There’s something irresistible about crispy, cheesy zucchini fresh from the oven. If you’re looking for a simple, nutritious, and flavorful dish, Cheesy Baked Zucchini Towers are the perfect solution. These bite-sized, golden-baked zucchini stacks offer a delicious combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and black pepper, making them an excellent appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Zucchini is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable that absorbs flavors beautifully. When baked with cheese and spices, it transforms into a crispy, savory treat that’s healthy yet indulgent. Whether you’re serving these zucchini towers at a dinner party, as a side to grilled meats, or as a fun snack for kids, they are guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy & Cheesy – A crunchy coating with a gooey Parmesan flavor.
✔ Healthy & Low-Carb – A nutritious alternative to fried snacks.
✔ Easy & Quick – Minimal prep and ready in under 30 minutes.
✔ Kid-Friendly – A fun way to encourage kids to eat more veggies.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Serve as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Zucchini Towers
Gather these simple ingredients before you start:
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Large zucchini (sliced thin) | 2 |
Eggs (beaten) | 2 |
Grated Parmesan cheese | ¾ cup |
Flour (any type) | ⅓ cup |
Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
Onion powder | ½ tsp |
Black pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Zucchini Towers
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
2. Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow bowl, mix together:
- Flour
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
3. Coat the Zucchini
- Dip each zucchini slice into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
- Dredge the zucchini slices in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
4. Assemble the Zucchini Stacks
- Place coated zucchini slices on the prepared baking sheet.
- Stack 2-3 slices on top of each other, depending on the thickness.
5. Bake the Zucchini Towers
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the zucchini towers cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Cheesy Baked Zucchini Towers
✔ As a Side Dish
Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a balanced meal.
✔ As a Party Appetizer
Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
✔ As a Healthy Snack
Enjoy them on their own as a crunchy, satisfying treat.
✔ With Pasta or Salad
Pair with a pasta dish or fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
Freezing Option:
- Freeze uncooked, coated zucchini slices in a single layer before baking.
- Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~120 |
Protein | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 9g |
Fat | 7g |
Fiber | 2g |
Calcium | 150mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Try using cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
2. What if I don’t have flour?
You can replace the flour with almond flour, breadcrumbs, or crushed pork rinds.
3. Can I fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Fry in hot oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
5. Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes! Add smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for more flavor.
6. What’s the best way to slice zucchini for this recipe?
Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to ensure even, thin slices for better stacking.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Cheesy Snack
Cheesy Baked Zucchini Towers are the perfect crispy, cheesy, and healthy dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a side dish, or a fun appetizer, these zucchini stacks will satisfy your cravings without guilt.
Try this simple, delicious recipe today and bring a crunchy, cheesy delight to your table!
PrintCheesy Baked Zucchini Towers: A Crispy and Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor, these Cheesy Baked Zucchini Towers are the perfect combination of nutritious and indulgent. Thin zucchini slices are coated with Parmesan, garlic, and spices, stacked, and baked to golden perfection. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these zucchini towers are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini, sliced thin
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup flour (any kind)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
2. Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow bowl, mix together:
- Flour
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
3. Coat the Zucchini
- Dip each zucchini slice into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat both sides.
- Dredge the egg-coated slices in the Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating stick.
4. Assemble the Towers
- Place coated zucchini slices on the prepared baking sheet.
- Stack 2-3 slices on top of each other, depending on thickness.
5. Bake the Zucchini Towers
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the zucchini towers cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or garlic aioli.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the zucchini towers for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- To make it gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular flour.
- Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or smoked paprika for more flavor.
- Best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American