This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini is quick to make and bursting with flavor! The zucchini gets all nice and golden while soaking up garlic goodness and cheesy delight.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Medium zucchinis are perfect here for their mild flavor and tender texture. If you can’t find them, yellow squash or eggplant could also work well. Make sure they’re firm and not too large to ensure even cooking.
Olive Oil: This is essential for roasting. Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its flavor, but you can swap it for avocado oil if you prefer a high smoke point or grapeseed oil for a lighter taste.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a punchy flavor. If you’re in a bind, garlic powder could work—just use about half a teaspoon instead of fresh.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated cheese for better melting. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor or switch to a vegan cheese alternative.
Italian Seasoning: This blend is great for added flavor. If you don’t have it, a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme can do the trick!
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini is Perfectly Roasted?
Getting that tender yet slightly crisp zucchini takes some care. First, you want to ensure you don’t cut all the way through the zucchini, which allows the toppings to seep in without falling apart.
- Preheat your oven fully to 400°F (200°C) for even roasting.
- Make vertical cuts about 3/4 of the way down; this helps the flavors penetrate.
- When you drizzle the olive oil mixture, make sure it gets into those cuts for the best flavor infusion.
- Covering the zucchini with foil for the first part of roasting helps steam them, so they become soft. Remove the foil later for some beautiful browning on the cheese!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis
For the Seasoning:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a little time seasoning and cutting the zucchinis, and then let the oven do the work while they roast to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it will be nice and hot when you’re ready to roast the zucchinis.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and trim off the ends. Then, place each zucchini on a cutting board and carefully make several vertical cuts along the length, about ¾ of the way through, without cutting all the way down. This will help the seasoning get into the zucchini and make them delicious!
3. Make the Olive Oil Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix them together well. This will be your flavorful drizzle for the zucchinis.
4. Drizzle and Season:
Drizzle the olive oil mixture over each zucchini, making sure it seeps into the cuts you made. You can use a brush or spoon to help spread it evenly so every bite is packed with flavor.
5. Add the Parmesan Cheese:
Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over each zucchini. Be sure to get some cheese into the sliced areas to maximize that yummy cheesy flavor.
6. Roast in the Oven:
Arrange the zucchinis in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Place them in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. This allows them to cook through while keeping them moist.
7. Crisp Up the Cheese:
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the zucchinis to be tender and the cheese to turn golden and crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take the zucchinis out of the oven and let them cool slightly. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy this delicious, cheesy dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Parmesan provides a great flavor, you can use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the melting qualities and flavors will vary.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! You can use garlic powder as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for the 4 cloves of fresh garlic. Mix it into the olive oil and seasonings, but be mindful that the flavor will be milder compared to fresh garlic!
How to Store Leftover Roasted Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, add a little extra sprinkle of cheese for that fresh crispy layer!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or onions. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes as the zucchini so they cook evenly. Adjust the roasting time if needed to ensure everything is tender and perfectly roasted.
