Baked Cheesy Zucchini Fries with Marinara Sauce is one of those amazing recipes that I have in regular rotation in my house. It really is the perfect alternative to French fries and sooooo much better for you. There is no frying involved and you get another serving of veggies in to boot! I like to serve this with warm Marinara sauce on the side. Do try my basic marinara sauce. However, they are just as good with a side of ranch dressing, ketchup or a tangy French dressing. Just be sure to make a lot of them. They disappear pretty quickly. Perfect for Football Sunday too.
To get started, gather all your ingredients together. Today I had both yellow summer squash and zucchini on hand, so I used both. Wash them and dry them first. Cut off the ends and then cut horizontally in half and then each half into 2-4 pieces depending on the size. You are looking for french fry shapes.
Next, you’ll want to set up your standard breading station. Put your flour in a shallow bowl with salt and pepper. While I use Wondra flour because it is lighter and doesn’t clump, regular all-purpose flour works too.
In a second bowl, beat the egg whites with a little water and some salt and pepper. The third bowl should have the panko breadcrumbs, cheese, rosemary (finely chopped), garlic powder and salt and pepper. Mix well. You are now ready to coat your “fries”.
Start by dredging a fry in the flour and shake off the excess. Next, dip in the egg white mixture letting the excess fall off. Finally, roll the zucchini in the breadcrumb mixture pressing gently so the breadcrumbs adhere to the zucchini. Place the breaded zucchini on a rack that has been sprayed with cooking spray and sits on a baking sheet covered in foil. Do this with al the zucchini and squash if using. Spray them with cooking spray. This will help them brown up in the oven.
Place the baking sheet in a preheated 425 degree F oven. Let bake 20-25 minutes until brown and crispy. Turn them once half way through the cook. When you remove them from the oven, immediately sprinkle them with salt. Serve them on a large platter with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Looking for other fun appetizers that are usually fried but can be baked? I’ve got several ideas for you. Check these out:
Baked Cheesy Zucchini Fries with Marinara Sauce
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- ⅓ Cup Wondra flour
- 3 Large egg whites
- 1 Tbsp. Water
- 1 Cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 Tsp. Garlic powder
- 1 Tsp. Salt
- ½ Tsp. Freshly ground pepper
- 1 Large zucchini, cut into French fry style sticks
- 1 Large summer squash, cut into French fry style sticks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top and coat with cooking spray.
- Place Wondra in a shallow dish and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk egg whites and water in another shallow dish until foamy and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, rosemary, garlic powder and a teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper in a third shallow dish. Roll the squash and zucchini in the flour to coat. Tap off the excess. Dip in the egg white, shaking off the excess. Toss in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere. Transfer the prepared veggies to the wire rack and coat the fries with cooking spray.
- Bake until golden and crispy. Turn the “fries” once halfway through the cooking time. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with a little extra salt and/or cheese while still warm. (Optional) Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
