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:
Grilled Lettuce Salad with Corn, Tomatoes and Tahini
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Easy Baked Zucchini with Thyme and Parmesan
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
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!
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)
For Parmesan-Thyme Topping:
- 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
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan, thyme and spices until well combined.
- Prepare a large baking sheet topped with a wire baking rack like this one. Lightly brush the baking rack with extra virgin olive oil (or use a healthy cooking spray.)
- Arrange the zucchini sticks, skin-side down, on the baking rack and brush each zucchini stick with extra virgin olive oil then sprinkle with the Parmesan-thyme topping.
- Bake in heated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Then, for a golden crispy topping, broil for 2 to 3 minutes more, watching carefully.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer with a side of tzatziki or hummus for dipping! Or serve it as a side next to your protein of choice.
Notes
- Cook’s Tip: if possible, don’t skip using a wire rack in step #3. The wire baking rack 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 zucchini sticks are a great appetizer to kick-start your meal, but they can also make an easy side next to your favorite protein. These mains would go especially well: Greek Meatballs, Garlic Dijon Chicken, or Pan-Seared Trout, Italian Baked Chicken, Salmon Kabobs or Lamb Burgers
- Category: Side
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Baked Zucchini, Zucchini Sticks, Oven Baked Zucchini
Easy, tasty, healthy treat! Love it.
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So great to hear it
I’m not much of a zucchini- eater but I just pulled these out of the oven, and these are great! So easy to prepare and healthy too. Thanks for the great recipe!
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Oh that’s awesome! so glad you gave them a try!
I love eating breaded zucchini like this and that it’s a healthier because it’s baked! It’s a great way to get the kids to eat it too!
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Oh my kids love these too! Glad you gave them a try!
Delicious and easy…my two criteria for any recipe. I’m lovin summer garden vibes! Thanks for another winner!
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Thanks so much for tip of using the rack to raise them off of the sheet! It keeps them nice and crispy!
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This recipe will be great for using my garden veggies
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This is so yummy! Perfectly seasoned and delicious!
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This is such a delicious easy recipe. My kids and I gobbled them up! Keeper for sure.
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This was so incredible! I have so much zucchini to use up and I can’t wait to make this again!
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This is the perfect way to use fresh zucchini!
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So easy and so delicious, thanks for another awesome recipe!
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The recipe was delicious but my zucchini were dry. Do you think I should toss in EVOO then put on Parmesan cheese?
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I’ve only had fried zucchini! I love this baked version!
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I love sauteing zucchini rounds with thyme, so I knew I’d love this recipe! It’s super tasty!
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I’m so glad I bought Zucchini yesterday! This is going to be delicious for dinner tonight. Can’t wait!
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Love this guilt-free snacking idea! Perfect as a side dish or for me I would snack on these all day long 😉
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Totally! Enjoy
This is a great way to get kids to eat their veggies – so tasty and such a fun food to eat. Thanks for the recipe.
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YES! My kiddos love these!