Description

This Garlic Lemon and Parmesan Oven Roasted Zucchini recipe offers a deliciously tender and flavorful side dish featuring zucchini wedges roasted to perfection with a zesty lemon-garlic olive oil drizzle and a golden Parmesan cheese topping. It’s a quick and easy recipe that brings out the best in fresh summer squash with a beautiful balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy notes, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

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

Seasonings & Oils

2 Tbsp olive oil
Zest of 1 small lemon (1 tsp)
2 cloves garlic, crushed or finely minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheese

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 for easy cleanup.
Cut zucchini: Slice each zucchini into four wedges lengthwise, creating uniform pieces to ensure even roasting.
Prepare olive oil mixture: In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon zest, and minced garlic until well combined.
Arrange zucchini: Place the zucchini wedges evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow proper heat circulation for roasting.
Brush with olive oil mixture: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the tops of the zucchini with the olive oil mixture, making sure the garlic and lemon zest are evenly distributed.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the coated zucchini wedges, pressing slightly so the cheese adheres well. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Bake then broil: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes until the zucchini is tender. Then move the oven rack to the top position and broil for 2-3 minutes until the Parmesan topping turns golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm, either as a delightful side dish or appetizer.

Notes

To ensure even cooking, cut zucchini wedges uniformly in size.
Watch the zucchini carefully during broiling to avoid burning the Parmesan cheese.
Use fresh lemon zest and garlic for the most vibrant flavors.
For a crispier texture, you can opt to broil a little longer but monitor closely.
This recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats or pasta dishes.