This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini is a wonderful side dish that’s healthy and tasty! The zucchini gets crispy while being coated with garlic and cheesy goodness—yum!
You can serve it with almost anything, and it’s so easy to make! Just toss the zucchini in seasonings, roast it in the oven, and enjoy the delightful aroma fill your kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchini works best for this dish, giving you that tender yet firm texture. If you can’t find zucchini, try yellow squash as a similar substitute. It has a mild taste and roasts well too!
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the flavor. You can substitute it with avocado oil for a different taste or if you want something with a higher smoke point.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a lovely flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but remember to adjust the quantity since it’s more concentrated. I usually prefer fresh for that strong taste!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a delicious cheesy crust. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast can be sprinkled on top for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Italian Seasoning & Paprika: These add wonderful spices. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can mix equal parts of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. For paprika, smoked paprika could give it a fun twist!
How Do I Create the Perfect Fan Pattern in Zucchini?
Creating the fan pattern allows the oil and cheese to penetrate, making each bite flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- After slicing the zucchini lengthwise, lay each half flat on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, make several evenly spaced cuts across each half, stopping just before you cut all the way through. This keeps the halves intact.
- Space the cuts about 1/2 inch apart for even cooking.
Doing this helps the seasonings infuse into the zucchini while roasting, making it extra delicious!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to roast in the oven. In total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help roast the zucchini evenly and get that cheese nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchini thoroughly and cut off the ends. Now, slice each zucchini lengthwise in half. Make sure to be careful! To create a fan pattern, make several evenly spaced cuts across each half, but don’t cut all the way through. This step allows the garlic and cheese to get into the zucchini beautifully.
3. Make the Garlic Oil Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it until everything is combined nicely. This mixture will add great flavor!
4. Brush the Zucchini:
Place your zucchini halves in a baking dish with the cut side facing up. Using a brush or a spoon, generously apply the garlic oil mixture over the zucchini, making sure to get it into those pretty slits you made. The zucchini will soak up all that yummy flavor!
5. Add the Parmesan:
Now, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of each zucchini half. Don’t be shy! The more cheese, the better!
6. Roast the Zucchini:
Put the baking dish in your preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the zucchini is tender and the cheese on top is golden and crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once you take the zucchini out of the oven, you can optionally sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini warm as a delightful side dish!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses if you’re not a fan of Parmesan. Try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that cheese with higher moisture content may not crisp up as nicely.
Can I Make This Recipe with Frozen Zucchini?
Frozen zucchini can be used, but it’s best to know that it will have a softer texture once roasted. Thaw the zucchini first, then squeeze out excess moisture before slicing and proceeding with the recipe. This helps keep your dish from becoming too watery!
How to Store Leftover Roasted Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the zucchini in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, so the cheese stays crispy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or eggplant. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes so they roast evenly. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the veggies you choose!
