Looking for the ultimate healthy side dish that tastes good? We got you. These Baked Parmesan Zucchini rounds are crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor.  They are perfect for satisfying savory cravings or adding a veggie boost to your diet. They are quick to make with only few ingredients—ready in under 30 minutes.

Unlike classic heavy fried options, this recipe uses minimal oil and delivers golden-brown perfection straight from the oven. It’s high-flavor, guilt-free recipe that fits into any clean eating or fitness focused routine. You won’t regret If you add it to your weekly meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Parmesan Zucchini

Zucchini is one of the most versatile vegetables in the kitchen which is why it’s always high on my list. It’s low in calories, watery and rich in antioxidants. It can easily rival any processed chip when paired with freshly grated parmesan and roasted in the oven. It transforms into a delicious snack or side.

This zucchini recipe makes a clean, satisfying choice no matter who’s at the table. Also, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be made vegetarian.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

To make this baked parmesan zucchini, you’ll need:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: chopped parsley or lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Next, rinse the zucchinis and slice them into even 1/4-inch thick rounds. This ensures they cook evenly and crisp up uniformly. Then, place the slices on a paper towel and pat them dry. Removing excess moisture is key—this helps the parmesan adhere and encourages a crispy texture rather than steaming in the oven.

2. Season and Toss

Place the zucchini slices into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss the slices well until evenly coated.

Next, add most of the grated parmesan cheese—but set aside about 2 to 3 tablespoons for later. Gently toss the zucchini again so the cheese sticks to the oiled surfaces. This step builds a flavorful coating while keeping some cheese in reserve for added crisp texture during baking.

3. Arrange on Baking Sheet

Lay the seasoned zucchini slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they don’t overlap—this gives each slice enough space to roast evenly and get those delicious crispy edges.

Once arranged, sprinkle the reserved 2 to 3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese directly over the tops of the zucchini slices. This final cheesy layer melts and browns beautifully in the oven, creating a golden, crisp finish that adds even more flavor and texture.

4. Bake to Crispy Perfection

Put the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Halfway through, flip the zucchini slices to ensure both sides become golden and slightly crisp.

You’ll know they’re done when the cheese turns golden brown and the edges of the zucchini start to curl up slightly.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the zucchini from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Then garnish with chopped parsley, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy!

How to Serve

I mentioned earlier the versatility of zucchini. You can enjoy it on its own as a snack, or pair it with:

• Grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal
• Quinoa or brown rice bowls
• A light soup or salad
• Marinara or Greek yogurt dip for extra flavor

It’s great for party platters or game-day appetizers when you need some light food on the table.

Crispy Baked Parmesan Zucchini Recipe

---

• Author: Emily
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful, these baked parmesan zucchini slices are the perfect easy side or snack.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: chopped parsley or lemon zest for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
3. In a large bowl, toss zucchini slices with olive oil.
4. In a small bowl, mix parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Press each zucchini slice into the parmesan mixture, coating both sides.
6. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
8. Garnish with parsley or lemon zest if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve them hot and crispy as a side dish or snack. They’re a great low-carb alternative to chips!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: zucchini, parmesan, baked, side dish, low carb

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers are no problem with baked parmesan zucchini. Just store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave because it softens the texture and eliminates the crispiness.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Values are estimates based on the use of olive oil and freshly grated parmesan.

Tips for Perfect Baked Zucchini

• Use freshly grated parmesan. From my experience it melts and browns better than the pre-packaged one.
• Space out the slices. If you crowd them, you’ll trap the moisture. They’ll be soggy instead of crispy.
• Crank the oven temperature. High heat is key to golden, caramelized cheese edges.
• Add breadcrumbs for crunch. Toss in a tablespoon of gluten-free breadcrumbs with the cheese if you want crispier texture.

Clean, Simple, and Satisfying

This zucchini recipe proves that simple ingredients can produce incredible flavor. It’s made to support you goals and it’s tasty enough to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cutting carbs, or just looking for a guilt-free side dish—this recipe checks all the boxes.