Crispy Italian Style Baked Zucchini Chips with Marinara
Discover the ultimate guilt-free snack that perfectly captures the flavors of Italy: these irresistible Italian Style Baked Zucchini Chips. Infused with aromatic garlic and fresh basil, they are baked to a delightful crisp and served alongside a vibrant marinara dipping sauce. Prepare to watch them vanish as soon as they hit the table!
Embrace the Zucchini Season: A Delicious Solution
Ah, zucchini season! If you’ve ever planted zucchini in your garden, you know that moment when your plants explode with an overwhelming abundance of the versatile green squash. It’s a joyful, yet sometimes daunting, challenge to find enough creative ways to use them all. In fact, it’s such a common experience that there’s even a quirky unofficial holiday dedicated to it: “National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day!” This humorous tradition, supposedly started by Tom Roy in Pennsylvania, playfully suggests sharing your surplus under the cover of night. While we appreciate a good laugh, we’re here to offer a far more delicious and neighbor-friendly solution than leaving a bounty on their doorstep: a truly exceptional Italian Style Baked Zucchini Chip recipe!
Move beyond the usual zucchini bread and explore a world of savory possibilities. These chips are not only a fantastic way to utilize your garden’s bounty, but they also offer a healthy and utterly satisfying snack or appetizer that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips
Many people are familiar with classic potato chips, and while delicious, they often come with extra fat from deep frying. We’ve mastered the art of homemade baked chips, and these zucchini chips take that concept to a new, healthier level. Unlike many bland zucchini chip recipes you might find, often served with a creamy, rich dip to compensate for lack of flavor, our Italian-style version boasts incredible taste from the very first bite. We infuse them with the timeless combination of garlic and basil, creating a savory snack that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Serving them with a side of robust marinara sauce elevates them to a truly magnificent appetizer or side dish. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks, providing a satisfying crunch without the guilt.
Our inspiration comes from the delicious synergy of zucchini and tomatoes, a pairing we adore in dishes like Sautéed Zucchini & Tomatoes. That rich, garden-fresh flavor profile translates beautifully into these crispy chips. The preparation might require a little patience, but the results are unequivocally worth every minute. You’ll be amazed at how a simple vegetable can transform into such an addictive treat.
Mastering the Art of Crispy Zucchini Chips
While making these chips isn’t difficult, it does involve a few key steps to ensure they turn out perfectly crispy, not soggy. The magic lies in properly preparing the zucchini and employing a slow baking method.
Choosing and Slicing Your Zucchini
Start with a fresh, firm zucchini. The first crucial step is slicing it very thinly and uniformly. A mandoline slicer is your best friend here, as it allows for consistent thickness, which is essential for even baking and maximum crispiness. Aim for slices about 1/16th of an inch thick – similar to potato chips. Thicker slices will take longer to crisp and might remain chewy.
The Secret to Crispiness: Moisture Removal
Zucchini has a high water content, and failing to remove this moisture is the primary reason why homemade zucchini chips often turn out limp instead of crisp. Even if the slices don’t feel overtly wet, they hold a surprising amount of liquid. After slicing, arrange your zucchini pieces in a single layer on paper towels. Place another layer of paper towels over the top and gently press down. You can even place a large, flat baking sheet on top to apply even pressure and expedite the moisture absorption. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. This dehydration process is paramount for achieving that coveted crunch.
Seasoning and Baking for Perfection
Once dried, it’s time to infuse those wonderful Italian flavors. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and aids in crisping. In a small bowl, combine good quality olive oil with garlic powder and dried basil (fresh basil can also be used, finely minced). Brush a light layer of this seasoned oil onto the parchment paper. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on the oiled paper, ensuring they don’t overlap, which is crucial for even baking. Lightly brush the tops of the zucchini slices with more of the seasoned olive oil. A little kosher salt sprinkled over the top will enhance the flavors and contribute to the crisp texture.
Baking these chips requires a low and slow approach. This gentle heat allows the remaining moisture to gradually evaporate, transforming the zucchini from pliable slices into delightfully crunchy chips. Bake them at a relatively low temperature for an extended period, rotating the baking sheets occasionally to ensure even crisping. The chips will continue to crisp up as they cool, so don’t expect them to be rock-hard straight out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions for Your Italian Baked Zucchini Chips
The perfect accompaniment to these savory chips is a side of rich marinara sauce. The sweet tang of tomatoes beautifully complements the garlic and basil flavors. You can opt for a high-quality store-bought marinara, or, for an extra touch of homemade goodness, try making your own! The effort is minimal, and the difference in flavor is truly remarkable.
Beyond marinara, these versatile chips can be paired with other dips like a creamy pesto aioli, a zesty lemon-herb yogurt dip, or even a classic ranch dressing for a different flavor profile. They also make an excellent healthy side dish for grilled chicken or fish, adding a delightful crunch and fresh vegetable component to any meal. Store any leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness for a few days.
Beyond the Chips: More Zucchini Ideas
Still have zucchini overflowing? Don’t worry, there are countless ways to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. Zucchini is low in calories, rich in vitamins A and C, and a good source of fiber, making it a fantastic addition to any diet. From sweet treats to savory main courses, zucchini truly shines in a variety of dishes. If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our collection of the BEST Sweet & Savory Zucchini Recipes. You’ll never run out of ideas!
So, whether you’re trying to clear your garden, find a healthy snack, or simply crave something deliciously Italian, these baked zucchini chips are the perfect solution. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Get ready to bake, dip, and enjoy!
Ready to get baking and dipping? Let’s do this!
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Print Recipe
Italian Style Baked Zucchini Chips
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini sliced very thin on a mandoline (about 4 cups)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil can use fresh, too!
- kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Line large cookie sheets with parchment paper. (You will likely need 3 sheets).
- Place garlic powder and basil in the olive oil to let it marinate while you slice your zucchini.
- Slice zucchini very thin using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Lay zucchini on paper towels in a single layer, and place another towel on top, gently pressing to extract excess moisture. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Brush the parchment paper lightly with the seasoned olive oil. Place the zucchini slices in a single layer, ensuring no overlapping, and brush the tops lightly with more oil.
- Sprinkle lightly with Kosher salt. (Remember, a little goes a long way with thin chips!)
- Bake for 90 minutes, or until the chips are golden and crispy. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on slice thickness and oven.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcal |
Carbohydrates: 2g |
Protein: 1g |
Fat: 27g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g |
Sodium: 293mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 1g
Do you have some zucchini you need to share with your community? Check out this cute printable tag I found, originally made by Housewives Of Riverton and available on WesternGardens.com. Who wouldn’t smile at such a thoughtful (and delicious) gesture?
