Ellie Krieger’s Zucchini Parmesan Crisps Recipe
Crispy, healthy, baked zucchini crisps coated in Parmesan cheese—a guilt-free snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Introduction
Looking for a healthy vegetable snack that’s easy to make and irresistibly crispy? Ellie Krieger’s Zucchini Parmesan Crisps are a hit with kids and adults alike. These baked zucchini rounds are coated with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, not fried, and come out golden and crisp without any guilt. With minimal prep and a short baking time, this recipe is perfect for appetizers, side dishes, or a light afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy & Hassle-Free: Oven-baking means fewer calories and less mess compared to frying.
- Vegetable-Powered Snack: Zucchini is low in calories and high in water, fiber, and nutrients.
- Kid-Friendly: The crispy, cheesy coating disguises a veggie surprise!
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, side, or snack—hot from the oven or at room temperature.
- Customizable: Add herbs or spices to the coating for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, about 1 pound total
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup plain dry breadcrumbs
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray for the baking sheet
Yield: Serves 4 as a side (about 4 ½ cups total)
Directions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 450℉ (232℃). Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Slice zucchini into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Toss zucchini slices with olive oil in a medium bowl until evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, combine Parmesan, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Dredge each zucchini round in the Parmesan mixture, pressing coating gently to adhere.
- Place coated rounds in a single layer on prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
- Bake until rounds are browned and crisp, about 25–30 minutes.
- Carefully remove from sheet with a spatula.
Serving
Serve immediately for best texture. These are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a light ranch dip or yogurt sauce for added flavor.
Video Instructions (If Included in Original Article)
If a video was present on the original page, it would show step-by-step preparation, coating, baking, and serving tips—helpful for visual learners.
Nutritional Highlights
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ cup | ~60 | ~3g | ~5g | ~1g | ~3g |
These crisps are naturally gluten-free if gluten-free breadcrumbs are used, and can be adapted for other dietary needs as well.
Health Benefits
Zucchini is a nutrient-rich vegetable, providing fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Baking instead of frying keeps the fat content low, while Parmesan cheese adds protein and a satisfying umami flavor. This dish is suitable for low-calorie, vegetarian, and diabetic-friendly diets.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- For best results, slice zucchini uniformly, about ¼-inch thick.
- If your zucchini is large, you may need to bake longer—until golden brown and crisp.
- Some home cooks flip the rounds halfway through baking for even browning.
- Add extra herbs, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne for flavor variation.
- If coating doesn’t stick well, pat the zucchini dry after washing or add a light egg wash before dredging.
Serving Suggestions
Zucchini Parmesan Crisps are versatile. Enjoy them as:
- A healthy snack on their own
- A side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or steak
- An appetizer for parties and get-togethers—serve with dipping sauces like light ranch, tzatziki, or marinara
- A topping for salads or grain bowls—adds crunch and flavor
Variations
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Replace Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
- Try yellow squash or eggplant rounds for a twist.
- Mix in dried herbs, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
These crisps are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your Parmesan is gluten-free.
Q: Do I have to use Parmesan cheese?
A: Parmesan gives classic flavor and crispiness, but you can substitute nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Q: How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
A: Press the coating firmly into the zucchini rounds and pat them dry before coating. Some cooks lightly dip in beaten egg before dredging for extra adhesion.
Q: Can I freeze Zucchini Parmesan Crisps?
A: It’s not recommended; they lose crispiness and become soggy when thawed.
Q: What’s the difference between regular breadcrumbs and panko?
A: Panko, a Japanese-style breadcrumb, gives a lighter, crispier texture, while regular breadcrumbs are finer and denser.
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: The zucchini should be tender, and the coating golden brown and crisp, usually at 25–30 minutes, but check at 20 minutes if your slices are thin or your oven runs hot.
Why Choose Baked Over Fried?
Baking these crisps is healthier than frying, as you avoid the extra oil and calories. The result is a satisfyingly crunchy texture with less fat, making them a smart choice for health-conscious eaters.
Expert Tips from Ellie Krieger
Ellie Krieger, a registered dietitian and Food Network star, is known for her healthy, flavorful recipes. Her zucchini crisps are a great example of how small ingredient swaps (baking instead of frying, lower fat cheese) can make a classic snack healthier without sacrificing taste or enjoyment.
User Reviews & Community Feedback
Home cooks rave about how fast these disappear and how simple the recipe is. Many appreciate that the crisps are not fried but still get crispy in the oven. Customizations, like using garlic-herb breadcrumbs or adding extra spices, are common and encouraged.
Conclusion
Ellie Krieger’s Zucchini Parmesan Crisps are a smart, delicious, and healthy way to enjoy zucchini. Easy to prepare, family-friendly, and flexible with variations, they’re a great addition to your recipe collection. Try them today and see how quickly they become a favorite!
