Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds Recipe

Okay, let’s talk about these Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds—they are seriously addictive. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with just the right amount of cheesy goodness, they’re the perfect snack or side dish to add some excitement to your meals. Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp, golden-brown zucchini round, with a burst of Parmesan and herbs in every bite. Whether you’re trying to sneak more veggies into your diet or you’re looking for a crispy, flavorful snack, these zucchini rounds are sure to become a new favorite. I promise you, they’ll disappear in no time!

Why You’ll Love Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds

Here’s why these crispy little rounds will quickly become your go-to recipe:

• Crispy & Crunchy: The coating of Parmesan and breadcrumbs creates the ultimate crispy texture you crave, while the zucchini stays tender on the inside.
• Healthy & Flavorful: Zucchini is a low-calorie veggie packed with nutrients, and when paired with a golden, cheesy crust, you’ve got a snack that feels indulgent but is still healthy.
• Perfect Snack or Side: They make an awesome appetizer, side dish, or snack for any occasion. They’re great for family dinners, game nights, or even just a healthy treat.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here—just basic pantry staples that you likely already have at home. These crispy zucchini rounds are quick and easy to make!
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the seasonings to suit your taste. Add a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even some fresh herbs for a fun twist.

Ingredients

To make these crispy zucchini rounds, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Zucchini: The main ingredient! Fresh and firm zucchinis are the best choice.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is what gives these rounds their golden, cheesy crust. It’s the secret to that irresistible flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs for the perfect crispy coating. If you want an extra crunch, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead.
• Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the zucchini slices.
• Olive Oil: A little olive oil brushed on the zucchini rounds helps them get that crispy, golden finish in the oven.
• Garlic Powder: For a little extra savory kick.
• Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme adds delicious flavor to the crust.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the zucchini rounds to perfection.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get crispy! Here’s how to make these Parmesan zucchini rounds:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the zucchini rounds from sticking to the pan and help them get extra crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Slice the zucchini into ½-inch thick rounds. If you want to make them a little fancier, you can slice them into rounds and then cut them into halves for more bite-sized pieces. Pat the zucchini rounds dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which will help them crisp up better when baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

In one shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.

Step 4: Coat the Zucchini

Dip each zucchini round first into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure the crumbs stick well to the zucchini. Place the coated zucchini rounds onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 5: Bake the Zucchini

Brush each zucchini round lightly with olive oil to help it crisp up in the oven. Bake the zucchini rounds for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once they’re perfectly crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve these crispy Parmesan zucchini rounds with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara, ranch, or even a little extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy kick.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 200
Total Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 85mg
  Sodium: 420mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
  Protein: 10g
  Vitamin A: 8% DV
  Vitamin C: 20% DV
  Calcium: 25% DV
  Iron: 6% DV
  Potassium: 400mg (10% DV)

(Note: Exact nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient choices and serving sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds

These crispy rounds are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to enhance your experience:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli for dipping. You could even add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for some extra flair!
• As a Side Dish: These make a fantastic side dish to complement grilled chicken, steak, or pasta.
• Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• In a Salad: Top a fresh salad with these crispy zucchini rounds for a delightful texture contrast.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Zucchini: Fresh zucchini will yield the best texture. Older zucchinis tend to have more moisture, which could make the rounds less crispy.
• Try Air Frying: If you have an air fryer, these zucchini rounds can be air-fried for an even crispier result. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
• Batch Cooking: If you’re making a large batch, keep the baked zucchini rounds warm in the oven on a low setting until you’re ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these zucchini rounds ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prep the zucchini rounds, coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use a different cheese besides Parmesan?
A2: Absolutely! While Parmesan is classic, you could also use pecorino Romano, mozzarella, or even a mix of cheeses for a different twist.

Q3: How do I make the zucchini even crispier?
A3: For extra crispiness, try spraying the zucchini rounds lightly with cooking spray before baking or increase the oven temperature slightly toward the end of cooking.

Q4: Can I use a different vegetable besides zucchini?
A4: Yes! This recipe works great with other veggies like eggplant, sweet potatoes, or even squash. Just slice them into similar-sized rounds and follow the same steps.

Q5: Can I freeze the zucchini rounds?
A5: Yes! Freeze the zucchini rounds before baking. Once they’re coated, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen when ready.

Q6: Can I make these zucchini rounds with panko breadcrumbs?
A6: Yes! Panko breadcrumbs will give them an extra crispy, crunchy texture. Just substitute them for regular breadcrumbs.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftover zucchini rounds in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until they’re crispy again.

Q8: Can I use low-fat cheese?
A8: Yes, you can use a lower-fat version of Parmesan cheese if you’d like, though the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

Q9: Are these zucchini rounds kid-friendly?
A9: Absolutely! These crispy rounds are a great way to get kids to enjoy zucchini. The crispy coating and cheesy flavor make them a fun and delicious snack.

Q10: Can I make these zucchini rounds without eggs?
A10: Yes! You can use a flax egg or a mixture of milk and cornstarch as a substitute for the eggs to help the breadcrumbs stick.

Conclusion

These Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and veggie goodness! They’re easy to make, absolutely delicious, and versatile enough to serve as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked. So, grab some zucchini and get ready for a crispy, golden treat that everyone will love!

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