Name: Baked Parmesan-Herb Zucchini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 small to medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Olive oil, for drizzling

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 76 reviews

If you are craving a simple yet irresistibly flavorful vegetable dish, this Baked Parmesan-Herb Zucchini Recipe is the perfect way to elevate your zucchini game. It combines tender, juicy zucchini spears with a crispy, golden Parmesan and herb crust that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it. The earthy dried herbs paired with the salty, nutty Parmesan cheese bring out the best in the zucchini, making this dish a standout for weeknight dinners or a charming side for special gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your go-to for adding both color and zest to your meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Parmesan-Herb Zucchini Recipe - Recipe Image

Getting this Baked Parmesan-Herb Zucchini Recipe right is all about simple, quality ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each component plays a role in delivering a dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and fresh.

Zucchini: Opt for small to medium zucchini for tender, perfectly cooked spears.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that sharp, nutty flavor and crisp topping.
Dried thyme: Adds a gentle, earthy warmth that complements the cheese.
Dried oregano: Brings subtle Mediterranean herbaceous notes.
Dried basil: A fragrant herb that brightens the dish’s flavor profile.
Dried rosemary: Crumbled for a piney, robust herb punch.
Garlic powder: Infuses a mellow garlic undertone, enhancing the savory depth.
Kosher salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors harmoniously.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice and complexity.
Olive oil: A drizzle to develop a golden, crispy texture while adding richness.

How to Make Baked Parmesan-Herb Zucchini Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for getting a perfectly crispy topping without overcooking the zucchini. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil—this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Wash the zucchinis thoroughly to remove any dirt; then pat them dry. Trim off the ends before slicing each zucchini into quarters lengthwise. These spears are just the right size for even roasting and a satisfying bite.

Step 3: Arrange the Zucchini

Place the zucchini wedges on your baking sheet with the skin side down. This positioning helps the cheesy topping crisp nicely on the exposed flesh side, ensuring each bite has a delightful crunch followed by tender vegetable goodness.

Step 4: Mix the Parmesan and Herb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese with the dried thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This blend is what brings the Baked Parmesan-Herb Zucchini Recipe to life, infusing every bite with layers of savory, aromatic flavor.

Step 5: Apply the Topping and Olive Oil

Evenly sprinkle the cheese and herb mixture onto each zucchini spear, pressing down gently so it sticks. Follow this with a light drizzle of olive oil—this step is crucial because the oil not only helps the topping achieve a gorgeous golden hue but also adds a luscious richness that ties everything together.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Tender

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese topping is bubbly, golden, and crisp while the zucchini underneath is tender but not mushy. Remove from the oven and get ready to impress!

How to Serve Baked Parmesan-Herb Zucchini Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with about two layers of zucchini sticks stacked in a criss-cross pattern. Each zucchini stick has a green base with a thick golden-brown breadcrumb and cheese topping that looks crispy and slightly browned. Some melted cheese strands are visible between the zucchini sticks. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over the top, adding a fresh touch. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your Baked Parmesan-Herb Zucchini Recipe with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil. This adds a fresh visual appeal and a burst of herbaceous brightness that complements the baked flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This zucchini pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a crisp, cheesy contrast to juicy proteins. It’s also perfect alongside a hearty pasta dish or served with crusty bread to soak up any leftover olive oil and melted cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these zucchini spears stacked in a rustic wooden bowl or arranged artfully on a bright ceramic plate for added visual interest. For parties, place them on a platter with lemon wedges on the side to add a splash of citrus when serving. They also make a charming addition to a vegetable antipasto spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover Baked Parmesan-Herb Zucchini Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes for a fantastic next-day snack or a quick side dish.

Freezing

While zucchini retains texture best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Reheat carefully to prevent sogginess—oven reheating is preferred over microwaving.

Reheating

To bring back the tasty crispiness, reheat your zucchini in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method refreshes the cheese topping and warms the zucchini without making it limp or overly soft.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried for this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs can give a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried and sprinkle them on before baking or as a garnish.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Definitely. Zucchini is low in carbs and packed with nutrients, and the cheese and herbs add flavor without adding carbs, making it an excellent choice for low-carb or keto-friendly meals.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Parmesan is ideal for its sharpness and crisping qualities, but you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or a hard Asiago for a similar effect, though the flavor profiles will differ slightly.

How do I prevent the zucchini from getting soggy?

Cutting the zucchini into spears instead of rounds and baking at a high temperature helps keep them crisp. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so the heat circulates well for even cooking.

Can I prepare the topping mixture in advance?

Yes, you can mix the Parmesan and herbs a day ahead to save time, but keep it refrigerated and add it to the zucchini just before baking for maximum freshness and flavor impact.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a new favorite vegetable dish into your rotation, the Baked Parmesan-Herb Zucchini Recipe is a total winner. It’s fast to make, requires only a handful of pantry staples, and delivers incredible flavor that will charm family and guests alike. Trust me, once you taste that crisp, cheesy herb topping paired with tender zucchini, you’ll be hooked—so grab your zucchinis and get baking!