Name: Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 pounds zucchini, trimmed and sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 171 reviews

If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful side dish that feels both light and indulgent, this Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Recipe is going to become your new favorite. The tender zucchini rounds get beautifully caramelized in the oven, and the generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese creates a crispy, savory crust that elevates every bite. It’s a simple dish that brings out the best in fresh zucchini with just a handful of pantry staples, making it perfect for weeknights or special dinners alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four dark green zucchinis with smooth shiny skin are arranged diagonally on a white marbled surface. Nearby, a small white bowl holds finely grated pale yellow cheese. Two clear glass bowls contain ingredients, one with a golden yellow oil and the other with a mix of white salt, brown pepper, red pepper flakes, and beige garlic powder. On the side, a sprig of fresh bright green parsley adds a natural touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To nail this dish, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each one playing a key role. The spices add depth and a touch of warmth, while the olive oil helps achieve that perfect golden roasting. Fresh zucchini is naturally juicy and mild, and the Parmesan brings a sharp, nutty crunch that rounds everything off deliciously.

Onion powder: A subtle savory note that enhances the zucchini without overpowering it.
Garlic powder: Adds mellow garlic flavor evenly throughout the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle, pleasant kick of heat.
Kosher salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors.
Black pepper: Freshly ground adds a mild bite and complexity.
Olive oil: Helps the zucchini roast to tender perfection and crisps up the Parmesan coating.
Zucchini: The star of the dish, sliced into thick rounds to hold up well in the oven.
Grated Parmesan: Crisping to a golden crust, bringing savory richness and texture.
Chopped parsley: A burst of fresh color and subtle herbal flavor to finish.

How to Make Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a sheet pan inside the oven while it heats up. This technique ensures your pan is hot right from the start, helping the zucchini slices roast evenly and get that lovely golden brown crust.

Step 2: Make the Spice and Oil Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Then stir in the olive oil to create a fragrant and flavorful coating liquid. This mixture is what will season the zucchini perfectly, making every bite sing with layers of subtle spice and richness.

Step 3: Coat the Zucchini

Place the sliced zucchini into a large bowl. Pour the prepared oil and spice mixture over the zucchini slices and toss everything gently to ensure each slice is well coated. This step is key for infusing the zucchini with flavor and helping the Parmesan stick during roasting.

Step 4: Arrange Zucchini on the Hot Pan and Add Parmesan

Remove the preheated sheet pan from the oven carefully, then arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer without overlapping. This spacing is crucial for even roasting and crispiness. Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan generously over all the zucchini slices. The cheese will melt and bake to a crispy, golden crust that makes this Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Recipe unforgettable.

Step 5: Roast Until Golden Brown

Place the pan back in the oven and roast the zucchini for about 30 to 35 minutes. During this time, the zucchini will become tender, and the Parmesan will transform into a beautifully golden and slightly crunchy topping. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning while aiming for that perfect color and texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once roasted, sprinkle chopped parsley over the zucchini for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant green color. Your Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Recipe is now ready to serve, bringing excitement and warmth to your table.

How to Serve Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Recipe

The image shows two baking trays side by side on a white marbled surface. The tray on the left holds many round green zucchini slices, evenly spaced, with a light sprinkling of salt and pepper on top, showing a fresh and raw texture. The tray on the right has similar zucchini slices that are cooked with a golden brown color, small bits of crispy cheese, and green herb pieces scattered over them, creating a crispy and slightly charred look. The background and trays appear slightly worn and used, highlighting the cooking process. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley add a lovely contrast and an herbaceous lift that brightens the dish. You might also try a slight drizzle of lemon juice or a scattering of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and zing, but the basic herbs and cheese combination already feels just right.

Side Dishes

This Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, baked fish, or a hearty pasta. It’s a fantastic way to sneak a serving of vegetables onto your plate in a way that feels indulgent and satisfying, making it an easy staple alongside a wide variety of mains.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more impressive presentation, stack the zucchini rounds into fun little towers or arrange them in overlapping rows on a serving platter, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and parsley at the end. You can also serve them warm in a rustic bowl with a dollop of creamy aioli or marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind the zucchini will soften over time, but reheating it with a bit of crisping in the oven helps bring back some texture.

Freezing

Freezing zucchini with its Parmesan coating is not ideal since the texture changes significantly after thawing. For best taste and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days refrigerated rather than frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, place the zucchini on a baking sheet and warm it in a 375-degree oven for about 10 minutes. This helps restore the crispiness of the Parmesan topping better than microwaving, which can make it soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Absolutely! While Parmesan is perfect for its sharp, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties, you can experiment with Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a mild cheddar for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavors and melty textures will vary.

Is this Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, zucchini is naturally low in carbohydrates, and the simple seasoning makes this recipe a great fit for low-carb and keto-friendly diets. Just double-check any added spices or oils to suit your meal plan preferences.

Can I prepare this recipe using different cuts of zucchini?

Slicing zucchini into rounds about half an inch thick is ideal because it allows for even roasting and a satisfying bite. Thinner slices might cook too quickly and become mushy, while thicker chunks may not soften properly.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

If you enjoy more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. The key is to balance the spice so it complements the Parmesan and zucchini without overpowering them.

Can I cook this Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Recipe on a grill?

Grilling zucchini is delicious but doesn’t produce the same crispy Parmesan crust that oven roasting does. If you want a grilled flavor, consider roasting the zucchini first with Parmesan, then finishing it quickly on the grill for a smoky touch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the simplicity and flavor harmony in this Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Recipe. It’s an easy way to elevate humble zucchini into a dish everyone looks forward to eating. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a fantastic companion for a wide range of meals and a wonderful introduction to roasting vegetables at home.