Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan is a simple and tasty side dish that brings out the best in fresh veggies. The zucchini gets a little char from the grill and a sprinkle of cheesy goodness!
I love making this dish for summer BBQs—it’s light, full of flavor, and super easy to prepare. Just slice, grill, top with Parmesan, and enjoy! You can even sneak some extra cheese, I won’t tell! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: These should be medium-sized for optimal grilling. If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash works well too. It’s all about grabbing a vegetable that can hold up to grilling.
Parmesan Cheese: I love the sharp taste of grated Parmesan. If you need a substitute, consider Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan option, though it will change the texture a bit.
Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a crunchier texture, but regular breadcrumbs are fine too. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the dish. You can use avocado oil or melted butter as alternatives. Both will give a lovely flavor while grilling!
Fresh Thyme: While fresh thyme is aromatic, dried thyme can easily replace it if that’s what you have. Use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Grill Zucchini Perfectly Without Losing Its Shape?
Grilling zucchini can be tricky – it’s easy to overcook them! To keep their shape and enhance flavor, follow these simple steps:
- Start by slicing the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out some flesh. This helps them to cook evenly.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high, ensuring it’s hot enough to get a good sear.
- Make sure to oil the grill grates or brush the zucchini lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the zucchini cut side up to grill, which helps the toppings cook evenly without burning.
- Keep an eye on the time; grill for 10 to 15 minutes until tender and golden brown, flipping if necessary to avoid burning.
Following these tips will give you beautifully grilled zucchini that’s flavorful and well-cooked!
How to Make Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis
For the Topping:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to grill, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious grilled zucchini in about 25-30 minutes total! Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your zucchini gets that nice grilled flavor. While the grill is heating up, you can prepare the zucchini.
2. Preparing the Zucchini:
Take each zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out a small portion of the center flesh to create a hollow space for the stuffing. This helps the zucchini cook evenly and gives you room for the tasty topping!
3. Mixing the Topping:
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, thyme, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. You want all the flavors to come together nicely!
4. Stuffing the Zucchini:
Take the breadcrumb mixture and generously stuff it into each hollowed zucchini half. Press it down lightly so that the stuffing stays in place while grilling.
5. Grilling the Zucchini:
Place the stuffed zucchinis on the grill, cut side up. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
6. Serving:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the zucchinis from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch. Enjoy your delicious grilled zucchini with Parmesan!
Can I Use Other Cheeses Instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a great flavor, you can use alternatives like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or mozzarella for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that each cheese will slightly alter the flavor profile of the dish, so choose one you enjoy!
How to Prevent the Zucchini from Getting Soggy?
To avoid sogginess, make sure to grill the zucchini cut side up so the moisture can escape while cooking. You can also lightly sprinkle salt on the zucchini halves before stuffing, letting them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry before filling!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed zucchinis beforehand. Stuff them up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, grill them straight from the fridge for a few extra minutes if needed to ensure they are heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover stuffed zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving is also an option, but the oven will help retain that nice crisp topping!
