Baked Zucchini Sticks
Crunchy zucchini sticks with a buttery, cheesy breadcrumb coating—perfect as a light snack or side, blending savory parmesan, Italian herbs, and a golden crust for veggie lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut zucchini lengthwise into quarters, then halve each quarter crosswise.
- Dip the pieces into beaten egg, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Coat the zucchini with a mixture of Italian bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Arrange the coated sticks on a cookie sheet.
- Drizzle melted butter over the sticks.
- Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve as finger food or as a vegetable side with a meal.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be great substitutes. To make these gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as zucchini can become mushy; aim for a crisp, golden finish.
Serving Suggestions
These baked zucchini sticks are perfect as finger food at parties or as a side dish with meals. Pair them with marinara sauce for dipping or alongside Italian recipes like Linguini Al Pesto or Eggplant Spaghetti Sauce for a complete meal. They also make a great addition to a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover zucchini sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Zucchini Sticks contains roughly 119 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 569mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use larger zucchinis for this recipe?
While you can use larger zucchinis, they may contain more moisture, which can affect the crispiness of the sticks. If using larger zucchinis, be sure to remove excess seeds and moisture by patting them dry before coating.
Can I make these zucchini sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini sticks and coat them ahead of time. Arrange them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions.
What other dips can I serve with these zucchini sticks?
In addition to marinara, try serving them with ranch dressing, tzatziki, or even a spicy aioli for extra flavor. These dips complement the flavors of the zucchini sticks beautifully and make for a tasty appetizer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).