Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Coins
Highlighted under: Fresh Meals
I love crafting these crispy zucchini parmesan coins as a perfect side dish or snack. The combination of tender zucchini and crunchy parmesan creates an irresistible bite that everyone in my family enjoys. While it might seem simple, the secret lies in the layer of breadcrumbs and the perfect seasoning to bring out the flavors. I always serve them fresh from the oven with a side of marinara for dipping, making them a delightful treat for both kids and adults alike.
When I first tried making these crispy zucchini parmesan coins, I was amazed by how a few simple ingredients could lead to such a delightful snack. I discovered that slicing the zucchini into even coins helps achieve that golden crust, and I always dry them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents them from getting soggy in the oven, ensuring they turn out perfectly crispy.
One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite herbs or spices. I love adding a pinch of cayenne for a little kick, but you can stick to classic Italian seasonings like oregano and basil for a more traditional flavor. Each batch turns out uniquely delicious!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy exterior that gives way to soft, tender zucchini
- Rich flavor from melted Parmesan cheese
- Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion
Perfecting the Coating
To achieve the perfect crunchy texture on your zucchini coins, ensuring an even coating is key. When you dip the zucchini in the beaten egg, let any excess drip off before moving on to the breadcrumb mixture. This allows the coating to stick better, preventing it from falling off during baking. If you find the mixture is too dry, a splash of water or a little more egg could help achieve the right consistency.
Consider using panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch; they are coarser and can yield a more delightful texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. You can also experiment by adding spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for an added kick. If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, try using crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While serving these crispy zucchini parmesan coins with marinara sauce is a classic choice, don't hesitate to get creative! They can be paired with a spicy aioli or even a zesty tzatziki for a refreshing contrast. You can also try serving them over a bed of mixed greens for a delightful salad, making them a versatile dish suitable for any meal.
For variety, consider incorporating other vegetables like eggplant or sweet potatoes sliced into coins. When modifying cooking times, keep in mind that denser vegetables may require slightly longer baking times to achieve that golden, crisp feel. If you're short on time, you could even prepare your coins ahead and refrigerate them before baking to serve them fresh whenever you're ready.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for a flavorful treat!
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch coins
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Olive oil spray
Make sure to have everything ready to ensure a smooth cooking process!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your crispy zucchini coins!
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Zucchini
Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick coins and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Mix the Coating
In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Dip the Zucchini
Dip each zucchini coin into the beaten egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Arrange and Spray
Place the coated zucchini coins on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with olive oil.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving with marinara sauce.
Enjoy your delicious crispy zucchini parmesan coins fresh from the oven!
Pro Tips
- For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Additionally, letting the zucchini rest for 10 minutes after coating can help the breading stick even better during baking.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store your zucchini parmesan coins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their crispy texture, you can reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave. Simply place them on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they're warmed through and crispy again.
For longer storage, consider freezing the uncooked zucchini coins. After coating them in the breadcrumb mixture, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the oven time.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your zucchini coins are soggy after baking, it may be due to excess moisture in the zucchini. Make sure to pat the slices dry thoroughly before coating them. Additionally, if they’re crowded on the baking sheet, they will steam instead of crisp. Aim to arrange them in a single layer with space in between each coin for optimal airflow.
In case the coating falls off during baking, next time try pressing the breadcrumbs more firmly onto the zucchini slices after dipping them in the egg. You can also experiment with a double-dip method—dipping the coin in egg and breadcrumbs twice for a thicker crust.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other vegetables?
Yes! You can try this recipe with eggplant, squash, or even carrots.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover zucchini coins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
→ Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
→ What dipping sauces go well with these coins?
They pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli.
Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Coins
I love crafting these crispy zucchini parmesan coins as a perfect side dish or snack. The combination of tender zucchini and crunchy parmesan creates an irresistible bite that everyone in my family enjoys. While it might seem simple, the secret lies in the layer of breadcrumbs and the perfect seasoning to bring out the flavors. I always serve them fresh from the oven with a side of marinara for dipping, making them a delightful treat for both kids and adults alike.
Created by: Odette Fairbanks
Recipe Type: Fresh Meals
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch coins
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Olive oil spray
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick coins and pat them dry with a paper towel.
In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Dip each zucchini coin into the beaten egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Place the coated zucchini coins on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving with marinara sauce.
Extra Tips
- For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Additionally, letting the zucchini rest for 10 minutes after coating can help the breading stick even better during baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 9g