Baked Parmesan Zucchini – A Perfect Christmas & Thanksgiving Side Dish

🎉 Introduction

When the holiday table is filled with rich, hearty dishes, you need a side that’s light, flavorful, and comforting at the same time. Baked Parmesan Zucchini is exactly that kind of recipe. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with savory Parmesan, this dish brings balance and freshness to festive meals without stealing the spotlight.

This recipe is especially perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving because it’s:

• Easy to prepare alongside big holiday mains
• Loved by both adults and kids
• Naturally vegetarian
• Light enough to complement heavier dishes

With minimal ingredients and a short bake time, this baked zucchini recipe delivers maximum flavor with very little effort. It’s a side dish that feels special enough for holidays, yet simple enough for everyday dinners.

🧰 Equipment Needed

To prepare baked Parmesan zucchini, you’ll need:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula or tongs

Tip: Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning.

🛒 Ingredients

Prepare all ingredients before starting.

Vegetables

• 4 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into spears

Coating

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Fats

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Ingredient Notes:

• Fresh zucchini should be firm for the best texture.
• Parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor and helps create a crisp crust.
• Italian seasoning brings a festive herb aroma perfect for holidays.

👩‍🍳 Directions

Follow these steps for perfectly golden baked Parmesan zucchini.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

• Wash and dry the zucchini.
• Slice each zucchini lengthwise into even spears.

Step 3: Season the Zucchini

• Place zucchini spears in a large bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil.
• Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Toss gently until evenly coated.

Step 4: Add Parmesan

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the zucchini.
• Toss lightly so the cheese sticks to the oil-coated surfaces.

Step 5: Arrange for Baking

• Arrange zucchini spears in a single layer on the baking sheet.
• Make sure they are not overlapping.

Step 6: Bake

• Bake for 15–18 minutes, until zucchini is tender and Parmesan is golden.

Step 7: Optional Crisp Finish

• Switch oven to broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.
• Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 8: Serve

• Remove from oven and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes

A quick and elegant side dish for holiday meals.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Reheating

• Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes

Tip: Avoid microwaving to keep the zucchini crisp.

🥄 Variations

Customize your baked Parmesan zucchini for different occasions:

• Extra Crispy Version
  • Add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs
• Herb-Forward Holiday Style
  • Add dried thyme or oregano
• Spicy Twist
  • Add chili flakes
• Cheese Blend
  • Mix Parmesan with grated mozzarella
• Garlic Lover’s Version
  • Add fresh minced garlic before baking

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Is this recipe good for holidays?
   Yes, it’s perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving.
2. Does zucchini get soggy?
   Not if baked at high heat.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Best served fresh, but can be reheated.
4. Is this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, completely vegetarian.
5. Can I use yellow squash instead?
   Yes, it works very well.
6. Do I need breadcrumbs?
   No, Parmesan alone creates crispness.
7. Is this kid-friendly?
   Yes, mild and cheesy.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, use two baking sheets.
9. What does it pair well with?
   Roasted meats, poultry, or plant-based mains.
10. Can I air fry it?
    Yes, cook at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes.

🏁 Conclusion

This baked Parmesan zucchini is proof that simple side dishes can still feel festive and special. Crispy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, it’s a lighter addition to your Christmas or Thanksgiving table that everyone will appreciate.

Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just want an easy vegetable side that delivers big flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed winner you’ll come back to year after year.

Adam

Baked Parmesan Zucchini – A Perfect Christmas & Thanksgiving Side Dish

When the holiday table is filled with rich, hearty dishes, you need a side that’s light, flavorful, and comforting at the same time. Baked Parmesan Zucchini is exactly that kind of recipe. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with savory Parmesan, this dish brings balance and freshness to festive meals without stealing the spotlight. This recipe is especially perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving because it’s: Easy to prepare alongside big holiday mains Loved by both adults and kids Naturally vegetarian Light enough to complement heavier dishes With minimal ingredients and a short bake time, this baked zucchini recipe delivers maximum flavor with very little effort. It’s a side dish that feels special enough for holidays, yet simple enough for everyday dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Prepare all ingredients before starting.

Vegetables

• 4 medium zucchini sliced lengthwise into spears

Coating

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Fats

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Ingredient Notes:

• Fresh zucchini should be firm for the best texture.
• Parmesan adds a savory nutty flavor and helps create a crisp crust.
• Italian seasoning brings a festive herb aroma perfect for holidays.

Equipment

• To prepare baked Parmesan zucchini, you’ll need:
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula or tongs
• Tip: Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning.

Method

 

1. Follow these steps for perfectly golden baked Parmesan zucchini.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Wash and dry the zucchini.
2. Slice each zucchini lengthwise into even spears.

Step 3: Season the Zucchini

1. Place zucchini spears in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Toss gently until evenly coated.

Step 4: Add Parmesan

1. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the zucchini.
2. Toss lightly so the cheese sticks to the oil-coated surfaces.

Step 5: Arrange for Baking

1. Arrange zucchini spears in a single layer on the baking sheet.
2. Make sure they are not overlapping.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until zucchini is tender and Parmesan is golden.

Step 7: Optional Crisp Finish

1. Switch oven to broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.
2. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 8: Serve

1. Remove from oven and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes

Tip: Avoid microwaving to keep the zucchini crisp.

🥄 Variations

Customize your baked Parmesan zucchini for different occasions:

Extra Crispy Version

Add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs

Herb-Forward Holiday Style

Add dried thyme or oregano

Spicy Twist

Add chili flakes

Cheese Blend

Mix Parmesan with grated mozzarella

Garlic Lover’s Version

Add fresh minced garlic before baking

❓ 10 FAQs

Is this recipe good for holidays?
Yes, it’s perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Does zucchini get soggy?
Not if baked at high heat.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Best served fresh, but can be reheated.

Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, completely vegetarian.

Can I use yellow squash instead?
Yes, it works very well.

Do I need breadcrumbs?
No, Parmesan alone creates crispness.

Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, mild and cheesy.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use two baking sheets.

What does it pair well with?
Roasted meats, poultry, or plant-based mains.

Can I air fry it?
Yes, cook at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes.

🏁 Conclusion

This baked Parmesan zucchini is proof that simple side dishes can still feel festive and special. Crispy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, it’s a lighter addition to your Christmas or Thanksgiving table that everyone will appreciate.

Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just want an easy vegetable side that delivers big flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed winner you’ll come back to year after year.