Baked Zucchini with Garlicky Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Baked Zucchini with Garlicky Parmesan Breadcrumbs- a simple easy vegetarian side dish that is baked in the oven. Kid-friendly and GF adaptable. 

Here’s a very simple recipe for baked zucchini that no one seems to tire of. It’s fast and easy to whip up letting the oven do most of the work. Perfect for these first weeks of the busy school year. And I’ve found, even the most finicky vegetable eaters seem to gravitate towards these- because seriously, what’s not to like about garlicky parmesan breadcrumbs? Kids love these guys!

Small zucchini seem to work best for this recipe- but whatever size you use, make sure they are evenly sized to ensure even cooking time. Coat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper and roast in a 425 F  oven until fork tender.

While they are baking stir the topping ingredients together!

Make the simple Garlic Parmesan Bread Crumb topping and load them up. Then bake the zucchini again 5-7 minutes until golden and melty.

How simple is that?

For a little boost of color, I like to add cherry tomatoes to the same baking pan- letting them burst in the oven. Garnish with a few sprigs of thyme.

Baked Zucchini Baked Zucchini with Garlicky Parmesan Bread Crumbs- a little quickie for you!

xoxo

Sylvia

Baked Zucchini with Garlicky Parmesan Breadcrumbs

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

Baked Zucchini with Garlicky Parmesan Bread Crumbs- a simple easy vegetarian side dish that is baked in the oven. Kid-friendly and Gluten-free adaptable.

• Author: Sylvia Fountaine
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 25
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Category: vegetable side dish, side, vegetarian
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Northwest

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

1. 4–5 small zucchini ( or 3–4 medium-sized) sliced in half lengthwise (see notes)
2. olive oil to coat
3. salt and pepper to taste
4. 1 cup cherry tomatoes – optional, see notes

Parmesan Bread Crumb Topping:

1. 1/2 cup panko or toasted bread crumbs ( or GF Panko)
2. 1/4 cup shredded parmesan or pecorino ( or an Italian blend is nice)
3. 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella ( or melty cheese)
4. 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves ( or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
5. 2 fat garlic cloves finely minced ( use a garlic press) or grated
6. zest of one lemon
7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
8. 1/4 teaspoon pepper
9. 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
10. 1–2 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

425 F oven

Cut zucchini in half legnthwise, careful to cut down the middle to each side is the same size. Place in a medium bowl, drizzle with a little olive oil ( just enough to lightly coat), toss, season with salt and pepper.

Place on a parchement- lined  sheet pan and bake until fork tender and golden, about 22-30 minutes depending on size.

While this is baking make the Garlic Parmesan Breadcrumb topping: In a medium bowl, add everything but the oil. Mix well, using your fingers making sure garlic is very evenly distributed. Add the oil last just enough to lightly coat and mix again with fingers. Set aside.

When zucchini is fork-tender, take out of the oven, increase heat to 475F.

Top with the Parmesan Bread Crumb topping using it all up.

Bake 5-8 minutes or until deeply golden, melty and fragrant.

Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.

Notes

Smaller, 6-inch zucchini work best here! Try to cut the zucchini so both sides are a similar thickness. Try to pick zucchini that are roughly the same size. This will help ensure even cooking.

For color, you could add a cup of cherry tomatoes to the roasting pan along side zucchini and use as a garnish!

Keywords: Baked zucchini, baked zucchini with parmesan, baked zucchini with breadcrumbs

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