This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini is a delicious treat! The zucchini is tender and coated with a tasty mix of garlic and parmesan cheese that gives it a wonderful flavor.
I love how easy it is to whip up this side dish. Just toss the zucchini with simple ingredients, roast it, and enjoy! It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis are the star of this dish. If you can’t find zucchini, you can use yellow squash or eggplant for a similar texture. Just remember to adjust your cooking times accordingly!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to, but you can substitute with avocado oil if you’re looking for a higher smoke point or a milder flavor. Vegetable oil also works in a pinch.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add great depth to the flavor! If you have fresh garlic and onion, feel free to chop them finely and use them instead. Start with 1-2 cloves of garlic and 1/4 of an onion.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a lovely umami kick. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Just sprinkle it on like you would Parmesan!
Breadcrumbs: I love using Panko for its crunchiness, but regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers will work too. If you want to make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether and just go for more cheese!
How Can You Achieve Perfect Roasting for Zucchini?
Roasting zucchini to perfection is all about preparation and timing. Here are some tips:
- Slice the zucchini evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Thin slices work best for quick roasting!
- Brush the olive oil mixture generously; it helps in caramelizing the zucchini. Don’t be shy with it!
- Roast until they are tender and the tops are golden; this usually takes about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Allowing them to cool for a few minutes will make them easier to handle and enhances the flavors. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy creation!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to roast in the oven. So, you can have a delicious vegetable side dish ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to roast the zucchini properly.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Take the zucchinis, wash them well, and cut off both ends. Now, slice them into thin, even circles, but don’t cut all the way through! Leave a small space at the bottom so they can fan out nicely while cooking.
3. Mix the Seasonings:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will bring lots of flavor to your zucchinis!
4. Apply the Olive Oil Mixture:
Place the sliced zucchinis in a baking dish, and using a brush or spoon, spread the olive oil mixture evenly over the tops and in between the slices. Make sure they are well coated so they roast wonderfully.
5. Prepare the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Mix them together so you have a tasty topping ready for the zucchinis.
6. Add the Topping:
Generously sprinkle the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture over each zucchini, making sure each slice gets a good amount for that delicious crunch.
7. Roast in the Oven:
Now, pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and roast the zucchinis for about 25-30 minutes. They should come out tender with golden brown tops!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, carefully take the zucchini out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your tasty Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini!
Can I Substitute Fresh Zucchini for Another Vegetable?
Absolutely! You can substitute zucchini with other vegetables like yellow squash or eggplant, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. Just make sure to slice them thinly for even roasting.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! If you don’t have Panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead, or even crushed crackers for a different texture. Just remember that Panko gives a crunchier finish, so adjust your expectations a bit!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep everything up to the baking step, then cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as needed.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help retain the crispiness of the topping!
