Gratinated Zucchini Sticks

If you are on the search for the best appetizer ever, these zucchini sticks will fit the bill perfectly! They are zucchini spears that have been breaded with a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese for a crispy and golden coating.

To make the zucchini sticks, first, zucchini spears are threaded onto skewers before being coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan, and dried oregano. Then, they are drizzled with olive oil before being baked in the oven. The combination of the cheesy tasting coating and sweet zucchini is oh so delicious!

What are Zucchini Sticks?

These zucchini sticks are an easy recipe when zucchini is in season and there is an abundance from the garden. The zucchini is simply cut into spears before being coated in a breadcrumb mixture and being baked. Often, breaded zucchini might be fried in oil to get that crispy coating, but it is generally better to bake it in the oven due to its high water content. Baking is also a good idea if you are looking for a slightly lower calorie dish.

Pro Tips

• Feel free to use either green zucchini or yellow summer squash for this recipe.
• The breading in this recipe is easily adaptable according to your tastes. Consider adding other dried herbs like Italian seasoning, dried rosemary, or dried thyme, or adding garlic powder or onion powder for a more savory flavor.
• If you would like to make this recipe gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour instead.
• Other types of cheese would be delicious in this recipe such as pecorino romano or asiago.

What to Serve with Zucchini Sticks?

While delicious on their own, consider serving these zucchini sticks with a dipping sauce such as marinara. However, they would also be wonderful with garlic aioli or an aioli flavored with lemon or chipotle.

Can I Make the Zucchini Sticks Dairy-Free?

Yes, if you prefer not to eat dairy, you can to omit the parmesan cheese. You could easily replace it with some nutritional yeast to get a cheesy flavor.

Can I Make Zucchini Sticks Gluten-Free?

Yes, if you are on a gluten-free diet, simply replace the breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives. In the case of the flour, something like cornstarch, rice flour, or oat flour would all be excellent options.

Why Aren't the Breadcrumbs Adhering to the Zucchini?

If you find that the breadcrumbs aren’t sticking to the zucchini very well, it could be that they didn’t have enough egg on them. To remedy this, simply use your finger to add egg to the areas that don’t have crumbs before dipping the zucchini into the breadcrumbs again.

How to Store Zucchini Sticks

These zucchini sticks can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge where they will keep for up to 4 to 5 days. Since the coating will soften in the fridge, it is best to reheat the zucchini sticks in an air fryer or oven to re-crisp them before serving.

How to Make Zucchini Sticks

Step 1

Step 1

Cut the zucchini into spears and thread them onto skewers. Season them with salt and allow them to sit for 10 minutes.

Cut the zucchini into spears and thread them onto skewers. Season them with salt and allow them to sit for 10 minutes.

Step 2

Step 2

On a plate, mix the breadcrumbs with the parmesan and dried oregano. Dip the zucchini in flour.

On a plate, mix the breadcrumbs with the parmesan and dried oregano. Dip the zucchini in flour.

Step 3

Step 3

Dip the zucchini in the eggs followed by the breadcrumbs.

Dip the zucchini in the eggs followed by the breadcrumbs.

Step 4

Step 4

Place the zucchini on a baking sheet, and drizzle them with oil. Bake them in a 360 F/180 C oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Place the zucchini on a baking sheet, and drizzle them with oil. Bake them in a 360 F/180 C oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5

Step 5

Serve and enjoy!

Serve and enjoy!