If you’re looking for an easy way to use up fresh summer zucchini, this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Bake is a side dish the whole family will love. Tender zucchini is layered with garlic, melted cheese, and topped with a buttery herb-Parmesan crumble that bakes up perfectly golden and crisp. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to serve alongside your favorite Sunday dinner. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops, this cozy casserole is sure to earn a spot on your regular dinner rotation.

Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes

Ingredients

For the zucchini

• 3 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

For the crispy topping

• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of paprika
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the zucchini slices on paper towels. Sprinkle with the salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat completely dry.
3. Toss the zucchini with olive oil, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
4. Arrange in the baking dish and sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. In a small bowl, stir together the panko, Parmesan, butter, olive oil, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the zucchini.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the topping is deeply golden and crisp.
8. Broil for 1–2 minutes if you’d like an extra crunchy finish.

Optional Add-Ins

• Crispy cooked bacon pieces
• Chopped fresh basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Gruyère instead of mozzarella
• Toasted pine nuts after baking