Easy Slider Crispy Zucchini Parmesan

Name: Easy Slider Crispy Zucchini Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 large egg, beaten; Cooking spray; Mini slider buns; Marinara sauce for dipping

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love discovering ways to take simple ingredients and turn them into something extraordinary. With this Easy Slider Crispy Zucchini Parmesan recipe, I achieved just that! Each bite is a delightful blend of crispy texture and rich parmesan flavor, making it the perfect appetizer or party dish. I enjoy serving these sliders with a side of marinara for dipping, taking your taste buds on a delicious Italian journey. This dish has quickly become a family favorite, and I can't wait for you to try it out too!

Created by

Quinn Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-14T02:58:11.084Z

When I first decided to make these crispy zucchini sliders, I was skeptical. I wasn’t sure how a vegetable could mimic a meaty slider so closely. However, after experimenting with several methods, I found that the key was in the breading. Coating the zucchini in a mixture of parmesan and breadcrumbs resulted in an incredibly crispy exterior, while the inside remained tender.

One night, I served these sliders at a gathering, and they disappeared in minutes! Everyone raved about the flavor, and I loved watching friends devour their servings with barely any hesitation. This dish proves that veggies can indeed steal the spotlight!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfectly crispy texture that satisfies every crunch craving
Rich, cheesy flavor from Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
A healthier alternative to traditional sliders that still tastes amazing

      

Perfecting the Crispy Texture

Achieving the ideal crispy texture is key to the success of these sliders. When salting the zucchini slices, be sure to let them rest for at least 10 minutes; this step is crucial as it draws out excess moisture, allowing for a better crunch once baked. If you skip this, you might end up with soggy sliders instead of the delightful crunch you’re aiming for. Once dried, the zucchini should be patted down properly to remove any residual water before being breaded.

Using a combination of breadcrumbs and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano enhances not only the flavor but also the crunch factor. Opt for panko breadcrumbs for an extra-thick coating that yields an even crunchier effect. You can toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a skillet before mixing them with cheese and seasonings to add depth and a robust aroma to the breading mixture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While mini slider buns work perfectly, you could also serve these zucchini sliders on a bed of fresh greens for a lighter touch. For an upscale twist, consider adding a slice of fresh mozzarella or a dollop of pesto on top before serving. If you're looking to introduce additional flavors, feel free to mix in crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a hint of heat or swap out the marinara for a chipotle mayo for a unique dipping sauce.

These sliders can easily become a part of your meal prep for the week. Simply bake a large batch, store them in an airtight container, and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes when you're ready to enjoy. They maintain their crispy texture, ensuring that you have quick access to a delicious snack or appetizer anytime.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your sliders:

Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Sliders

2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 large egg, beaten
Cooking spray
Mini slider buns
Marinara sauce for dipping

Make sure all your ingredients are ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious sliders:

Prepare the Zucchini

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the zucchini into round slices about 1/4 inch thick. Lay them on a paper towel-lined plate, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.

Set Up Breading Station

In one bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg well. This will help the breading stick to the zucchini.

Bread the Zucchini

Pat dry the zucchini slices with a paper towel. Dip each slice first into the egg mixture and then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake and Assemble

Lightly spray the breaded zucchini with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Once baked, place a slice on each slider bun and top with marinara sauce if desired.

Enjoy your sliders while they're warm for the best taste!

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, you can double bread the zucchini slices by dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs once more before baking.

Ingredient Insights

The key ingredient, zucchini, is not just low in calories but also loaded with nutrients. By choosing medium-sized zucchini, you'll have a perfect balance of firmness and moisture, essential for achieving that crispy texture. If you want to add an earthy flavor, consider using yellow squash as a substitute; it behaves similarly and can add a pop of color to your sliders.

Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese plays a vital role in flavoring these sliders. Its nutty, salty essence enhances the dish as it crisps during baking. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a similar cheesy taste, although the texture might vary slightly.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your sliders aren't crisping up as desired, ensure that the baking sheet is lined with parchment paper to promote even cooking. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; give each slider room to breathe to ensure proper air circulation. If you see any sogginess, a quick fix is to place them back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden edges develop.

If you notice that the breading is falling off during baking, this could indicate insufficient egg coating. Be sure to coat each zucchini slice thoroughly in the beaten egg before breading, allowing excess to drip off. This helps secure the breadcrumbs firmly to the zucchini and ensures that they stay intact during the cooking process.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sliders gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the mini slider buns are gluten-free as well.

→ How do I store leftover sliders?

Store the baked sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for crispiness.

→ Can I add other toppings to these sliders?

Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, or even a dollop of pesto for added flavor.

→ What sides go well with zucchini sliders?

These sliders pair wonderfully with a simple salad, sweet potato fries, or a side of your favorite dip!