Name: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Spears Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 18 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Spears Recipe. It’s one of those fan-freaking-tastic recipes I’ve made so many times that it feels like second nature now, yet it never fails to wow. Tender zucchini spears, a hint of zesty lemon, garlic’s punch, and all wrapped up with nutty parmesan – it’s comfort and freshness combined on one baking sheet. Stick with me and I’ll share everything you need to nail this dish every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: It takes under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Fresh Flavor Combo: The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, balancing the rich garlic and parmesan beautifully.
Versatile Side: It pairs wonderfully with everything from grilled chicken to pasta or even as a healthy snack.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: The crispy edges and cheesy kick make this a zucchini recipe that even picky eaters love.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Spears, garlic parmesan zucchini, roasted zucchini side dish, lemon garlic zucchini, easy zucchini recipes - The image shows about ten long zucchini halves arranged in two rows on a white marbled surface. The zucchini pieces are golden brown on top, sprinkled with small white cheese flakes, black pepper, and chopped green herbs. Around the zucchini, there are three lemon wedges with a pale yellow color, placed near the edges. Some parts of the zucchini edges have darker, slightly crispy spots from cooking. The whole scene looks fresh and simple with a focus on the baked zucchini. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Spears Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that naturally complement each other. Each component plays its role—zucchini gives tender moisture, lemon juice and zest add brightness, garlic brings aroma and depth, oregano lends herbaceous warmth, and parmesan finishes with rich, savory flavor. Let’s talk about each.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Spears, garlic parmesan zucchini, roasted zucchini side dish, lemon garlic zucchini, easy zucchini recipes - Flat lay of three fresh medium-sized zucchinis whole and uncut, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with bright yellow lemon juice, a few thin strips of freshly grated lemon peel arranged neatly, one whole uncracked garlic clove, a small pile of dried oregano leaves, two small piles of parmesan cheese—one finely grated and one shredded—plus small piles of coarse salt and cracked black pepper, all placed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Zucchini: Pick medium-sized, firm zucchinis with bright green skin for best results; they roast evenly and hold up well without becoming mushy.
Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil helps all the seasonings stick and adds a lovely fruity note.
Lemon Juice & Lemon Peel: Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy punch, while grated peel delivers essential oils for a fragrant lift.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic truly makes a difference; it infuses the oil and zucchini with that classic savory bite.
Oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery herbal flavor that balances the richness of cheese.
Parmesan Cheese (grated and shredded): Use good-quality parmesan; it melts and crisps perfectly, giving those addictive golden edges.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight all the other flavors in the dish.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Spears Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you like or what’s in your pantry. I like to switch up herbs, sometimes adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Feel free to make it your own!

Variation: One time, I swapped oregano for fresh thyme and lemon for a splash of balsamic vinegar – it was surprisingly delicious and worth a try.
Go Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding cheese, nutritional yeast sprinkled on top adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Make It Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic mixture for a kick you’ll love.
Seasonal Twist: In summer, try adding cherry tomato halves before roasting for a sweet burst.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Spears Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Zucchini Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then grab your zucchinis and slice them lengthwise into quarters, followed by cutting each spear in half across the width to create bite-sized pieces. A trick I learned early on is lining your baking sheet with foil and spraying it with cooking spray—this stops sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Arrange the spears in a single layer, and don’t forget a good sprinkle of salt and pepper before moving on.

Step 2: Whisk Up Your Flavor Bomb

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, grated lemon peel, minced garlic, and oregano. That combo is what turns ordinary roasted zucchini into something spectacular. Drizzle this fragrant blend evenly over your zucchini spears, then shower them generously with grated and shredded parmesan cheese. This layering technique packs on flavor and helps achieve those irresistible crispy edges.

Step 3: Roast and Crisp to Perfection

Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for about 15 minutes. You want the zucchini to be tender but still hold its shape. If you crave that extra crisp and golden finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 3 minutes—just keep a close eye so nothing burns. When done, the spears will be tender, lightly golden, and the parmesan edges beautifully crisp. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Spears Recipe

Uniform Cutting: Cutting zucchini spears evenly ensures they roast uniformly and finish at the same time.
Fresh Lemon Zest: I always zest the lemon before juicing to get the maximum aromatic oils without wasting any.
Watch the Broil: When broiling, stay close! Parmesan can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the spears out so they roast instead of steam – that’s key for crispy edges.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Spears Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Spears, garlic parmesan zucchini, roasted zucchini side dish, lemon garlic zucchini, easy zucchini recipes - A white plate holds about ten long zucchini strips, each sliced lengthwise and placed in layers overlapping each other. The zucchini is topped with light golden crumbs and sprinkled with herbs, creating a textured, slightly crispy look. The yellow-green color of the zucchini contrasts with the light brown crust on top. Two lemon wedges with a bright yellow rind and pale inner flesh are placed near the edge of the plate, adding color and freshness. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love garnishing these zucchini spears with a little extra grated parmesan and fresh chopped parsley or basil to brighten them up and add a pop of green. Sometimes I sprinkle a few chili flakes on top if I’m craving spice. It makes the dish look as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even a hearty pasta dish. It’s also fantastic alongside a quinoa salad or garlic bread for a veggie-packed meal. On busy nights, I’ve happily eaten it with just a protein shake —it satisfies without feeling heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch or dinner parties, I like arranging the zucchini spears standing up in a pretty shallow bowl—kind of like little veggie bouquets. They look inviting, and guests love picking at them during conversation. Another idea is serving them on a charcuterie board with dips like marinara or ranch for a fun finger food twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Spears Recipe store nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, I recommend letting them cool completely before storing. When you want to reheat, crisp them up in the oven instead of the microwave.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze zucchini spears after roasting because they tend to get mushy once thawed. If you do want to prep ahead, freezing raw sliced zucchini separately is better, then roast fresh when ready.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, spread the zucchini spears on a baking sheet and warm them at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This restores the texture and crisps up the parmesan edges again, making them taste almost freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use other types of squash instead of zucchini for this recipe?

Absolutely! Yellow summer squash or even pattypan squash work well with this recipe. Just adjust the cutting size so the pieces roast evenly like zucchini spears.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon zest—can I skip it?

You can skip the zest, but it does add a wonderful aromatic brightness. If you have dried lemon peel or lemon extract, a tiny pinch can stand in, but fresh zest is best for flavor.
Is it okay to use pre-grated parmesan cheese?

Pre-grated parmesan is fine but doesn’t melt or crisp quite as well as freshly grated or shredded parmesan. For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using fresh parmesan when possible.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Just swap the parmesan cheese for a plant-based parmesan alternative or sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Spears Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliably delicious, quick to whip up, and endlessly adaptable. I hope you’ll give it a try and find your own little ways to make it feel like “yours.” Trust me, once your oven fills with that garlicky, parmesan aroma, you’ll know this one’s a keeper. Happy roasting!