This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini is the perfect side dish to bring some excitement to your table! It’s simple to make, with fresh zucchini tossed in garlic and sprinkled with tasty Parmesan cheese.
Trust me, these little veggie bites are hard to resist. They turn out golden and crispy, and I could eat them all day! Pair them with any main course—your dinner guests will be impressed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, medium-sized zucchinis. If zucchini isn’t available, consider using yellow squash or eggplant for a similar texture.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil or melted butter can also work well, providing a different but tasty twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor, but if you’re short on time, garlic powder can substitute. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan allows for a nice, crispy topping. For a similar flavor, consider Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option!
Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light, crunchy texture. Regular breadcrumbs work, too, but if gluten is a concern, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
How Do I Ensure My Zucchini is Creamy and Not Soggy?
Getting that perfect texture with zucchini can be tricky as they can release moisture while cooking. Here’s the trick:
- Slice zucchinis evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. The crosswise cuts can help flavors seep in.
- Pre-salt your sliced zucchinis for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture, making them crispier when baked.
- Bake them cut-side up to allow steam to escape and promote browning.
With these techniques, your zucchini will come out tender yet perfectly roasted! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Toppings:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano, thyme, or basil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes to enjoy a delicious, healthy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the zucchini cooks perfectly and gets that lovely crispy topping.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and slice them in half lengthwise. If you want, you can make a few crosswise cuts along the tops of the zucchinis, being careful not to cut all the way through. This helps the flavors soak in and cooks them evenly.
3. Make the Garlic Oil Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, and dried Italian herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste. This flavorful mixture will give your zucchinis a delicious kick!
4. Brush the Zucchini Boats:
Place the zucchinis cut side up in a baking dish. Use a brush or a spoon to generously coat each half with the garlic-oil mixture. Make sure to cover them well!
5. Add the Toppings:
In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the zucchinis to ensure they’re well coated. This will give them that crunchy, cheesy top we all love.
6. Bake the Zucchini:
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the zucchinis to become tender and the tops to turn a beautiful golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once they are done baking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely touch. Serve the zucchinis warm as a tasty side dish or a light main course. Enjoy your delicious garlic Parmesan roasted zucchini!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or even mozzarella for a gooey texture. Just remember that using a softer cheese may result in less crispiness.
What If I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or even rolled oats for a gluten-free option. Just pulse them in a food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs. If you’re looking for extra flavor, consider adding some extra herbs or spices to the mixture!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchinis up to a few hours in advance! Just brush them with the garlic-oil mixture and coat them with the cheese and breadcrumb mixture, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not retain their crispiness.
