Bushra Griffith
Zucchini and parmesan cheese is a match made in heaven. This simple side dish is easy to make and pairs well with almost any meal. To make it, slice your zucchini, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and top with a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven at 400-450°F for 5 minutes, then broil for 2-5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the zucchini is tender. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Cook Zucchini with Parmesan Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Side |
| Oven Temperature | 350°F-450°F |
| Ingredients | Zucchini, Parmesan Cheese, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes, Onion Powder |
| Preparation | Slice zucchini, dress with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, arrange on a baking sheet, top with parmesan cheese, bake for 5 minutes, broil for 2-5 minutes |
| Serving Suggestions | Serve immediately, garnish with parsley, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut zucchini for baking
Zucchini and parmesan cheese is a match made in heaven. This delicious combination is healthy, nutritious, and completely addictive.
Firstly, select small to medium-sized zucchini for baking. If you are using large zucchini, peel the tough skin and use a spoon to remove the seeds.
Next, decide whether you prefer softer or firmer zucchini. For softer zucchini, cut into thinner rounds, approximately 1/4-inch thick. For firmer zucchini, cut into thicker slices, about 1/2-inch thick. You can also cut the zucchini into quarters lengthwise, creating zucchini sticks that will become crispy and tender during baking.
After slicing the zucchini, some recipes suggest patting the slices with a towel to absorb any moisture. This step can help the oil and seasoning mixture adhere better to the zucchini.
Finally, arrange the zucchini slices on a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Drizzle olive oil over the zucchini, and sprinkle with your desired seasonings and the grated parmesan cheese.
Now you are ready to bake your delicious zucchini and parmesan creation!
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Seasoning and spices
Salt and Pepper
A classic combination of salt and pepper is a simple yet effective way to season your zucchini. Salt can be used to remove moisture from zucchini before cooking, especially if you plan to sauté it. This helps prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy. When roasting zucchini in the oven, however, you can choose to omit the salting step as roasting is a dry cooking method. Pepper, on the other hand, adds a subtle kick of heat and spice to the dish.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is a beloved seasoning that can take your zucchini and Parmesan dish to the next level. It adds a hint of garlic flavour to each slice of zucchini in a way that fresh garlic cloves cannot replicate. Just make sure your garlic powder is fresh; if it's more than six months old, consider getting a new jar for the best flavour.
Onion Powder
Onion powder is another great option to season your zucchini. It adds a savoury, onion flavour without the need for chopping or tears! It blends well with other spices and herbs in your zucchini dish.
Red Pepper Flakes
If you enjoy a little heat in your food, red pepper flakes are an excellent addition. They provide a spicy kick that complements the other flavours in the dish. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. It often includes basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. This seasoning blend adds a delightful herbal aroma and flavour to your zucchini and Parmesan creation.
Fresh Herbs
Don't underestimate the power of fresh herbs! Parsley, thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary can all be used to enhance the flavour of your dish. Sprinkle them on top or mix them into your zucchini and Parmesan combination before baking. Fresh herbs not only add flavour but also provide a beautiful, vibrant garnish.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of these seasonings and spices to find your perfect flavour profile. Remember, the beauty of cooking is in the exploration and personalisation of flavours to suit your taste buds!
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Baking time and temperature
The baking time and temperature for zucchini with parmesan cheese depend on the texture and level of browning you want to achieve. For softer zucchini, slice it into thinner rounds, around 1/4-inch thick. For firmer zucchini, cut it thicker, closer to 1/2-inch. The baking time will also depend on the amount of zucchini you are cooking and your desired level of crispness.
Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 450°F. Place the sliced zucchini on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with seasonings and Parmesan cheese. Bake for around 5 minutes, then turn on the broiler and broil for an additional 2 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on the zucchini to prevent burning. The total cooking time will be around 7 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness and browning.
If you are baking a larger batch of zucchini, you may need to increase the baking time accordingly. Similarly, if you prefer your zucchini on the softer side, you may need to reduce the baking time. It is important to note that the thickness of the zucchini slices will also impact the baking time. Thinner slices will cook faster and result in softer zucchini, while thicker slices may require a few extra minutes in the oven to reach the desired tenderness.
Additionally, the type of oven and individual oven variations can affect the baking time and temperature. Some ovens may run hotter or cooler than others, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your zucchini while it's in the oven and adjust the temperature or timing as needed.
By adjusting the baking time and temperature within the provided ranges, you can tailor the recipe to your desired texture and doneness, ensuring that your zucchini with parmesan cheese turns out perfectly every time.
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How to store leftovers
If you have any leftover zucchini and parmesan cheese, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. It's best to keep the squash whole, dry, and unwashed. Place it in a covered container or a paper or plastic bag, ensuring one end is open for ventilation. The refrigerator's crisper drawer is ideal, as it maintains minimal humidity.
If you've already cut the zucchini, seal it tightly in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store it in the crisper drawer for four to five days. If you've made zucchini noodles (zoodles), it's best to use them immediately as they'll quickly become soggy and limp in the fridge.
For longer-term storage, freezing is a great option. Zucchini will keep in the freezer for about three months. To freeze, wash the zucchini and cut it into small pieces, about 1/2-inch thick. Blanch the zucchini in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes, until slightly tender and brightly coloured. Then, drain and transfer the zucchini to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain again and pack into freezer bags in 1- or 2-cup portions.
When you're ready to use your frozen zucchini, simply defrost it in the refrigerator overnight. If you're short on time, you can place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water or thaw it in the microwave at half power. Drain off any excess water, and your zucchini is ready to use!
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How to serve zucchini and parmesan cheese
Zucchini and Parmesan cheese is a match made in heaven and is a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying veggie side. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to serve zucchini and Parmesan cheese:
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients:
- Zucchini
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Other seasonings or fresh herbs to taste (optional)
Preparation
Firstly, preheat your oven to 450°F. Then, slice your zucchini into rounds or lengthwise into quarters. If you prefer softer zucchini, slice it thinner (around 1/4-inch thick). For firmer zucchini, cut it thicker (about 1/2-inch thick). If using large zucchini, peel the skin and scrape out the seeds with a spoon.
Next, arrange the zucchini slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano, basil, or rosemary. Finally, top the zucchini with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking
Bake the zucchini in the oven for about 5 minutes. Then, turn on the broiler and continue cooking for another 2-5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the zucchini is tender-crisp. Keep a close eye on the zucchini while broiling, as it can burn quickly.
Serving
Serve your zucchini and Parmesan cheese immediately as a side dish. It pairs well with pasta, roasted or grilled chicken, fish, or simple lunch sandwiches. You can also serve it as a snack with pizza or marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Zucchini, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Slice the zucchini into rounds, about 1/4-inch thick for softer zucchini and 1/2-inch thick for firmer zucchini.
Baking or roasting are the most common ways to cook zucchini with parmesan cheese. Preheat your oven to 350-450°F, dress the zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, arrange them on a baking sheet, top with grated parmesan cheese, and bake for 5 minutes. Finish by broiling for 2-5 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and crispy.
The total cook time is about 7-10 minutes, depending on your oven temperature.
Roasted zucchini with parmesan cheese is a versatile side dish that pairs well with pasta, chicken, fish, or a simple sandwich. It can also be served cold in a salad.
