Description
Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears offer a flavorful and healthy side dish featuring tender zucchini spears tossed in a zesty lemon garlic blend, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, and roasted to golden perfection. Ideal for a quick, easy, and delicious complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 medium zucchini, about 1 1/2 pounds
Seasonings and Oils
- 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
Cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare zucchini: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut each zucchini lengthwise into quarters, then cut each quarter in half widthwise to create spears. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. Arrange the zucchini spears evenly on the prepared baking sheet, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix and drizzle seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, grated lemon peel, minced garlic, and oregano until well combined. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the zucchini spears. Then, sprinkle the grated and shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the zucchini to add a savory crunch.
- Bake and broil: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the zucchini spears for 15 minutes or until they turn lightly golden brown. For extra crispiness on the edges, switch your oven to broil and broil the zucchini for an additional 3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning during broiling.
Notes
- Using both grated and shredded Parmesan cheese adds a nice texture contrast and enhances the cheesy flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternative.
- Be careful not to overbroil; zucchini can burn quickly under the broiler.
- To save time, prepare the seasoning mixture ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to one day.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, or reheat gently to avoid sogginess.
