Description

This Garlic Lemon and Parmesan Oven Roasted Zucchini recipe offers a deliciously easy way to transform fresh zucchini into a flavorful side dish. Tender zucchini wedges are coated in a zesty olive oil, garlic, and lemon mixture, then topped with savory Parmesan cheese and roasted to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you want a simple yet elegant vegetable dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 1/2 lbs zucchini (about 4 – 5 small/medium zucchini)

Seasoning & Toppings

2 Tbsp olive oil
Zest of 1 small lemon (1 tsp)
2 cloves garlic, crushed or finely minced
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cut zucchini: Slice each zucchini lengthwise into four wedges, ensuring the pieces are uniform in size for even roasting.
Prepare olive oil mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, and crushed or minced garlic. Stir well until evenly mixed.
Arrange zucchini: Place the zucchini wedges spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet, allowing air to circulate around each piece for even cooking.
Brush with olive oil mixture: Generously coat the zucchini tops with the olive oil mixture using a brush or spoon, making sure the garlic and lemon zest are evenly distributed.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the coated zucchini pieces, pressing gently to help the cheese adhere. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Bake then broil: Bake the zucchini in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes until they become tender. After baking, move the oven rack to the top position and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until the Parmesan topping turns golden brown and slightly crispy.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with a little additional lemon zest or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Notes

For even cooking, try to slice the zucchini wedges uniformly.
Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent the Parmesan cheese from burning quickly.
Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or basil as a garnish for added freshness.
This dish pairs well with grilled meats or pasta dishes.
To make it lower fat, reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon but keep the flavor balance in mind.