What you will need

To make these delicious Baked Parmesan Zucchini Bites, you will need one pound of zucchini, which is about 2 medium-sized zucchinis or 3 small ones. Cut them into 0.25-inch thick slices. This amount is perfect for fitting on one standard baking sheet, ensuring that each slice gets the attention it deserves.

• Unsalted butter: This ingredient is essential for the best flavor. However, if you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute olive oil instead. Both options will work well, but the butter adds a rich taste that is hard to beat.
• Fresh garlic, thyme, and rosemary: Using fresh herbs will provide the best flavor profile for your parmesan zucchini bites. However, if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried versions can be substituted if necessary. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so you may want to use a smaller amount.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: It’s crucial to use freshly grated parmesan cheese for this recipe. Avoid the kind that comes in a green tube or pre-packaged, as those often contain fillers and anti-caking agents that can detract from the flavor.
• Sea salt and pepper: These simple seasonings will help round out the flavors of the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the parmesan zucchini bites.
• A parchment-lined baking sheet and oven: These are essential tools for baking your zucchini bites to perfection.

Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below for easy reference.

How to make Baked Parmesan Zucchini Bites

To start, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is key to achieving that bubbly, golden finish on your zucchini bites. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for now.

In a small bowl, mix together the unsalted butter, chopped thyme, and rosemary with the minced garlic. This herb butter will be the star of the show, infusing the zucchini with incredible flavor.

Next, place the zucchini slices on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer, giving each slice enough space to cook evenly.

Using a brush, generously apply the herb butter mixture to the tops of the zucchini slices. This step is crucial, as it will help the flavors meld together during baking.

Now, sprinkle sea salt over the zucchini slices, followed by a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and create a delicious crust on top of the zucchini, adding to the overall flavor and texture.

To finish, ground some black pepper over the top of the zucchini. This adds a bit of spice and enhances the savory notes of the dish. Bake in the preheated oven until the zucchini bites are bubbly and golden brown, which should take about 15 to 25 minutes depending on your oven. In my experience, they took around 20 minutes to reach that perfect state.

Once they are done baking, allow the zucchini bites to cool slightly before serving. This will help them set a bit and make them easier to handle.

Word of warning: you will not want to share these delicious bites! The zucchini has a subtle sweetness, and when combined with the savory herb butter and parmesan, it creates a KA-POW flavor explosion in your mouth that is simply irresistible.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• The sea salt is optional, so feel free to omit it if you prefer a lower sodium option. The parmesan cheese will still provide plenty of flavor.
• If you don’t have parchment paper, you can substitute foil or a silicone liner for the baking sheet. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly.
• I cut my zucchini on the diagonal because it looks pretty and provides more surface area for the cheese to adhere to, but round slices will work just as well. The shape doesn’t affect the taste, so choose whatever you prefer!

These Baked Parmesan Zucchini Bites are not only a fantastic way to enjoy zucchini, but they also make for a great conversation starter at gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a healthy snack, these bites are sure to impress.

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these delicious parmesan zucchini bites. They are simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family!

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Bites

Equipment

Ingredients

• 1 pound zucchini (approximately 2 medium or 3 small), cut into 0.25-inch thick slices.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 clove garlic, minced or 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves or 0.5 teaspoon dried
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves or 0.5 teaspoon dried
• 0.25 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (use more if desired)
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

To begin, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is essential for achieving that perfect bubbly and golden finish on your zucchini bites. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for later use.

In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, chopped fresh thyme, and rosemary with the minced garlic. This herb-infused butter will be the star of the dish, providing incredible flavor to the parmesan zucchini bites.

Next, take the zucchini slices and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. It’s important to lay them out in a single layer, ensuring that each slice has enough space to cook evenly. This will help them bake properly and achieve that delightful texture.

Using a brush, generously apply the herb butter mixture to the tops of the zucchini slices. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully during the baking process. Make sure each slice is well-coated for maximum flavor.

After brushing the zucchini, sprinkle a light layer of sea salt over the slices. This seasoning is optional, but it can enhance the overall taste. Following the salt, add a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the zucchini. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, crispy crust that adds to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

To finish off the preparation, grind some black pepper over the top of the zucchini. This adds a touch of spice and enhances the savory notes of the parmesan zucchini bites. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the zucchini bake until they are bubbly and golden brown. This should take about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your oven. In my experience, they took around 20 minutes to reach that perfect state.

Once they are done baking, allow the zucchini bites to cool slightly before serving. This cooling period will help them set a bit, making them easier to handle and enjoy.

Notes

The sea salt is optional, so feel free to omit it if you prefer a lower sodium option. The parmesan cheese will still provide plenty of flavor, ensuring that your bites are delicious.

If you don’t have parchment paper, you can substitute foil or a silicone liner for the baking sheet. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly with these alternatives.

I cut my zucchini on the diagonal because it looks appealing and provides more surface area for the cheese to adhere to, but round slices will work just as well. The shape doesn’t affect the taste, so choose whatever you prefer!

For those who love extra cheesy bites, consider using 1 to 1.5 cups of grated cheese. This will make your parmesan zucchini bites even more indulgent and satisfying.

These Baked Parmesan Zucchini Bites are not only a fantastic way to enjoy zucchini, but they also make for a great conversation starter at gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a healthy snack, these bites are sure to impress.

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these delicious parmesan zucchini bites. They are simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family!

Absolutely amazing, and so incredibly easy to make!!! I had some zucchini that was going bad, and since it is my favorite vegetable, I often use it for a variety of dishes. However, my partner bought me too much at once, and I needed to find a way to use it up. I made a few modifications based on the seasonings I prefer and the type of cheese I had on hand, but WOW! I am so excited to experiment with different combinations in the future!

Initially, all I could find upon my first search were ideas for grated zucchini, but this recipe for baked parmesan zucchini bites is just SO much better! The crispy, cheesy texture combined with the fresh herbs creates a delightful flavor that is hard to resist. I can’t wait to try adding different spices or even mixing in other vegetables. This dish is not only a fantastic way to enjoy zucchini, but it also makes for a great conversation starter at.