Baked Zucchini Fries Marinara (Print)

Crispy baked zucchini sticks served with a tangy marinara sauce for a wholesome snack or appetizer.

# What You’ll Need:

→ For the Zucchini Fries

01 - 2 medium zucchinis
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 ground black pepper
08 - 2 large eggs

→ For the Marinara Sauce

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
14 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
15 - Salt and pepper to taste
16 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray or olive oil.
02 - Wash zucchinis thoroughly and trim ends. Slice into sticks approximately 1/2 inch thick, resembling french fries.
03 - Whisk eggs in shallow bowl until well combined. In separate shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
04 - Dip each zucchini stick into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Press into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly on all sides. Place coated sticks in single layer on prepared baking sheet.
05 - Bake for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time, until golden brown and crispy throughout.
06 - While fries bake, heat olive oil in small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
07 - Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to saucepan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
08 - Serve zucchini fries hot with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for best texture.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These fries deliver that irresistible crunch you crave from regular fries but with none of the greasy aftermath
  • The homemade marinara sauce comes together in minutes and tastes infinitely better than anything from a jar
  • Even vegetable skeptics find themselves reaching for just one more fry
02 -
  • Zucchini releases a lot of water while cooking, so pat the sticks dry with paper towels before coating for maximum crispiness
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet or the fries will steam instead of crisp
  • The fries are best served immediately but can be reheated in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes
03 -
  • Sprinkle the finished fries with a pinch of flaky sea salt while still hot for a professional touch
  • Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix for a smoky variation
  • Keep a small bowl of water nearby to rinse fingers between coating batches for easier cleanup

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