds a slightly different color and a bit of sweetness. Just follow the same instructions for slicing and seasoning.
What kind of Parmesan cheese is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan from a block melts and crisps the best, giving you that signature golden topping. Pre-grated cheese can work in a pinch, but avoid the powdery kind in the green can for this recipe.
How do I make these even crispier?
For extra crunch, try broiling the rounds for the last 1–2 minutes of baking. You can also add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs with the Parmesan for a more textured topping that gets extra crispy in the oven.
Are Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds gluten-free?
Yes, as written, these rounds are naturally gluten-free. If you add breadcrumbs for extra crunch, just be sure to use a gluten-free variety if needed.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
You sure can! Arrange the rounds in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes, checking for golden, crispy cheese. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the simplicity and flavor of Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds. They’re easy enough for any night but special enough to share with friends and family. I hope you give them a try soon—don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you can bake a second batch!
Print
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds are a delicious and healthy side dish or snack featuring tender zucchini slices coated with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and topped with crispy, golden Parmesan cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
Ingredients
Zucchini and Seasoning
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Toss Zucchini: In a large bowl, combine the zucchini slices with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure each slice is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange Slices: Lay the zucchini rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap to allow even cooking and crispness.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each zucchini slice, giving a generous coating for flavor and crisp texture.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the Parmesan cheese has turned golden and crisp.
- Optional Broiling: For extra crispiness, broil the zucchini rounds for an additional 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately as a tasty side dish or healthy snack.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the zucchini rounds for 1–2 minutes after baking.
- Adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs along with Parmesan cheese can enhance crunch.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best flavor and better melting.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; Italian seasoning can be substituted with herbs like oregano or basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 8–10 rounds
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
