Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries with Creamy Gorgonzola Dip: Your New Favorite Healthy Side Dish
Say hello to a delightful culinary revelation: these incredible Crispy Zucchini Fries! They offer a refreshingly healthy twist on classic French fries, delivering all the satisfying crunch and savory flavor without any of the guilt. Prepare yourself for a sensational texture experience – wonderfully tender on the inside, encased in a gloriously crunchy coating on the outside. Much like our beloved Almond and Parmesan Crusted Asparagus Fries, these zucchini wonders prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on taste. To elevate this irresistible snack or side dish, we’re serving these zucchini fries with a remarkably creamy gorgonzola dip, a concoction so addictively delicious you’ll find it nearly impossible to resist.
The Magic Behind Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
One of the true unsung heroes of the pantry, especially when aiming for exceptional crispiness, is panko breadcrumbs. These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are a game-changer, known for their distinctive light, airy, and flaky texture. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, panko creates a superior crunch without making your dish feel heavy or greasy. This unique quality makes them indispensable for achieving that coveted golden, crisp exterior on baked foods.
RELATED: For another fantastic zucchini fry option, you might also like this recipe – Air Fryer Zucchini Fries.
These Crispy Zucchini Fries are a perfect example of panko’s power. Each zucchini stick is carefully coated, first with a light dusting of flour, then a dip in whisked egg, and finally, thoroughly dredged in the magical panko breadcrumbs. This three-step breading process ensures maximum adhesion and a consistent, flavorful crust. The beauty of using panko and baking is that it completely eliminates the need for deep frying, meaning you can enjoy all the crispy perfection of “fries” with significantly less fat and a much easier cleanup. You’ll achieve a golden-brown finish that rivals any fried version, all while keeping your kitchen mess to a minimum and your meal wonderfully healthy.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Zucchini Fries & Dipping Sauce
Crafting these delectable zucchini fries requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor and texture. Choosing the right components is key to ensuring both the crispiness of the fries and the creaminess of the dip.
For the Crispy Zucchini Fries, you’ll need:
- 2 medium zucchinis: Look for firm, blemish-free zucchinis. Medium-sized ones are ideal as they have less water content than very large ones, which helps in achieving crispiness. There’s no need to peel them; the skin adds nutrients and a touch of color.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: As discussed, panko is crucial here for its unparalleled crunch.
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth to the breading, enhancing the overall flavor. Freshly grated parmesan will melt and crisp better than pre-shredded.
- ½ tsp each salt and smoked paprika: Salt is essential for seasoning, while smoked paprika contributes a wonderful, subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful reddish hue to the coating.
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper: A touch of pepper adds a mild kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- 2 eggs, whisked: These act as the binder, allowing the flour and panko to adhere properly to the zucchini. Use large eggs for optimal coating.
- ½ cup flour: The initial coating of flour provides a dry surface for the egg to cling to, which in turn helps the panko stick evenly.
For the rich and creamy Gorgonzola Dipping Sauce, gather these ingredients:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt: This forms the healthy and tangy base of our dip, offering a lighter alternative to sour cream while providing a lovely creamy texture.
- ¼ cup gorgonzola cheese: The star of the dip! Gorgonzola provides a distinctively pungent, creamy, and salty flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the mild zucchini. Make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds a touch of richness and classic creamy texture, balancing the tang of the Greek yogurt and the sharpness of the gorgonzola.
- 2 Tbsp chopped chives: These fresh herbs add a delicate oniony flavor and a pop of green color, brightening the dip.
Kitchen tools you may find useful:
- Food processor: Essential for achieving a super smooth and creamy dip.
- Chef’s knife: For precise and efficient slicing of the zucchini into fry shapes.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least three separate bowls for your breading station (flour, egg, panko).
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements, ensuring consistent results every time.
Crafting the Irresistible Gorgonzola Dipping Sauce
Let’s be honest: any fries, whether they’re made from potatoes or vegetables, are only as good as the dipping sauce they’re paired with. Think about how a rich avocado dipping sauce elevates sweet potato fries, or how a savory roasted garlic and rosemary sauce transforms simple potato wedges. Sauces truly matter, folks!
That’s precisely why we’ve designed this creamy, subtly piquant gorgonzola dipping sauce to perfectly complement our crispy zucchini fries. Its tangy, salty, and earthy notes provide an exciting contrast to the mild, sweet zucchini. The best part? This gourmet-tasting dip is incredibly easy to make. Simply combine all the sauce ingredients – Greek yogurt, gorgonzola cheese, mayonnaise, and fresh chives – in a food processor and blitz until it reaches a wonderfully smooth and creamy consistency. You can even do this while your fries are baking, making for an efficient and stress-free preparation. Season to taste with a little ground black pepper, and you’re all set to enjoy a dip that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Should gorgonzola not be your preference, don’t worry! These zucchini fries are versatile. Consider a classic marinara sauce, a homemade ranch, a zesty sriracha mayo, or even a simple lemon-herb aioli. The key is to choose a dip that excites your palate and enhances the natural flavor of the zucchini.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Zucchini Fries Every Time
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few key tips can ensure your zucchini fries reach their maximum crispiness and flavor potential:
- Prep Your Zucchini Properly: Zucchini contains a lot of water, which can lead to soggy fries. After slicing, you can lightly salt the zucchini sticks and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Gently blot them dry with paper towels before breading to ensure the flour and egg stick well.
- Master the Breading Station: Set up your three bowls in an assembly line: flour, then whisked egg, then panko mixture. Work in small batches, ensuring each zucchini stick is fully coated at each stage. Shake off excess flour and panko for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Arrange the breaded zucchini fries in a single layer on your parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Ensure there’s enough space between each fry for air to circulate. Overcrowding will steam the zucchini instead of baking it to a crisp, leading to a softer, less desirable texture. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Flip Halfway Through: For even browning and crispiness on all sides, gently flip the zucchini fries halfway through the baking time. This exposes both sides to the direct heat of the oven.
- High Heat is Key: Baking at a high temperature (425°F / 220°C) is crucial for quickly drying out the zucchini and crisping the panko without overcooking the vegetable. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Serve Immediately: Like most fries, these zucchini fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are at their absolute crispiest. While they can be reheated (see below), nothing beats them warm and crunchy.
Serving Suggestions & Occasions
These crispy baked zucchini fries with their irresistible gorgonzola dip are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a variety of occasions and pairings.
- Game Day Appetizer: Their finger-food format makes them perfect for entertaining. Arrange them on a platter with the dip for an impressive, yet easy, snack that’s healthier than typical party fare.
- Healthy Dinner Side Dish: Swap out starchy potatoes for these vibrant zucchini fries alongside your favorite main courses. They pair beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, lean burgers, or even a simple steak.
- Lunchtime Upgrade: A serving of these fries can elevate a simple sandwich or wrap into a more substantial and exciting meal.
- After-School Snack: A fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your family’s diet, disguised as a fun and tasty treat.
- Brunch Side: Unexpected but delicious alongside eggs or a frittata for a unique brunch experience.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these zucchini fries are guaranteed to be a hit. Their delightful crunch and savory flavor, especially when dipped in the creamy gorgonzola sauce, will make them a regular request in your kitchen.
More Tasty Vegetable Side Dishes
If you’re looking to incorporate more delicious and healthy vegetables into your diet, here are some other fantastic side dishes from our collection:
- Pan Roasted Broccoli: Simple, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make on a single pan.
- Mashed Cauliflower: A creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Eggplant with Herbed Mint Sauce: An elegant and aromatic dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors.
- Roasted Asparagus with Smoky Romesco Sauce: A vibrant side featuring tender asparagus and a rich, nutty sauce.
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower: A show-stopping centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy and deeply satisfying.
- Fried Zucchini: For those who occasionally crave the deep-fried indulgence, a classic preparation.
Crispy Zucchini Fries
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Crispy Zucchini Fries
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp each salt and smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs whisked
- ½ cup flour
Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup gorgonzola cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp chopped chives
Instructions
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Prepare Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Wash the zucchinis thoroughly. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then proceed to slice them into roughly ½ inch wide by 4 inch long “fries.” There’s no need to peel them, as the skin adds nutrients and texture.
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Set Up Breading Station: In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, shredded parmesan cheese, salt, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third medium bowl, place the flour.
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Bred Zucchini: Working in small batches to ensure even coating, dip each zucchini piece first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the whisked egg, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, dredge the zucchini thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good, even coating on all sides. Place the breaded zucchini pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. If necessary, use a second baking sheet.
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Bake to Perfection: Once all the zucchini are breaded and arranged, bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are wonderfully crispy. For even crispiness, flip the fries halfway through the baking time.
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Prepare Dipping Sauce: While the zucchini fries are baking, prepare your creamy gorgonzola dip. Add the plain Greek yogurt, gorgonzola cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped chives to a food processor. Blitz until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and season with ground black pepper as desired.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crispy zucchini fries warm, accompanied by the delectable gorgonzola dipping sauce. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional fries!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published on this blog on Feb 11, 2018.