This grilled zucchini topped with Parmesan cheese is a simple and tasty side dish. It’s light, fresh, and packed with flavor from the grill!
I love how easy it is to make. Just slice, grill, and sprinkle on the cheese. It’s a great way to enjoy veggies, and they feel fancy on the dinner table! 🥒✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are the star here. They’re tender and absorb flavors well. If zucchinis are out of season, yellow squash makes a great substitute.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lovely crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, but they won’t be as crispy. You can even use crushed crackers or cornflakes for a unique twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. Pecorino Romano is a solid substitute if you want something with a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option for a cheesy flavor too!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the way to go for vibrant flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but reduce the quantity to about 1/4 teaspoon as it’s more concentrated.
Fresh thyme: It brings a lovely aroma, but if you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme is just fine. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried for every tablespoon of fresh.
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Zucchini?
Grilling zucchini can be tricky since it can easily become mushy. Here are some tips to make sure yours turns out perfectly:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat for an even cook.
- Always brush the cut sides with olive oil; this helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- Grill the zucchini cut-side up first so the topping bakes nicely and doesn’t burn.
- Keep an eye on it while grilling; about 5-7 minutes is enough until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Lemon wedges for serving
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled zucchini recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking on the grill. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a tasty and healthy side dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This step is important so your zucchini cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Topping:
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Use a fork or a spoon to mix everything together well, making sure all the ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Prepare the Zucchini:
Brush the cut sides of the zucchini halves with olive oil. This not only helps prevent sticking to the grill but also adds extra flavor to your zucchini.
4. Grill the Zucchini:
Place the zucchini halves cut-side up on the grill. Now sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each half. This will give you a crunchy topping as they grill!
5. Cooking Time:
Grill the zucchini for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the zucchini is tender and the topping is nice and golden brown and crispy—just the way we like it!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the zucchini from the grill and serve them warm. Don’t forget to add lemon wedges on the side for that extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious grilled zucchini with Parmesan!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a lovely flavor, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. For a milder taste, try mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese option if you’re looking for a vegan alternative.
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can make this dish in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the zucchini halves on a baking sheet, sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until tender and golden.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to retain some of the crispiness. You can add a little extra olive oil to the skillet to help with this!
Can I Add Other Veggies to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus. Just cut them into similar size pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Adjust grilling time as needed based on the veggies you choose!
