This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini is a tasty side dish that’s super easy to whip up! The zucchini gets tender and delicious, coated in garlic and topped with cheesy goodness.
Honestly, I can’t resist the mix of garlic and Parmesan—it’s like a little party in my mouth! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken for a yummy meal. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchini is the star of this dish. You can also use yellow squash or eggplant as a different base if zucchini isn’t available.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy taste, though it won’t be as creamy.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are my favorite for extra crunch, but any breadcrumbs work! For a gluten-free option, consider almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the toppings brown. Other oils like avocado or canola are fine if desired, but I love the flavor olive oil brings to the dish!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that aromatic punch. If you’re short on fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder—just use about 1/2 teaspoon for a milder flavor.
How Do I Get the Zucchini Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting zucchini requires just a couple of steps to get that nice tenderness while keeping it flavorful. The key here is scoring and oiling the zucchini properly.
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get that nice roasting heat.
- Score the cut sides of the zucchini halves—this helps the seasoning seep in and promotes even cooking.
- Don’t skip the olive oil! Drizzling it over the zucchini helps the crumbs get golden and adds flavor.
- Keep an eye on the roasting time. Aim for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and the zucchini is tender, but not mushy.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 4 medium zucchini
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to roast in the oven. So, you’ll be enjoying this delicious side dish in about 40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important to make sure the zucchini roasts evenly and gets nicely golden.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash your zucchini under running water, then cut off the ends. Next, slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. This will allow the toppings to really soak in!
3. Score the Zucchini:
Take a knife and make shallow diagonal cuts in the cut side of each zucchini half, about 1 inch apart. Be careful not to cut all the way through; we just want to create some grooves for flavor!
4. Make the Topping Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until it’s all well combined. This will be the delicious topping!
5. Drizzle the Olive Oil:
Drizzle olive oil over the scored sides of the zucchini halves. Make sure you coat them evenly. This will help everything bake beautifully!
6. Add the Topping:
Now it’s time to sprinkle that cheesy breadcrumb mixture over the cut side of each zucchini half. Press it down a little so it sticks nicely!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place the zucchini halves in a baking dish with the cut side facing up. If you have any leftover olive oil, feel free to drizzle it over the top for extra flavor.
8. Roast the Zucchini:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the zucchini is tender and the topping is golden brown.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the zucchini cool for a few minutes. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm as a delicious side dish or vegetarian main course. Enjoy your tasty Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a great flavor, you can substitute with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, mozzarella for a creamier texture, or even cheddar for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor will change a bit!
What if I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! Regular breadcrumbs will work just fine. For a little extra crunch, try toasting them in a pan with a bit of olive oil before mixing them with the cheese. This will give your topping a nice golden color and enhance the flavor!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini up to the roasting step and store it in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. When you’re ready to cook, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before roasting. This will help it cook more evenly.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover roasted zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the topping crispy. You can also microwave it, but it may lose its crunch.
