
Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini Recipe
Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini is a crowd favorite appetizer, perfect to satisfy your cravings for some crispy and crunchy Italian-style treats! Fresh zucchini slices are dipped in a flavorful mixture of marinara sauce, seasoned breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese, and then fried to perfection. Enjoy the deliciously savory flavor of this classic Italian entrée. It not only tastes amazing, but it is also easy to prepare!
Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini Recipe Overview
Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini Recipe is a classic Italian dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or even as a main course. It is made with fresh zucchini slices that are coated with a mix of marinara sauce, seasoned bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese, then fried until golden brown. You can find Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini Recipe on their menu and it is sure to become one of your favorite dishes to make at home.
The key ingredients for Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini Recipe are zucchini, marinara sauce, Italian bread crumbs, and grated parmesan cheese. You can use any type of marinara sauce, but it’s best to use a high-quality one to get the most flavor out of your dish. The breadcrumbs are very important to give the zucchini its crunchy texture and the parmesan cheese adds a nice salty flavor. If you’re looking for a way to make the recipe dairy-free or vegan, you can substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
You can also customize the recipe with different variations. If you like a more spicy zucchini, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce mixture. You can also use a variety of herbs and spices to give the dish a unique flavor, such as oregano, garlic powder, or smoked paprika. Additionally, you can bread the zucchini in any type of flour, such as almond flour, to make the dish gluten-free.
Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini Recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, plus an additional 10 minutes of cooling time. The recipe yields between 6-8 servings, depending on the size of your zucchini slices.
Ingredients
- 3 large zucchinis, sliced
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the marinara sauce, Italian-style bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese until fully combined.
- In a separate shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour and season it with salt and pepper.
- Dip each zucchini slice in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
- Dip the floured zucchini in the marinara mixture, coating both sides completely.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and once hot, add the zucchini slices.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping the slices to ensure both sides are golden brown.
- Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 154
- Carbs: 16.9g
- Protein: 4.3g
- Fat: 8.3g
Cooking Time & Servings
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Shallow Bowls
- Skillet
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
- Try serving the fried zucchini with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Add the zucchini to a plate of freshly cooked past with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for a delicious meal.
- Top the zucchini slices with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of garlic powder for a burst of flavor.
- Make a quick and easy salad by adding the fried zucchini to chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
Variation Ideas
- Add different herbs and spices to the marinara sauce mixture for a unique flavor.
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
- Top the fried zucchini with cooked crumbled sausage or bacon for a heartier dish.
- Mix in olives, capers, and artichokes for a Mediterranean-inspired version of the dish.
Substitutions
- Marinara Sauce: Pesto, enchilada sauce, or dairy-free cream sauce can be used as a substitute.
- Italian-style Breadcrumbs: Panko bread crumbs can be used in place of Italian-style breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative.
- All-purpose Flour: Almond flour or other gluten-free flours can be used.
Storage
- Store leftover fried zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Fried zucchini can also be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven before serving.
Tips
- Slice the zucchini into thick slices for a hearty appetizer.
- Add a few drops of hot sauce to the marinara sauce mixture for an extra zing.
- For extra crunchy zucchini slices, use panko breadcrumbs.
- Top the finished dish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some extra heat.
Notes
- Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini is a great appetizer to serve alongside Italian-style dishes, like spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna.
- The fried zucchini can be cooked in advance and reheated in the oven or air fryer before serving.
- For a unique flavor, top the dish with pesto or Alfredo sauce.
- To make the fried zucchini a meal, top with cooked chicken or shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best way to store leftover fried zucchini? Leftover fried zucchini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can also be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
- Can this dish be made gluten-free? Yes, the recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
- Is this recipe vegan-friendly? Yes, this recipe can be made vegan-friendly by substituting the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
- How many servings does this recipe make? This recipe yields between 6-8 servings, depending on the size of the zucchini slices.
Category
- Appetizer
- Italian
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
- Spring & Summer
Personal Thought
Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini Recipe is an easy to make and delicious Italian appetizer. It is perfect to serve at parties, family gatherings, and special occasions. The lightly fried zucchini is loaded with flavor from the marinara sauce, Italian-style breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. The crunchy texture of the zucchini and the savory flavors make it a highly enjoyable dish. Not only that, but the dish is very versatile and can be customized with different variations and substitutions. You can make it spicy, flavorful, or even gluten-free. Prepare this dish and it will surely be a hit with your loved ones!
Encourage reader to try this easy and delicious recipe and explore their creativity by making variations to the recipe. With its unique flavors and crunchy texture, Maggiano’s Fried Zucchini is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Share your experiences, feedback, and suggestions with us and let us know how you liked this processed food dish. Thank you for your time and happy cooking!
“The discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of mankind than the discovery of a star.”
― Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin