Baked Onion Rings, Zucchini, and Mozzarella

These are crispy and delicious onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and breaded zucchini all baked to perfection and served with a simple marinara sauce. I was so surprised at how close these came to the fried versions I love so much. I will definitely be making these again!

Adapted from Skinny Baked Mozzarella Sticks and Onion Rings.
This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Ingredients
1 onion, cut in half inch slices and separated into rings
1 zucchini, cut in half then each half cut in quarters lengthwise (or sixths if you are using a large zucchini)
6 string cheese sticks, completely frozen and cut in half
1 cup flour (I used half all purpose and half whole wheat flour)
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup buttermilk (regular milk will work too, I just like the flavor of buttermilk)
3/4 cup panko Japanese breadcrumbs
3/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried parsley

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with foil and lightly grease with olive oil. Place the onions and zucchini in a bowl of cold water.

Prepare the breading station with a bowl for the flour and baking powder, a second bowl for the eggs and buttermilk, and a third bowl for the panko, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and parsley.

Drain the onions and zucchini well, and remove the mozzarella from the freezer. Dredge each piece in flour and shake off excess, dip in egg mixture, and coat well with breadcrumb mixture. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spray with olive oil or cooking oil, and place in the oven. Bake for 8 minutes, until golden brown on the bottoms, remove from oven and turn each piece. The mozzarella will only need another 5 minutes, and the onions and zucchini will need another 10-12 minutes.

Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side.