Vegetarian Parmesan Zucchini Sticks Recipe

Vegetarian Parmesan Zucchini Sticks are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish that are perfect for those following a meat-free diet.

Made with fresh zucchini, juicy sliced cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese and then baked to crispy perfection, these sticks offer a slightly crunchy texture and rich flavor in every bite.

Vegetarian Parmesan Zucchini Sticks are also a great way to use up summer zucchini and can be customized with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy them as a snack with a dipping sauce or as a side dish.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT VEGETARIAN PARMESAN ZUCCHINI STICKS

Most people would consider this Vegetarian Parmesan Zucchini recipe to be a vegetable-based side dish or appetizer. Interestingly, Zucchini is actually a type of fruit, specifically, a type of berry called a pepo. It is classified as a fruit because it contains seeds and is produced from the ovary of a flowering plant!

HOW SHOULD I STORE THESE PARMESAN ZUCCHINI STICKS?

These parmesan zucchini sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I recommend lining the container with a sheet of paper towel to help absorb any excess moisture from the zucchini.

Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer for a minute or two to warm them and regain some crispiness.

CAN I FREEZE LEFTOVER VEGETARIAN PARMESAN ZUCCHINI STICKS?

I don’t recommend freezing these zucchini sticks as Zucchini naturally holds a lot of moisture. The freezing and thawing of leftover zucchini sticks will turn them into a soggy and mushy mess which won’t be very appetizing at all!

HOW CAN I ADAPT THIS RECIPE?

• Cheese: Use another cheese that will melt well. Cheddar cheese or Mozzarella cheese are great alternatives to using Parmesan.
• Seasoning: While I’ve used a simple combination of salt and pepper in this recipe, you could easily adapt the flavor of these zucchini sticks by using Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Ranch dressing mix, or cayenne pepper and paprika for a kick of heat.
• Toppings: I’ve used thinly sliced cherry tomatoes as a delicious topping, but you can omit this or use something like sliced olives instead or add breadcrumbs for extra texture and crunch!
• Meat: Consider sprinkling some cooked bacon bits to these zucchini sticks if you’d prefer a meaty snack.

TIPS FOR MAKING VEGETARIAN PARMESAN ZUCCHINI STICKS

• Always use freshly grated cheese for this recipe. Store-bought pre-grated cheese is coated with a waxy substance to help extend the shelf life of the product. This prevents the pre-shredded cheese from melting well and also diminishes the quality of taste.
• If the Zucchini sticks are not cooked sufficiently by the time the cheese has melted and browned slightly, cover the baking tray with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese topping from burning.
• These parmesan zucchini sticks are great as party appetizers or tasty savory snacks that can be served with a dipping sauce or added to a main dish.
• You can easily double or triple this recipe, depending on how many people you plan to cater to.
• Always select fresh zucchini that are free of dark spots and aren’t soft or mushy to the touch.

More Easy Vegetarian Recipes You’ll Love

• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
• Instant Pot Vegetarian Moroccan Stew
• Vegetarian Stuffed Sweet Peppers
• Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Pockets