Baked Zucchini Fries Marinara (Printable Version)

Golden baked zucchini sticks paired with a rich and tangy marinara sauce for a tasty, wholesome snack.

# Ingredient List:

→ For the Zucchini Fries

01 - 2 medium zucchini
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

→ For the Marinara Sauce

10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
15 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil.
02 - Cut the zucchini into sticks, about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
03 - Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko, Parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Dredge each zucchini stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with the panko mixture. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until fries are golden and crisp.
06 - Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
07 - Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
08 - Serve the hot zucchini fries with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

# Tips from hearthlykitchen:

01 -
  • You get that restaurant style appetizer experience without the deep fryer mess or guilt
  • The marinara comes together in 15 minutes and will change your life for pizza and pasta too
  • Even people who swear they hate zucchini end up reaching for seconds
02 -
  • Zucchini releases water as it cooks, so do not crowd the baking sheet or the fries will steam instead of crisp
  • The first side that touches the baking sheet will always be the crispiest, so do not skip the halfway flip
  • Room temperature zucchini coats more evenly than cold straight from the fridge
03 -
  • Toasting the panko in a dry pan for 3 minutes before breading adds an extra layer of crunch that people will notice but not be able to identify
  • The fries reheat surprisingly well in a toaster oven at 180°C for about 5 minutes, though the microwave will make them sad
  • If the coating starts browning too fast, tent the baking sheet loosely with foil for the last few minutes

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