Crisp, tender baked zucchini with a golden crust of freshly grated Parmesan, thyme and oregano. These Italian-flavored zucchini sticks are a crowed-pleaser. Best served hot out of the oven with a little red sauce or served with red sauce or Tztaziki sauce for dipping. Vegetarian and gluten free.

One trick makes all the difference, be sure to read through for tips and watch the video in the recipe below!

Baked zucchini sticks, stacked on a plate with a side of Tzatziki sauce

Zucchini, also called courgette, are treated like a vegetable but they are actually fruit! They are a variety of summer squash in the gourd family.

Nutrient-rich zucchini is one of my favorite ingredients, and are almost always on my shopping list. They are easy to work with and there are many tasty ways to enjoy them!

What is the best way to eat zucchini?

First, let me just say, when they are in season, you can eat sweet-fleshed zucchini raw with just a dash of salt and a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil. But there are many ways to cook zucchini:

Baked zucchini with an Italian twist

If you ever have a few zucchini to use up on any given night, this 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 oven roasted zucchini are tender on the inside but firm and crispy on the outside. And you'll love the Italian twist--a golden brown crunchy topping of grated Parmesan cheese and an Italian seasoning of fresh thyme and oregano.

Let me tell you, when I made these zucchini sticks the other night, they were finished before I was able to place them on the table! Thankfully, they're healthy.

Parmesan, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper combined to make topping for baked zucchini

How long to bake zucchini?

This will depend on how you cut the zucchini and the oven temperature. I recommend cutting the zucchini into thicker spears, that way you are sure not to over-bake them and they will maintain their crunch. At 375 degrees F, they will take about 15 to 20 minutes to bake.

How to bake zucchini

Crispy and delicious zucchini will take about 20 minutes to bake at 350 degrees F. This recipe is so easy to make, here is how:

  • Cut the zucchini into spears (or thick sticks)
  • Put a wire rack on a large, rimmed baking sheet and arrange the zucchini in one single layer on top of the wire rack
  • Brush the zucchini sticks with some good extra virgin olive oil (this is what will help hold the topping and will allow the zucchini to crisp up nicely in the oven).
  • Add the topping. Mix the Parmesan, fresh thyme, oregano, and paprika in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly on the zucchini spears
  • To bake the zucchini, set the oven at 350 degrees F. It will take about 15 to 20 minutes or so. And to add that golden hue, put the zucchini under the broiler for a couple of minutes (watch carefully so the topping does not burn).
Baked Zucchini Sticks on Wire Rack

How do you roast zucchini without it getting soggy?

Here are 3 tips that make all the difference:

  • Cut the zucchini into thicker spears. You'll see in the video below that I basically take one zucchini, cut it in half length-wise, then each half is cut again creating two spears (or quarters). Because these zucchini sticks are thicker, they stay crisp and you get the perfect bite when baked.
  • Use a wire rack for crispier zucchini! Many recipes will have you putting the zucchini spears directly on a baking sheet. In this recipe, I intentionally add 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 and the zucchini will be tender on the inside while having a firm exterior and crunchy exterior.
  • Avoid overbaking your zucchini! It's easy to overcook them, so set a timer and check on your zucchini! You don't want them to release too much water and get soggy (luckily, if you cut your zucchini as instructed and use a wire rack to bake them, that should help a ton).

Ways to serve zucchini sticks!

These tasty zucchini are one of those items that can serve many roles on the table. I have some ideas for you:

Baked Zucchini Sticks On plate with garnish of fresh parsley

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4.86 from 95 votes

Baked Zucchini Recipe with Parmesan and Thyme

Suzy Karadsheh
Baked zucchini sticks, stacked on a plate with a side of Tzatziki sauce
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!
Prep – 10 minutes
Cook – 15 minutes
Cuisine:
Italian
Serves – 5 people
Course:
Appetizer, Side Dish

Ingredients
  

For Parmesan-Thyme Topping:

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves no stems
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika I used this all-natural paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • pinch kosher 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
  • Sprinkle the Parmesan-thyme topping on each zucchini stick
  • 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.

Video

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
  • Visit Our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils and all-natural and organic spices. 

Nutrition

Calories: 66kcalCarbohydrates: 4.8gProtein: 5.4gFat: 3.3gSaturated Fat: 1.8gPotassium: 319.4mgFiber: 1.6gVitamin A: 458.2IUVitamin C: 22.3mgCalcium: 139.3mgIron: 0.9mg
Tried this recipe?

*This post originally appeared on The Mediterranean Dish in 2019 and has been updated with new information and media for readers' benefit.

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I'm Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I'm all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you're here...
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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These look amazing and I love how easily they come together! Definitely the perfect use for zucchini. They sound absolutely incredible paired with the tzatziki sauce.

  2. Hi Suzy,
    Many of the nutrition labels do not include sodium. So many of us now watch sodium content it would so helpful if you would include.
    Your recipes are terrific ... thanks

  3. 5 stars
    These were so easy to make and tasted wonderful. I had some left over topping and baked a couple of tomatoes alongside. Wow! The sweetness of the tomato and topping are a great combination.

  4. These were amazing Suzy!!!! Fit in perfectly with my weight watchers plan. I have incorporated quiet a few of your recipes. Light,healthy and delicious

  5. Simple and so delicious, I find myself trying so many of these recipes and they are always a hit!

  6. 5 stars
    One of my favorites things to eat. Great recipe, I had never made it like this before. Saved so I can do it again soon!