Stuffed Zucchini

Parmesan Zucchini is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy fresh zucchini. Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, this simple recipe turns everyday zucchini into an irresistible side dish or snack.

Topped with garlic, herbs, buttery breadcrumbs, and a generous layer of parmesan cheese, this oven-baked dish is everything you love about easy zucchini recipes; tender on the inside with a crunchy crust on the outside. Whether you call it Parmesan Crusted Zucchini or just zucchini with parmesan cheese, every bite is savory, crisp, and completely addictive.

What Makes This Parmesan Zucchini Work

This Parmesan Zucchini recipe works so well because it combines simple, fresh ingredients with just the right amount of texture and flavor. The zucchini stays tender on the inside, while the parmesan and breadcrumb topping turns irresistibly golden and crispy in the oven.

It’s also a versatile dish: you can serve it as a side, a snack, or even an appetizer. The mix of garlic, herbs, and melted butter brings everything together, making this one of those easy zucchini recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

What Goes Into Parmesan Zucchini

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You don’t need much to make this crispy and flavorful Parmesan Zucchini, just a few pantry staples and fresh zucchini come together to create the perfect balance of tender and crunchy.

• Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini halved lengthwise forms the base, becoming tender while holding its shape under the crispy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts into the breadcrumbs for that salty, nutty flavor and golden crust everyone loves.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and airy, panko gives the zucchini its signature crunch, making every bite perfectly crisp.
• Garlic and Parsley: Fresh garlic adds bold flavor, while chopped parsley brightens up the dish with a hint of freshness.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make Parmesan Zucchini

1. Preheat and Prep Pan: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking oil.

2. Arrange Zucchini: Place halved zucchini cut side up on the sheet in a single layer. Pat dry if needed so the topping sticks.

3. Make the Topping: In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, parsley, and garlic until evenly mixed. Stir to distribute the garlic and herbs.

4. Season and Moisten: Pour in the butter; season with ¾ teaspoon salt and ⅓ teaspoon pepper. Toss until the breadcrumbs fully absorb the butter, about 40 seconds.

5. Top and Mist: Spoon the mixture evenly over each zucchini half, pressing lightly so it adheres. Mist the crumb topping with a little cooking oil spray.

6. Bake, Broil, and Serve: Bake for 20 minutes until the zucchini is tender. Broil for 5 minutes to crisp, then garnish with parsley and serve warm.

This Parmesan Zucchini makes the perfect companion to bold and flavorful mains. Try serving it alongside Slow Cooker Barbacoa Short Rib Tacos for a fun contrast, the crisp zucchini balances out the rich, spiced beef beautifully.

It also pairs wonderfully with creamy dishes like Creamy Chicken with Herbs, where the fresh crunch cuts through the silky sauce. Or keep things simple and light with 2 Ingredient Pesto Chicken, letting the herby flavors of the pesto and the garlicky parmesan topping complement each other in the best way.