Oven-Baked Zucchini Chips

The scent of lightly toasted garlic wafts through the kitchen, mingling with the crisp freshness of zucchini. It’s the kind of aroma that draws everyone in, promising crunchy goodness and a hint of indulgence. These oven-baked zucchini chips are suffused with the rich, savory flavor of parmesan, making them a delightful snack you’ll want to share—or not! As they bake slowly in a low oven, each slice transforms into a tantalizing crunch that’s just waiting to be lifted, dipped, and devoured.

What makes this recipe shine

What sets these zucchini chips apart is their delightful balance of flavors and textures. The natural sweetness of the zucchini harmonizes beautifully with the umami punch of parmesan and the aromatic kick of garlic powder. What I love about this dish is its simplicity; you only need a handful of ingredients, yet the result feels gourmet. Plus, they’re baked rather than fried, making them a healthier alternative for a satisfying snack. As one happy home cook said, “These chips are a crunchy revelation that make snacking feel indulgent without the guilt.”

How this dish comes together

This recipe might seem deceptively easy, but the results are undeniably impressive. You start with two medium zucchinis, which you slice razor-thin to create the perfect canvas for all those delicious toppings. As you combine the zucchini with parmesan, garlic powder, and salt, envision how the flavors will meld in the oven. Each chip gradually loses moisture, intensifying its flavor while becoming irresistibly crisp. Just remember: patience is key; these chips take their time in the oven to reach peak crunchiness.

What you’ll need

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil spray

When it comes to ingredients, opt for fresh, firm zucchinis for the best texture. If you’re looking to mix things up, feel free to swap the parmesan for other hard cheeses like pecorino or even nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

How to cook it

1. Preheat the oven to 225°F (110°C).
2. Slice the zucchinis thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife, aiming for uniformity in thickness.
3. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini slices with the grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt until they’re evenly coated.
4. Arrange the coated zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping.
5. Lightly spray the tops of the chips with olive oil for an extra touch of crispiness.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2-3 hours or until they’re golden and crispy—don’t forget to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7. Allow the chips to cool before munching on them as a flavorful snack, or pair them with your favorite dip.

Serving suggestions

These zucchini chips are the perfect starter or snack on their own, but that doesn’t mean you can’t jazz them up! Serve them alongside a homemade dip like tzatziki or garlic aioli, which complements their crisp texture perfectly. For a more substantial treat, present them on a platter with a selection of cheeses and cured meats. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic reduction can also elevate their presentation.

Keeping leftovers fresh

To keep your zucchini chips crispy, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as moisture from the fridge can make them lose their crunch. If you want to stash them for later, you can freeze them in a single layer, but be warned—once frozen, they may lose their texture when reheated. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them back in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring that crunch back to life.

Helpful cooking tips

1. Thinly Slice: Using a mandoline for slicing ensures uniform thickness, which is crucial for even cooking and crispiness.
2. Keep Space: Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet; this will allow the chips to crisp up properly without steaming.
3. Flavor It Up: Experiment with additional spices like paprika or chili powder for a spicy kick or try adding fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness.

Ways to customize it

There are endless possibilities for personalizing these chips! For a savory twist, mix in some smoked paprika or Italian seasoning. Craving a spicy kick? Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also experiment with different cheeses—feta or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative works wonders. Seasonal touches like incorporating pumpkin spice during fall can add a fun flavor twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
   Yes! Other vegetables like sweet potatoes or eggplant can also be used; just remember to adjust the cooking time based on their thickness.

2. How do I get my chips extra crispy?
   For maximum crispiness, make sure to slice the zucchini as thin as possible and bake until they’re golden brown. Don’t rush the process!

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Absolutely! These chips keep well if stored properly. Make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week for a quick snack.

Oven-Baked Zucchini Chips

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Crunchy, oven-baked zucchini chips infused with parmesan and garlic powder, making for a delightful and healthier snack.

• Total Time: 195 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 225°F (110°C).
2. Slice the zucchinis thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
3. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini slices with grated parmesan, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated.
4. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
5. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
6. Bake for about 2-3 hours or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
7. Allow to cool before serving with your favorite dip.

Notes

For variations, try other hard cheeses or spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.

• Author: alison
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 180 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg