Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks
These sticks are roasted until the Parmesan creates a golden, savory crust around the tender zucchini.
Ingredients
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2–3 medium zucchinis, cut into sticks
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2–3 tbsp olive oil
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
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Optional: A pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
Instructions
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchinis and pat them completely dry. Slice off the ends, then cut them into halves or thirds crosswise. Slice each section into even “sticks” or fries.
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Tip: Keeping the sticks roughly the same size ensures they all cook at the same rate.
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The Coating: In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
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Toss and Season: Place the zucchini sticks in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss until every stick is lightly coated. Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture over the zucchini and toss again, or dip each oiled stick individually into the cheese mixture for a thicker crust.
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Bake: Arrange the zucchini sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they aren’t touching so the air can circulate, making them crispier.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes.
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For extra crunch, turn the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and deep golden brown.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and let them sit for 2 minutes to allow the cheese crust to firm up. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Perfect Pairings
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Marinara Sauce: The acidity of tomato sauce perfectly balances the salty Parmesan.
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Lemon Yogurt Dip: Mix Greek yogurt with lemon zest and a little dill for a refreshing contrast.