Description
This Roasted Zucchini Recipe delivers tender, golden-brown zucchini slices infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, it is a healthy, flavorful side dish perfect alongside grilled meats, pasta, or as a light main. Roasting creates crispy edges with tender centers, making it a delicious and versatile vegetable dish you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium fresh zucchini, washed and dried
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley), chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional Variations
- Parmesan or feta cheese, for sprinkling (about 2 tablespoons)
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, for heat (to taste)
- Alternative herbs such as basil or oregano (1 tablespoon, chopped)
- Additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms (1 cup mixed)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot—this will help caramelize the zucchini and lock in all the flavors.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and dry your zucchini, then slice into even rounds or lengthwise strips about ¼ inch thick to ensure even roasting.
- Season the Zucchini: In a large bowl, toss zucchini slices with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest until evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the zucchini out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each piece enough space to roast rather than steam.
- Roast Until Tender: Place the tray in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until the zucchini is tender and edges are beautifully golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- Serve Warm: Once roasted, remove from the oven and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of crispy edges and soft centers.
Notes
- Uniform slices: Cut the zucchini to similar thickness to ensure even cooking without mushy or hard spots.
- Don’t overcrowd: Leave enough space between pieces on the baking sheet to get that desirable roasted crispiness.
- Fresh herbs matter: Using fresh instead of dried herbs will result in a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
- Preheat oven fully: Starting with a hot oven is key to achieving the perfect roast.
- Flip for even roasting: Turn the zucchini halfway through cooking to ensure both sides develop a golden crust.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Freeze roasted slices up to 3 months on a parchment-lined tray and then in freezer bags.
- Reheating: Reheat in a hot skillet or oven to revive crispiness; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg