Baked Zucchini Spears

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and a short baking time, this dish is ready in under 20 minutes.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Zucchini is low in calories and rich in vitamins C and A, making it a great addition to any balanced diet.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
• Versatile: These zucchini spears pair well with a variety of main dishes and beverages, enhancing any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized zucchinis
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchinis thoroughly. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters to create 8 spears.
3. Season the Zucchini: In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and olive oil. Brush this mixture evenly over each zucchini spear.
4. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the zucchini spears with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add Parmesan: Generously sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the seasoned zucchini spears.
6. Bake: Place the prepared zucchini spears on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until they are tender.
7. Broil: Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy flavor.
• Herb Substitutions: Swap dried oregano for thyme, basil, or rosemary to change the flavor profile.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use grated Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese substitute if preferred.
• Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for added crunch.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover zucchini spears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the zucchini spears on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the zucchini soggy.

FAQs

How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy?

To avoid sogginess, ensure the zucchini spears are patted dry before seasoning. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing them to crisp up during baking.

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe. Frozen zucchini tends to release more water upon cooking, which can result in a soggy texture.

Can I make these zucchini spears ahead of time?

While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can prepare the zucchini spears up to the seasoning step and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking.

Can I grill these zucchini spears instead of baking them?

Yes, you can grill the zucchini spears. Preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the spears for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and grill marks appear.

How can I make the zucchini spears crispier?

For extra crispiness, consider adding a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs on top before baking. This will give the spears a crunchy texture.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and melts more evenly, you can use pre-grated cheese if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like yellow squash or eggplant. Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the vegetable’s size and moisture content.

How do I prevent the Parmesan cheese from burning?

Keep an eye on the zucchini spears during the broiling step, as broilers can vary in intensity. If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can lower the oven rack or reduce the broiling time.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a sharp cheddar. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly.

Are these zucchini spears suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, zucchini is low in carbohydrates, making this recipe suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Baked Zucchini Spears

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Julia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Baked Zucchini Spears are the perfect healthy side dish or snack. Coated in garlic, oregano, and Parmesan cheese, they’re baked to crispy perfection, offering a savory bite with a tender interior. Ready in just 20 minutes, these zucchini spears are a nutritious, customizable addition to any meal.

---

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized zucchinis
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven:

  • Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Prepare the Zucchini:

  • Wash the zucchinis thoroughly. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters to create 8 spears.

• Season the Zucchini:

  • In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with olive oil. Brush this mixture evenly over each zucchini spear.

• Add Seasonings:

  • Sprinkle the zucchini spears with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

• Add Parmesan:

  • Generously sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the seasoned zucchini spears.

• Bake:

  • Place the prepared zucchini spears on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until they are tender.

• Broil:

  • Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

• Serve:

  • Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Notes

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy twist.
• Herb Substitutions: Swap dried oregano for other herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary for a new flavor.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese if preferred.
• Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean