Imagine transforming the humble zucchini into a decadent, cheesy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Creamy Parmesan Baked Zucchini is not just another vegetable side dish – it's a culinary revelation that turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience. With a golden, crispy Parmesan crust and a luxurious cream base, this recipe will make even the most vegetable-reluctant eaters fall in love with zucchini.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Zucchini, sliced
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Heavy cream
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice them into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture when baking.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well.
- Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Drizzle heavy cream evenly over the zucchini slices, making sure each slice gets a light coating.
- Sprinkle the prepared Parmesan cheese mixture generously over the cream-coated zucchini slices.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the zucchini rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cream to set and the cheese to cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always pat your zucchini slices completely dry before baking. This ensures a crispy texture and prevents soggy results.
- Uniform Slicing Matters: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create even 1/4-inch thick slices. Consistent thickness guarantees uniform cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Arrange zucchini in a single layer without overlapping. This allows each slice to crisp up and get that beautiful golden color.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and better melting properties.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to enhance the flavor profile.
- Watch Closely: Ovens can vary, so start checking your zucchini at the 15-minute mark to prevent burning.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 2-3 minutes after baking to let the cream set and flavors meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
