Oh, let me tell you about my love affair with these Cheap Baked Zucchini Fries! It all started on a typical Wednesday evening when I had a zucchini sitting in the fridge that was about to go rogue on me. I had a craving for something crispy and savory, but let’s face it, I didn’t want to deal with the mess (or calories) of frying. That’s when I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe, and wow, my taste buds were forever grateful!
These baked zucchini fries are not only easy to whip up, but they’re also a crowd-pleaser. I’ve served them at everything from casual family dinners to game night with friends. Everyone raves about how delicious they are, and they’re a fantastic way to sneak some veggies into your life. Just be prepared to make a double batch—trust me, they disappear quickly!
What’s in Cheap Baked Zucchini Fries?
Zucchini: The star of the show! Fresh zucchini is the perfect veggie for fries as it bakes up tender and has a mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with seasonings. Look for firm zucchinis with shiny skins—my favorite brands are usually local organic options if I can find them!
Breadcrumbs: These add that much-needed crunch! I use plain or panko breadcrumbs to give the fries an extra crispy exterior. If you’re feeling adventurous, try seasoned breadcrumbs for some added flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor that’s unbeatable! I’m a bit of a cheese snob, so I prefer using freshly grated Parmesan, but pre-grated works fine too if you’re pressed for time.
Egg: This acts as the glue that holds everything together. It helps the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini, giving you that perfect crunch.
Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: These are my secret weapons! They provide a wonderful aroma and elevate the overall flavor of the fries without overwhelming the zucchini’s natural taste.
Is Cheap Baked Zucchini Fries Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! These zucchini fries are a great alternative to traditional fried snacks.
Zucchini: It’s low in calories and packed with vitamins A and C, plus a bit of fiber which is always a good thing.
Breadcrumbs: While they do add carbs, you can easily use whole wheat breadcrumbs to increase the fiber content.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds some protein and calcium, but if you’re watching your sodium and fat intake, you can easily reduce the amount or skip it altogether.
So, while they’re not a health food per se, they definitely rate better than your average fry!
Ingredients List
– 2 medium zucchinis (serves about 4)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling
How to Make Cheap Baked Zucchini Fries?
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This just makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Slice the zucchinis into fry shapes—think about ½ inch wide. Don’t stress too much about them being perfectly uniform; a little variety keeps things interesting!
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix it well—get in there and channel your inner chef!
5. Take a zucchini fry, dip it into the egg (making sure it’s well-coated), and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place it on the prepared baking sheet and repeat this process until all fries are coated.
6. Spray or drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the fries for added crispiness.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Seriously, the aroma will drive you wild!
8. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Fries on the Side: Tips and Tricks
– Want to amp up the flavor? Feel free to add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some spice in your life.
– Not a Parmesan fan? Try using nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
– If you have leftover fries, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat in an air fryer or oven for that crispy goodness again!
Seriously, do yourself a favor and give these Cheap Baked Zucchini Fries a try! They’re a wonderful, guilt-free snack that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). I’d love to hear how yours turn out or any fun variations you come up with! Happy snacking!