Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks
User Reviews
4.5
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks
Description
To prepare, zucchini is cut into sticks and dipped first in a seasoned egg wash, then coated thoroughly with a seasoned mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Baking at 425°F crisps the coating to a golden brown, providing a crispy crust while the zucchini inside remains tender. The Parmesan adds a savory richness and depth to the breadcrumb coating.
The sticks can be enjoyed alone or paired with dipping sauces such as ranch or marinara to complement their cheesy crunch and provide moisture. The texture contrast between crispy exterior and tender zucchini makes this an appealing way to incorporate vegetables into snacks or sides.
Optional preparation tips include using an air fryer for added crispiness, salting zucchini slices ahead of time to reduce moisture, and using separate hands for coating steps to avoid clumps. These details improve texture and ease of cooking. Storing in an airtight container after cooling helps retain crispness for up to two days.
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini cut in sticks
- 1 cup breadcrumbs I used Panko
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 egg
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- ranch dressing optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut each zucchini in half width-wise, then cut each half in half lengthwise, then each quarter in half again, so you end up with 8 sticks from one zucchini.
- Mix dredge: Beat the egg in a shallow plate. Season the egg with salt and pepper. In another shallow plate mix the Panko breadcrumbs together with the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge: Dip each zucchini stick in the egg wash, then roll through the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each stick is fully covered with the breadcrumbs. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Serve with ranch dressing or marinara sauce.
Notes
- Air frying the zucchini sticks at 400°F for 10 minutes yields extra crispiness.
- Salting sliced zucchini before breading helps reduce excess moisture for a crunchier result.
- Use one hand for dipping sticks into egg wash and the other for breadcrumb coating to avoid clumping on fingers.
- Spray breadcrumbs lightly with cooking spray before baking to enhance browning.
- Store fully cooled zucchini sticks in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain crispness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 98 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 3sticks | |
| Calories | 98kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 285mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 232mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 226IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 114mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.