Description
This Easy Roasted Zucchini recipe features tender zucchini rounds seasoned with garlic powder, Italian herbs, and topped with golden, bubbly Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a quick and flavorful side dish, it can be prepared in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and oven roasting.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Oils & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Season Zucchini: In a large bowl or directly on the baking sheet, toss the sliced zucchini rounds with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper ensuring each slice is evenly coated.
- Arrange Zucchini: Spread the zucchini in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the slices don’t overlap to ensure even roasting.
- Initial Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the zucchini for 10 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Parmesan: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the zucchini rounds to create a cheesy layer.
- Continue Roasting: Return the zucchini to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil the zucchini under high heat for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the roasted zucchini to a serving platter, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure zucchini slices are of uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control spiciness according to preference.
- Parmesan can be substituted with a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.