Name: Easy Baked Zucchini with Thyme and Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 to 4 zucchini, trimmed and cut length-wise into quarters (sticks); Extra virgin olive oil (I used Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, no stems; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp sweet paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; pinch salt

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Crisp, tender baked zucchini with a golden crust of freshly grated Parmesan, thyme and oregano! These Italian-flavored zucchini sticks are a crowed pleaser, served with a little Tztaziki sauce, or as a quick side next to your favorite mains. Best served hot-out-of-the-oven!

One trick makes all the difference. Be sure to grab my tips and check out the step-by-step tutorial for this baked zucchini recipe below. Healthy, vegetarian, and gluten-free!

Zucchini is one of my favorite ingredients (almost always on my shopping list.) They’re easy to work with, whether you’re looking for a hearty main dish like this zucchini casserole, a simple side like sauteed zucchini rounds, or a fun something to share like today’s baked zucchini sticks, a new family favorite!

Baked Zucchini with Thyme and Parmesan

If you ever have a few zucchini to use up on any given night, this baked zucchini recipe will come in handy! Your work time is 10 minutes tops, and the whole thing can be ready in 25 minutes or less.

These baked zucchini are tender on the inside, but firm and crispy on the outside. And you’ll love the Italian twist–a crunchy topping of grated Parmesan, fresh thyme and oregano!

Let me tell you, when I made these baked zucchini the other night, there was so much ooh and aah going on, they were finished before I was able to place them on the table! They are that addictive, and, thankfully, healthy.

How to Make Baked Zucchini Sticks

1. First, combine grated Parmesan, fresh thyme, dried oregano, paprika salt and pepper in a bowl to make the tasty Italian-flavored topping.

2. Place a wire rack inside a large baking sheet. Lightly brush the wire rack with extra virgin olive oil. Cut zucchini in halves length-wise, then cut each half, also length-wise, into 2 quarters (this makes the sticks you see here). Arrange zucchini sticks on top of the prepared rack.

3. Now the fun part! Simply sprinkle the Parmesan-thyme topping on the zucchini sticks.

4. Bake in 350 degrees heated-oven for 15 to 20 minutes…and if you’re looking for golden crispy top, broil for 2 to 3 minutes (watch carefully though!)

Important Tip for this Baked Zucchini Recipe

Many baked zucchini recipes will have you simply using a baking sheet, but in this recipe, I intentionally ad a wire rack (or cooling rack) on top of the baking sheet. The zucchini sticks are arranged on the wire rack, which allows the hot air to circulate freely so that the zucchini sticks will not get soggy on the bottom. The wire rack basically ensures better texture–zucchini sticks will be tender on the inside, while having a firm exterior with a crisp, golden Parmesan topping.

What to Serve Along?

These baked zucchini are super versatile and can serve so many roles on the table. Serve them as a snack or appetizer next to some Tzatziki, hummus or Baba Ganoush. But they can make a quick and healthy side next to your favorite protein.

Here are some ideas: Greek Meatballs, Garlic Dijon Chicken, Pan-Seared Trout, Italian Baked Chicken, Salmon Kabobs or Lamb Burgers

More Recipes to Try:

Baked Eggplant Fries

Italian Roasted Vegetables

Grilled Lettuce Salad with Corn, Tomatoes and Tahini

Homemade Chicken Gyros

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