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- 2 medium zucchinis - 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 large eggs - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Olive oil spray Each ingredient plays a key role in making your zucchini sticks crispy and tasty. Zucchini is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a perfect base. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add crunch while keeping it healthy. Parmesan cheese gives a rich, cheesy flavor that pairs well with the spices. Garlic and onion powder bring out the natural sweetness of zucchini. Smoked paprika adds a delightful smokey taste. Eggs help the breadcrumbs stick, ensuring a nice coating. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, while olive oil spray keeps things light. - Calories per serving: About 150 - Macronutrient breakdown: - Protein: 8 grams - Carbohydrates: 18 grams - Fat: 6 grams This snack is not just delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Enjoy these baked zucchini sticks as a guilt-free treat or a side dish. You can find the full recipe above to make this tasty snack! - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the zucchini sticks become crispy. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking. - Prepare breadcrumb mixture. - Dip zucchini in egg mixture. Now, let’s make the breading. In a shallow bowl, mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper for flavor. Stir well. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are smooth. Take each zucchini stick and dip it in the egg mixture. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, roll the zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the crumbs stick well. - Arrange zucchini on the baking sheet. - Bake time and flipping instructions. Lay the breaded zucchini sticks on the baking sheet. Make sure they do not touch each other. This helps them bake evenly. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray for extra crispiness. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to flip the sticks halfway through baking. This step ensures they brown evenly. When they turn golden brown and feel crispy, they are ready. After baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on presentation and serving. To get your zucchini sticks nice and crispy, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. When zucchini sticks touch, they steam instead of bake. This can lead to sogginess, which is not what we want. Keep them in a single layer. This ensures hot air can reach all sides evenly. Using olive oil spray is another great tip. It helps create a crispy layer on the outside. A light spray adds flavor without extra calories. Just a quick spritz before baking makes a big difference. You can easily boost the flavor of your zucchini sticks. Try adding herbs or spices to your breadcrumb mix. For example, dried oregano or Italian seasoning works well. You can also use chili powder for a kick. Don’t forget about dips and sauces! Marinara sauce is a classic choice. You can also pair these sticks with ranch dressing or aioli. These dips add a fun twist to your snack. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make easy baked zucchini sticks even healthier. Try using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. This swap keeps the crunch while catering to dietary needs. You can also adjust the cheese types for flavor. For example, use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option or swap Parmesan for a sharper cheese, like cheddar. Each change adds a unique twist to the taste without losing that crunch. Want to spice things up? Incorporate different seasonings into your breadcrumb mix. Italian herbs like oregano and basil can give these sticks a fresh, aromatic touch. You can also add a dash of cayenne for heat. For a richer taste, blend cheeses. Mixing mozzarella with Parmesan can create a gooey, cheesy delight that will impress your friends and family. Don't be afraid to get creative; these zucchini sticks can be a fun canvas for your flavor ideas! To keep your leftover zucchini sticks fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside to absorb extra moisture. This helps maintain their crispiness. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you have a lot of leftovers, consider freezing them. Just layer them between parchment paper to avoid sticking. To reheat your zucchini sticks and keep them crispy, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sticks on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method revives their crunch. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy. Enjoy your crispy snack again! To make baked zucchini sticks crispy, start with fresh zucchini. Cut them into even sticks, so they cook evenly. Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. The key is in the egg wash. Dip each stick thoroughly, then coat with the breadcrumb mix. Press the breadcrumbs onto the zucchini for a nice layer. Bake at a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C). This helps achieve that golden color and crispiness. Don’t forget to space them out on the baking sheet! If they touch, they’ll steam instead of bake. A light spray of olive oil on top adds extra crunch. Flip them halfway during baking to ensure even crisping. Using frozen zucchini is not recommended for this recipe. Frozen zucchini tends to be mushy after cooking. It loses its crunch and can make the sticks soggy. Fresh zucchini holds texture and flavor much better. If you only have frozen zucchini, let it thaw completely. Then, drain any excess water before coating and baking. Zucchini sticks pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some popular choices: - Marinara sauce for a classic Italian touch - Ranch dressing for a creamy, cool option - Garlic aioli for a garlic kick - Spicy ketchup for those who like a bit of heat Feel free to get creative! You can even mix sauces or add spices to your favorites for a fun twist. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for tasty suggestions. We covered the essentials for making tasty baked zucchini sticks. You learned about ingredients, prep, baking, and storage. I shared tips to get the perfect crunch and keep leftovers tasty. Remember, you can adjust seasonings for fun flavor twists. Baked zucchini sticks are a healthy snack option for everyone. Try pairing them with your favorite dips for an extra kick. Enjoy your cooking, and have fun experimenting with this easy recipe!

Easy Baked Zucchini Sticks

Crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious, these Crispy Cheesy Baked Zucchini Sticks are the perfect guilt-free snack! Made with fresh zucchinis and whole wheat breadcrumbs, they offer a healthy twist on a classic treat. Easy to make and baked to golden perfection, they are great for dipping into marinara or ranch. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a tasty, nutritious snack that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into sticks approximately ¼ inch thick

1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (for a healthier crunch)

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)

2 large eggs

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Olive oil spray (for a lighter cooking method)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for a hassle-free cleanup process.

    In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

      In a separate medium bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until completely blended.

        Take each zucchini stick and first dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Then, roll the zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well to the surface.

          Arrange the breaded zucchini sticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each other to enable even baking and crisping.

            Lightly spray the tops of the zucchini sticks with olive oil spray—this will help achieve that coveted crispy exterior.

              Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the zucchini sticks halfway through for uniform browning. Bake until they are golden brown and crispy to the touch.

                Once they are perfectly baked, remove the zucchini sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve these crispy zucchini sticks on a platter with a small bowl of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.