Oven "French Fried" Zucchini Spears
Crispy, flavorful zucchini spears baked to perfection with herbs and Parmesan, offering a healthy snack or side dish with a satisfying crunch and savory taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F.
- Spray a nonstick cookie sheet with cooking spray or lightly wipe with vegetable oil.
- Combine herbed bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and pepper on a sheet of wax paper.
- Quarter zucchini lengthwise and slice each spear in half to make shorter pieces.
- Place zucchini spears in a plastic bag; add vegetable oil and water.
- Close the bag and shake until spears are lightly coated with oil.
- Roll spears in crumb mixture until lightly coated.
- Arrange spears in a single layer on the prepared pan.
- Bake uncovered in the oven for 7 minutes or until browned and tender-crunchy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, try using panko bread crumbs instead of regular herbed bread crumbs. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Romano or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer. If you're short on time, skip the soaking step by tossing the zucchini directly with oil and crumbs. This dish is a great way to use up extra zucchini from your garden.
Serving Suggestions
These zucchini spears make a great appetizer or snack on their own, but you can pair them with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch for added flavor. They also complement grilled meats or can be served alongside a fresh salad, such as Holiday Tossed Salad, for a complete meal. For a delicious dessert, serve with Easy Sour Cream Coffee Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover zucchini spears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy again. This will help maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven "French Fried" Zucchini Spears contains roughly 246 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% 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 make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs. Look for brands that offer seasoned options to maintain the flavor profile. Additionally, check that your vegetable oil is gluten-free, as most should be.
How long can I keep leftover zucchini spears?
Leftover zucchini spears can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Reheating in the oven can help restore some of their original crispness.
Can I use a different type of vegetable?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other vegetables like eggplant or asparagus. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different vegetables may have varying moisture content and cooking durations to achieve that perfect tender-crunchy texture.
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).