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To make Baked Zucchini Parmesan, you need: - 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds - 1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred for added flavor) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided - 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients create a tasty dish that highlights the zucchini's flavor and texture. You can boost the flavor with these optional ingredients: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano - Mozzarella cheese for added creaminess - Lemon zest for a fresh twist These additions can add personal flair to your Baked Zucchini Parmesan, making it your own! Each serving of Baked Zucchini Parmesan has about: - Calories: 220 - Protein: 10g - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 25g - Fiber: 4g - Sugar: 3g This dish is a great way to enjoy veggies and keep it healthy. For the full recipe, refer to the provided details. Start by washing the zucchinis under cold water. Pat them dry with a towel. Slice each zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds. This thickness allows for even cooking. A sharp knife works best for clean cuts. Next, drizzle the slices lightly with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps the coating stick better. Finally, season the slices with salt and pepper. This step enhances the zucchini's natural taste. In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, half of the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spoon to mix everything well. This creates a tasty coating for your zucchini. Take each slice and dip it into the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well. Lay the coated slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching. This helps them bake evenly. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once it's ready, put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the zucchini for about 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. While they bake, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan on low heat. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. After baking, take the zucchini out of the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each slice. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5-7 minutes. This melts the cheese nicely. When done, let the zucchini cool for a moment before serving. This makes handling easier and brings out the flavors. To get that perfect crispy texture, start with dry zucchini. Pat each slice with a paper towel. This helps remove excess moisture. Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added crunch and flavor. Also, make sure to coat each slice well with the breadcrumb mix. Press gently so it sticks. Bake at 375°F until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Check on them halfway through to ensure an even bake. If you want to change things up, there are easy swaps. Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch. You can replace Parmesan with mozzarella for a gooey texture. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast instead of cheese. For the marinara sauce, feel free to use a store-bought brand or make your own from fresh tomatoes. To add unique flavors, think outside the box. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. Add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to the breadcrumb mix. You can even mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a richer taste. For a smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika. The goal is to make it your own while keeping it tasty! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can find options made from rice or corn. These will still give you that nice crunch. Just ensure that the brand you choose is certified gluten-free. This small change lets everyone enjoy this tasty meal without worries. For a vegan version, you can replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast has a cheesy flavor that many love. You can also use vegan cheese shreds instead. Just pick a type that melts well. This keeps your dish both delicious and plant-based. If you want more protein, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage. You can slice the cooked chicken into thin pieces. For sausage, use a good quality option that you enjoy. Place the protein on top of the zucchini slices before adding sauce and cheese. This adds heartiness and flavor to your Baked Zucchini Parmesan. If you want to check out the full recipe, it has all the details you need. To keep your Baked Zucchini Parmesan fresh, let it cool first. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. This helps maintain moisture and flavor. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to eat it later, freezing is a great option. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but it may lose some crispiness. For a quick reheat, just pop it in for 1-2 minutes. Freezing is easy! First, let the dish cool completely. Cut it into individual servings for convenience. Wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy Baked Zucchini Parmesan for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy the tasty delight any time! Yes, you can use other cheeses. Mozzarella or cheddar work well. They change the taste a bit. If you want a sharper flavor, try Pecorino Romano. Mixing cheeses can add depth. Always keep the same amount of cheese for the best results. You can tell when zucchini is done by its color and texture. It should be golden brown and crispy on the edges. If you poke it with a fork, it should feel tender but not mushy. Usually, this takes about 20-25 minutes in the oven. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Baked Zucchini Parmesan goes well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread - Mixed green salad - Quinoa or rice - Roasted vegetables - Pasta with olive oil and herbs These sides add balance to the meal and enhance the flavors of the zucchini. Explore different combinations to find your favorite! For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Baked Zucchini Parmesan is easy to make and full of flavor. We covered the main ingredients and how to prepare them step-by-step. I shared tips for a crispy finish and ways to customize your dish. You can even explore gluten-free and vegan options. In the end, this dish is not just tasty; it fits many diets. Enjoy your cooking!

Baked Zucchini Parmesan

Discover the deliciousness of Baked Zucchini Parmesan Delight with this easy recipe! Perfectly crispy zucchini rounds are coated in a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with warm marinara and more cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy healthy veggies. Click through to explore how to make this mouthwatering treat today!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat preferred for added flavor)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an evenly baked dish.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with half of the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until thoroughly mixed to create your flavorful coating.

      Prepare the zucchini slices by drizzling them lightly with olive oil, then seasoning them generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.

        Carefully dip each zucchini slice into the breadcrumb mixture, using your fingers to press gently so the coating sticks well. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are evenly spaced.

          Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the zucchini for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them!

            While the zucchini bakes, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

              Once the zucchini is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the marinara sauce over each crispy slice and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

                Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble—this is where the magic happens!

                  Once done, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the zucchini cool slightly before serving to help with handling and enhance flavors.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: To impress your guests, arrange the baked zucchini on a beautiful serving platter, topped with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color, and drizzle some extra marinara sauce artfully around the edges for an inviting finish. Enjoy!