This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini is a tasty side dish that’s both simple and delicious! With fresh zucchini, garlic, and a sprinkle of cheesy goodness, it makes veggies so much fun to eat!
You can’t go wrong with that golden, crispy topping. I often find myself munching on it as a snack—who needs chips when you have this? 🍽️
It’s super easy to whip up! Just slice the zucchini, toss it with garlic and parmesan, and roast until golden. Perfect for adding some yum to any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh, firm zucchinis are best for this dish. They should be green and shiny. If zucchinis aren’t available, yellow squash can work in a pinch, offering a similar texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds wonderful flavor. If you’re looking for something dairy-free, try using nutritional yeast as a substitute. It won’t melt, but it offers a cheesy flavor. My personal favorite is using a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino for extra tang!
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. If you’re out, regular breadcrumbs can do the trick as well, but they may not provide quite the same texture. For a gluten-free option, use crushed almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings intense flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can replace it, but use less (about 1/2 teaspoon) since it’s stronger. I love using extra garlic for an added punch!
How Do I Get Those Zucchinis Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting zucchinis can be tricky, but it’s all about the preparation and timing. Start by cutting the zucchinis in a hasselback style. This means making shallow cuts into the zucchini without cutting entirely through. It helps the seasonings infuse more deeply and encourages even cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot when you add the zucchinis.
- Drizzle olive oil over the zucchinis and let it seep into the cuts. This keeps them moist and flavorful.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture well into the cuts for that crispy, flavorful topping.
- Keep an eye on cooking time, as zucchinis can become mushy if roasted for too long. Aim for 25-30 minutes; you want them tender but still holding their shape.
Remember, if the topping isn’t golden brown after the cooking time, you can put them under the broiler for a minute or two—just watch closely to avoid burning!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to roast in the oven. So, you can expect a total time of around 40 minutes to enjoy these tasty Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help ensure your zucchinis roast perfectly!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Give the zucchinis a good wash and trim off the ends. Now, to make them look fancy and allow the flavors to seep in, cut deep slices along each zucchini (this is called “hasselback style”). Make these cuts about 1/4 inch apart but be careful not to cut all the way through the zucchini.
3. Make the Topping Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This will be your delicious topping!
4. Add Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil over the cut zucchinis, making sure it seeps into those lovely cuts. The oil will help the zucchini roast nicely and keep it moist.
5. Apply the Topping:
Now, take that yummy Parmesan mixture and sprinkle it over the zucchinis. Press it gently into the cuts so it sticks well and creates a nice crust while roasting.
6. Get Ready to Roast:
Place your prepared zucchinis in a baking dish. Pour any leftover olive oil from your bowl into the bottom of the dish. This will keep things juicy as they bake.
7. Roast the Zucchini:
Put the dish in your preheated oven and roast the zucchinis for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender, and the topping turns golden brown and crispy!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, feel free to sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top for a spicy kick, if you’d like. Then, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
9. Enjoy!
Serve these warm as a delightful side dish or a tasty appetizer. Enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini!
## FAQ for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
Can I Substitute the Parmesan Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or a vegan Parmesan substitute. You might also consider using another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano for a different twist!
What if I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can use crushed crackers, stale bread crumbs, or even ground oats as a substitute. If you want to keep it gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover roasted zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe works great with other vegetables like asparagus, eggplant, or bell peppers. Just adjust the roasting time depending on the size and thickness of the vegetables! For larger veggies, cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
