This grilled zucchini is a tasty and healthy dish that’s super easy to make! With a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it gets a delicious, cheesy flavor that everyone will love.
Trust me, when those zoodles hit the grill, they turn all soft and smoky—it’s like a hug for your taste buds! I often serve them with dinner, but they’re also great as a snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Zucchini is the star of this dish. It’s best to choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis for grilling. If zucchini isn’t at hand, you can try similar vegetables like yellow squash or eggplant.
Parmesan Cheese: Authentic Parmesan adds great flavor, but you can substitute with Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano if you prefer a different taste. For a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor.
Breadcrumbs: I love using panko breadcrumbs for a light and crispy topping. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but if you want a gluten-free version, crushed cornflakes or gluten-free crumbs would be great substitutes.
Olive Oil: Olive oil not only enhances flavor but helps with crisping. If you’re looking for a change, avocado oil or melted butter also work nicely. Both add great richness!
How Do You Get a Nice Grill on Zucchini?
Grilling zucchini to perfection can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can achieve great results. Start by cutting the zucchini in half lengthwise and hollowing out the center. This makes space for the delicious filling and allows the zucchini to cook evenly.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. This is important; too hot, and the zucchini cooks too fast on the outside while staying raw inside.
- Cook the zucchini cut side up for the first half of grilling. This helps prevent it from becoming too soft before the topping is ready.
- Keep an eye on it; grilling time can vary. You’re looking for tender zucchini and a crispy topping!
Your grilled zucchini will not only taste great, but it will also look appealing when topped with fresh herbs and served with lemon wedges. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and flavor!
How to Make Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if available)
To Serve:
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to grill. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick and healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by turning on your grill to medium heat. This will ensure your zucchinis cook evenly and become perfectly tender and crispy!
2. Prepare the Zucchinis:
Take the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out a bit of the flesh from the center, making a little boat shape. Leave about 1/4 inch around the edges so they hold their shape.
3. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried thyme, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s all well blended. This mix will be the delicious topping for your zucchinis!
4. Stuff the Zucchini Halves:
Now, take the breadcrumb mixture and spoon it generously into each hollowed-out zucchini half. Make sure each piece is filled up for lots of flavor!
5. Grill the Zucchinis:
Place the stuffed zucchinis on the grill, cut side up. Let them grill for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the zucchinis are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re grilled to perfection, carefully remove the zucchinis from the grill and let them cool for a minute. Serve them warm with lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious grilled zucchini with Parmesan!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a change, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a tangy flavor. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly depending on your cheese choice.
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Zucchini?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back on the grill or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Certainly! Bell peppers, eggplant, or even portobello mushrooms can work well too. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the vegetable’s density and thickness.
What Do I Do If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can cook these zucchinis in the oven instead. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the zucchinis are tender and the topping is golden brown. Enjoy!
