This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini is a tasty side dish that’s easy to make! With tender zucchini tossed in garlic and topped with cheesy goodness, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
You’ll love how the flavors come together with just a little olive oil and a sprinkle of cheese. I always end up munching on the leftovers straight from the fridge—it’s that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: These are the star of the dish. Choose firm, medium-sized zucchini for the best texture. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash can be a great substitute.
Olive Oil: It adds richness and helps with crisping. If you’re looking for a substitute, avocado oil works well too. It has a high smoke point and a mild flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a bold flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but use less – about 1/2 teaspoon for this recipe.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory touch. You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Italian Herbs: These herbs bring a great flavor boost. Feel free to mix it up and use any dried herbs you like, such as thyme or rosemary.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Roasted Zucchini?
The secret to delicious roasted zucchini lies in both the prep and cooking. Start by cutting the zucchini lengthwise and making crisscross cuts. This allows the flavors to soak in and helps the zucchini cook evenly.
- Preheat your oven for even cooking.
- Brush the olive oil mixture thoroughly, especially into the cuts.
- Watch the roasting time; you want tender zucchini with a golden cheese topping. Adjust the time based on your oven if needed.
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds color and freshness, so don’t skip that step! Enjoy this vibrant side dish!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roasted Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchini
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano and basil)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a few minutes cutting and seasoning the zucchini, then roast it until deliciously tender. It’s quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to roast the zucchini.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchini and dry them off with a towel. Next, slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. You want them to be evenly cut for proper cooking.
3. Score the Zucchini:
Take a knife and make diagonal cuts across the flesh of each zucchini half. This crisscross pattern helps the flavors soak in, but be careful not to cut all the way through!
4. Make the Seasoning Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Brush the Zucchini:
Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat each zucchini half with the olive oil mixture. Make sure to get some into those diagonal cuts for maximum flavor!
6. Add the Parmesan Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of each zucchini half. This will give it a yummy, cheesy crust as it roasts.
7. Arrange and Roast:
Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish cut side up. Pour any leftover olive oil mixture over them. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden brown and crispy.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can substitute Parmesan with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooier texture or use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may affect different cheeses’ melting properties.
How Do I Store Leftover Roasted Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! You can use garlic powder as a substitute; about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder will give you a similar flavor. Just mix it into the olive oil mixture along with the other seasonings and brush over the zucchini.
