Description
Crispy and flavorful Baked Zucchini Spears make a perfect healthy side dish or snack. Coated in garlic, olive oil, oregano, and Parmesan cheese, these zucchini spears bake to tender perfection with a golden browned finish from broiling.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium sized zucchini
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly and cut each into quarters lengthwise to create eight evenly sized spears ideal for baking.
- Coat with Garlic and Olive Oil: Rub the minced garlic and olive oil evenly over each zucchini spear, ensuring they are well coated for flavor and moisture.
- Season the Spears: Arrange the zucchini spears skin side down on the baking sheet. Sprinkle oregano, salt, black pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over them to add seasoning and richness.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the zucchini in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until they are tender. Then switch to broil and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to brown the tops and crisp up the cheese.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the baked zucchini spears warm as a delicious side dish or healthy snack.
Notes
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Use fresh oregano for an even more vibrant flavor if available.
- To make it lower sodium, reduce the salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
- These zucchini spears are best enjoyed immediately after baking to maintain their crispy texture.
- For a gluten-free snack, ensure the Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free.
