Grilled zucchini with Parmesan is a tasty dish that’s perfect for summer! It features fresh zucchini slices, lightly grilled to bring out their sweetness, then topped with yummy Parmesan cheese.
Honestly, who doesn’t love cheese? I sprinkle a bit extra on top, just because! It’s such a quick and healthy side dish that I often serve it with everything. So easy and so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchinis are best for this dish. If zucchinis are out of season, you could use yellow squash instead, which has a similar texture and flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty, nutty flavor. You can swap it for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a great crunch, but traditional breadcrumbs work too. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts as a great alternative.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the filling. If you want a different flavor, consider using avocado oil or melted butter instead. Both can enhance the taste nicely.
How Do I Grill Zucchini Without It Becoming Mushy?
Grilling zucchini perfectly requires attention to detail. To keep zucchini from getting mushy, follow these tips:
- Choose firm zucchinis and slice them thick enough to hold their shape. About ½ inch thick works well.
- When grilling, cook them cut side up first. This allows the filling to cook nicely without making the zucchini too soft.
- Don’t rush! Close the grill lid and let them cook until they’re tender but not overdone. Check after 15 minutes, but they might take a little longer based on your grill.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis
For the Filling:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to grill. So you’re looking at around 30 minutes total to create this tasty side or main dish. Quick, fresh, and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will ensure that your zucchini cooks evenly and gets that nice grilled flavor.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Take your zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out some of the flesh from each half to create a little boat for your filling. Don’t toss the scooped flesh! Instead, chop it finely and set it aside for later use.
3. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped zucchini flesh, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and olive oil. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this is where you can add a little kick to the flavor!
4. Stuff the Zucchini:
Take each zucchini half and fill it generously with the prepared mixture. Press down slightly to ensure the filling stays put and packs in well.
5. Grill the Zucchini:
Place the stuffed zucchinis cut side up on the grill. Close the grill lid and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes. You want the zucchinis to become tender, and the topping to turn golden brown and delicious!
6. Adding Final Touches:
Once they’re done, take the zucchinis off the grill and drizzle them with fresh lemon juice. If you’re feeling fancy, add a bit more olive oil on top for extra richness!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your beautifully grilled zucchinis with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them warm and enjoy every bite of this tasty dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a wonderful flavor, you can substitute it with any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even a milder cheese like mozzarella if you prefer. Just keep in mind that using a cheese with a lower melting point may result in a gooier filling.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
Don’t worry! Regular breadcrumbs will work just fine in this recipe. If you want to retain that crispy texture, you can also crush some crackers or use cornmeal as an alternative. Just try to use a similar quantity for the right consistency.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back on the grill or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This will help retain their texture as opposed to microwaving.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it vegan, you can substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and replace the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free option if necessary. Just ensure that all ingredients align with your dietary preferences!
