Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears Recipe
Introduction
Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears are a delicious and easy side dish that brings a burst of flavor with minimal effort. Tender zucchini spears tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic mixture and topped with crispy Parmesan create a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini (about 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the zucchini lengthwise into quarters, then cut each quarter in half widthwise to create spears. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. Arrange the zucchini spears on the sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, grated lemon peel, minced garlic, and oregano. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the zucchini spears. Then sprinkle both the grated and shredded Parmesan cheese on top.
- Step 3: Bake the zucchini for 15 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil the zucchini for the last 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture before drizzling.
- Substitute fresh oregano with dried thyme or basil for a different herb flavor.
- If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, increase the Parmesan amount by one tablespoon.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon after baking to enhance the citrus notes.
Storage
Store leftover roasted zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Fresh zucchini is best for roasting since frozen zucchini tends to be watery and can become mushy when cooked. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before proceeding.
What can I serve with these zucchini spears?
These spears make a great side for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or pasta dishes. They also work well as a healthy appetizer or snack alongside dips like marinara or ranch.
PrintRoasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears Recipe
Deliciously tender roasted zucchini spears seasoned with garlic, lemon, oregano, and topped with savory parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make side dish offers a perfect balance of fresh vegetable flavor and crispy, cheesy edges that make for a healthy and satisfying addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Zucchini
- 3 medium zucchini (about 1 1/2 pounds)
Seasoning & Topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon peel (grated)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese (shredded)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut each zucchini lengthwise into quarters, then cut those pieces in half widthwise to create spears. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the zucchini spears evenly on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt and pepper to season.
- Make the Dressing and Season: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, grated lemon peel, minced garlic, and oregano until well combined. Drizzle this flavorful mixture evenly over the zucchini spears. Then, sprinkle the spears with both the grated and shredded parmesan cheese to add a crispy, cheesy topping.
- Bake the Zucchini: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the zucchini spears for about 15 minutes or until they become lightly golden brown and tender. For an extra crispy edge, switch your oven to broil for the last 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Once done, remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Using both grated and shredded parmesan adds texture and ensures a crispy cheese topping.
- Broiling at the end is optional but gives the spears a nice golden, crispy edge.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as a healthy, standalone vegetarian side.
- Ensure that zucchini pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
Keywords: roasted zucchini, parmesan garlic zucchini, healthy side dish, baked vegetable recipe, zucchini spears
