This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini is a tasty side dish that’s super easy to make. With the warm flavors of garlic and the cheesy goodness of parmesan, it’s hard not to love it!
Honestly, it’s like summer on your plate! I make extra just so I can enjoy the leftovers in my lunch. Who knew veggies could taste so good? 😄
I really appreciate how quickly this dish comes together. Tossing the zucchini with garlic and parmesan is a breeze, and then just pop it in the oven—simple as pie!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium-sized zucchini is key for this dish. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash or even eggplant can work as great substitutes. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they might vary.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a lovely nutty flavor. A good substitute is Pecorino Romano, which is even a bit saltier. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan substitute if you’re looking for a cheese alternative!
Olive Oil: I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. However, you can use melted butter or avocado oil as alternatives, especially if you want a different taste profile.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor. If you have garlic powder on hand, you can use that as a substitute but keep in mind to use less—about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon should do it.
How Do You Get the Perfect Garlic Flavor in Roasted Zucchini?
The garlic is integral to achieving that deep flavor in this dish. Here’s how to effectively use it:
- Use fresh garlic and mince it finely to release its oils.
- Mix the minced garlic directly into the olive oil so that it coats the zucchini well.
- Be careful not to let the garlic burn while roasting. Adding it in the oil helps prevent that and enhances the flavor!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 4 medium-sized zucchini
For the Garlic Parmesan Mixture:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano and basil)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to roast in the oven. In just under an hour, you can enjoy this flavorful and healthy side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your zucchini roasts perfectly.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchini thoroughly and cut off the ends. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Now, make thin cuts along the length of each zucchini half, but be careful not to cut all the way through—this will create a lovely fan effect!
3. Make the Garlic Olive Oil Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. This mixture will add great flavor to your zucchini.
4. Apply the Mixture:
Arrange the zucchini halves in a baking dish with the cut side facing up. Brush the garlic olive oil mixture generously over each zucchini, making sure to get it deep into those lovely cuts.
5. Sprinkle on the Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over all the zucchini halves. This cheese will melt and turn deliciously crispy while roasting.
6. Roast the Zucchini:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the zucchini for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want them to be tender and for the cheese to be golden brown and crispy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done roasting, carefully remove them from the oven. Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this tasty side dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. For a creamier texture, mozzarella or goat cheese can also work, but they won’t provide the same flavor profile.
Can I Use Olive Oil Substitutes?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or melted butter for a slightly different flavor. Just keep in mind that using butter may cause the cheese to brown more quickly, so keep an eye on it in the oven!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover roasted zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through, though the texture will be best when reheated in the oven.
Can I Make This Recipe with Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This garlic parmesan mixture works well with other vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the vegetable’s thickness; they may cook faster or take a bit longer depending on what you choose.
