Cheesy Baked Zucchini Fries

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy baked zucchini sticks coated in a light cheese mixture, a healthy alternative to traditional fries. This american-inspired kid friendly (vegetarian, gluten-free-option) ready in about 33 minutes pairs medium zucchini, all-purpose flour, large egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Cut 2 medium zucchini into 1/2-inch thick sticks, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Step 3: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 large beaten egg, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: In another shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Dip each zucchini stick into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. Step 6: Place coated sticks on the baking sheet and brush with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Baked Zucchini Fries take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Baked Zucchini Fries?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Baked Zucchini Fries?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheesy Baked Zucchini Fries for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cheesy Baked Zucchini Fries vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free-option, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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