This Italian baked zucchini recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful side dish. The combination of tender zucchini rounds, aromatic Italian seasoning, and golden parmesan cheese creates a dish that's both simple and satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry or fridge. However, if you don't typically stock Italian seasoning or parmesan cheese, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, while parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese that adds a savory, umami flavor.

Ingredients For Italian Baked Zucchini Recipe
Zucchini: A versatile summer squash that becomes tender and flavorful when baked.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the zucchini slices to crisp up in the oven.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings a classic Italian flavor to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the zucchini and other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the dish.
Parmesan cheese: A hard, aged cheese that melts beautifully and adds a savory, umami flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the zucchini, make sure to slice them evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent thickness. This will result in evenly baked zucchini slices that are tender throughout and have a perfectly golden parmesan crust.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, suitable for baking.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs, providing a comparable flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar taste.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly milder flavor but can be used in the same amount.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty cheese that can mimic the flavor and texture of Parmesan.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the zucchini to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the zucchini soggy.
- Transfer the cooled zucchini slices into an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The zucchini will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- For freezing, place the cooled zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are in a single layer.
- Freeze the zucchini slices for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the zucchini slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for reference.
- When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen zucchini slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the zucchini lightly with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the zucchini is warmed through and the parmesan cheese is melty.
Microwave Method:
- Arrange the leftover zucchini slices on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
- Place the leftover zucchini slices in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the zucchini is heated evenly and the parmesan cheese is re-melted.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover zucchini slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the zucchini is warmed and the parmesan cheese is crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the zucchini slices until they are tender and the cheese is golden brown.
Mixing bowl: Used to toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Baking sheet: Used to arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer for baking.
Knife: Used to slice the zucchini into rounds.
Cutting board: Provides a surface to safely slice the zucchini.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Grater: Used to grate the Parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.
Spatula: Useful for transferring the zucchini slices to the baking sheet.
Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot baking sheet when removing it from the oven.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-slice the zucchini: Slice the zucchini in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Use pre-grated cheese: Save time by using pre-grated parmesan cheese instead of grating it yourself.
Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make cleanup quicker.
Mix in a bag: Toss the zucchini slices with olive oil and seasonings in a resealable plastic bag for even coating and easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and bake on two baking sheets to have leftovers for the next day.

Italian Baked Zucchini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the zucchini slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
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