Here’s a quick, cheesy, pan-fried zucchini rounds recipe—crispy, golden, and perfect as a snack, side, or appetizer. 🥒🧀
🧀 Cheesy Pan-Fried Zucchini Rounds
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or any hard cheese you like)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko works for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Zucchini
- Slice zucchinis into ½-inch rounds.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture (helps them crisp).
2️⃣ Coat the Zucchini
- Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Press each zucchini slice into the cheese-breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides.
3️⃣ Pan-Fry
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry zucchini rounds 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
4️⃣ Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic yogurt dip.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Cheese swap: Try Asiago, pecorino, or mozzarella for different flavors.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the coating.
- Extra crispy: Bake coated zucchini at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes instead of frying.
💡 Serving idea: Great as a side for pasta, grilled chicken, or burgers, or enjoy as a light snack with dipping sauce.
If you want, I can give a super-fast 10-minute version where the zucchini comes out crispy and cheesy without frying in oil—perfect for quick weeknight cooking.
Do you want me to do that?