Oven Roasted Parmesan Zucchini

Have you ever planted one little extra zucchini plant in your garden and suddenly had enough squash to feed the neighborhood? It’s the garden veggie that just keeps giving and giving and giving… so having a long list of ways to cook it is always helpful. This option, though, is probably my very favorite way to eat the bountiful green squash – it takes all of fifteen minutes to make and the zucchini melts in your mouth while the parmesan gives it a subtle little crunch. So yummy and so simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Oven Roasted Parmesan Zucchini recipe is a game-changer for anyone with an abundance of zucchini. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender zucchini and crispy parmesan is irresistible, making it a perfect side dish or snack that everyone will love.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Oven

Ingredients

• 4 large zucchini or summer squash
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Slice the zucchini or summer squash into 1/4 inch rounds and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the zucchini. Toss everything together until the zucchini is evenly coated.
4. Arrange the coated zucchini slices on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly over the zucchini slices.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until the zucchini is just tender, about 9-10 minutes.
7. Turn the broiler on high and broil the zucchini until the parmesan is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Tips for Success

To ensure the zucchini is evenly coated with the seasoning, make sure to thoroughly toss them in the bowl rather than just sprinkling the ingredients on top. This will help each piece absorb the flavors and cook evenly.

Additional Tips and Variations

If you want to add a bit of heat, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes over the zucchini before baking. You can also experiment with different cheeses like pecorino or asiago for a unique flavor twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dish is low in calories and packed with nutrients. Zucchini is a great source of vitamins A and C, while parmesan adds a bit of protein and calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?

While you can use pre-grated cheese, freshly grated parmesan tends to melt better and offer more flavor.

Can this dish be made in advance?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the zucchini slices and seasoning mixture ahead of time, then bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion

I hope you find this Oven Roasted Parmesan Zucchini as delightful as I do. It’s a quick, flavorful way to enjoy the abundance of zucchini that your garden might provide. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with!