Baked Zucchini Sticks

Looking for a healthy and delicious snack or appetizer? These Baked Zucchini Sticks are just what you need! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for dipping and munching. Plus, they’re super easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe!

Tips and Tricks:

• Make sure to slice the zucchini evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.

• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add garlic powder, onion powder, or chili flakes for extra flavor.

• For extra crispy zucchini sticks, you can place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the sticks.

• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing.

How to Make Baked Zucchini Sticks

Ingredients:

• 3 Small Zucchini
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Corn Starch
• 30g Parmesan Cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp Italian Herbs
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 1 tsp Paprika
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Wash the zucchini and slice them into sticks, ensuring they’re not too thick or too thin.

• In a large bowl, toss the zucchini sticks with olive oil until evenly coated.

• Add Italian herbs, pepper, paprika, and salt to the bowl. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

• Sprinkle corn starch and grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini sticks. Toss again until all pieces are coated.

• Spread the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other.

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the zucchini sticks turn crispy and golden brown.

• Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Substitutions:

• Feel free to use any other hard cheese instead of Parmesan, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

• You can replace olive oil with melted butter or avocado oil for a different flavor profile.

Storing Leftover Baked Zucchini Sticks

If you plan to consume the zucchini sticks within a few days, store them in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days. Place them in a single layer in the container to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Freezing: If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the baked zucchini sticks. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

To reheat refrigerated or frozen zucchini sticks, follow these steps:

• Refrigerated: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the zucchini sticks on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

• Frozen: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the frozen zucchini sticks on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

FAQ:

• Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even cheddar cheese can be used as alternatives. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the cheese you choose.

• Can I make these baked zucchini sticks in an air fryer?

Yes, absolutely! Baking zucchini sticks in an air fryer is a great alternative method. Simply preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, arrange the coated zucchini sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the zucchini sticks.

What to serve with Baked Zucchini Sticks

• Carrot Cucumber Salad

• Cucumber Coleslaw Salad

• Lamb’s Lettuce Salad