Baked Zucchini Sticks

We LOVE fried Zucchini, anywhere! anytime! We have a restaurant called Black Angus, they make it the BEST! I wish, I wish I could figure out their recipe, but until then we are on a quest to try out as many Zucchini recipes as we can. In sticking with the healthy part of our diet, I thought baking these would be wonderful, and they were! We enjoyed them almost as much as the famous Black Angus Zucchini. These are quick, easy and a sinch to throw together as a side dish for dinner! We had roast tacos and baked zucchini! It was a delicious light meal. Enjoy!

Baked Zucchini Sticks
recipe found on King Arthur Flour Blog

3 medium zucchini, unpeeled, cut into 3"-long stick

1 tbsp sea salt

1 cup Panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp Herb de Provence or Italian Seasoning

2 large eggs; lightly beaten

Cut zucchini lenghth wise in long sticks, then in half again to make smaller sticks. Place the cut zucchini sticks in a colander over a bowl and sprinkle with the tablespoon of sea salt. Let the zucchini drain for 1 hour or longer; rinse and pat dry. (I was amazed at how much liquid and water came out). This step is a MUST so that you do not get soggy zucchini sticks, who knew!!! We all know NOW! :-)

Combine the Panko, Parmesan, and seasoning; set aside.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment, and spray the parchment with olive oil or Pam spray. Dredge sticks a few at a time in the egg, then roll in the crumb mixture. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake sticks for 12 minutes, turn over, and bake for an additional 12 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately, with onion dip, cucumber dip or your favorite ranch dressing.