Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are a great no-fuss way to get kids (and adults) to eat their vegetables. Crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside with a nice bit of saltiness from the Parmesan cheese these fries are your new favorite way to eat zucchini. Served with a marinara, these make a great kid friendly and figure-friendly appetizer or side dish. Yields: 36 zucchini fries
3medium zucchini, cut into 3-inch long x 1/2-inch wide strips [See Note 3]
cooking spray
Optional Garnish:
Marinara sauce for dipping
extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling over the top of the serving plate
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Combine the first 5 ingredients in a shallow bowl large enough to dredge the zucchini strips.
Place the beaten eggs in a second shallow bowl for dredging.
Dip zucchini in the egg and then dredge in the panko seasoning mix. Press to coat.
Handling by the ends of each stick (so as to not disturb the coating), place zucchini onto a baking rack fitted into a shallow baking tray (I also line my tray with parchment for easy clean up). Repeat until all the zucchini strips are coated.
Lightly spray each stick with cooking spray to promote browning.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping. [See Note 4]
Notes
Panko bread crumbs are Japanese style bread crumbs which are bigger and have a nice crunchy texture.
We find that freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best with this recipe but you may use shredded as an alternative.
Trim the ends of the zucchini and then cut each in half across the middle. Turn and cut in half lengthwise to create 4 pieces. Cut eat piece lengthwise into three uniform sticks, forming 12 sticks per zucchini. Repeat with the other 2 zucchini.
These are best served immediately but leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 200 degrees F for 10 minutes to crisp them up again.