This grilled zucchini with Parmesan is a tasty side dish that’s quick to make. The zucchini gets nicely charred on the grill, and the cheesy topping makes it even more delicious!
I’m a big fan of how easy this recipe is. Just slice, grill, sprinkle with cheese, and you’re ready to enjoy a healthy treat. Perfect for summer cookouts! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are the star here! They should feel firm and have a shiny skin. If you can’t find zucchini, eggplant could be a great substitute – just slice them similarly and hollow them out.
Breadcrumbs: I used regular breadcrumbs for a classic texture, but panko can give a crunchier topping. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can also work if you’re avoiding gluten. Just keep an eye on seasoning since some might be more salty.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely sharp taste. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute, but it’s saltier, so adjust salt accordingly. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option if you’re vegan!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh really elevates the taste. If you’re sensitive to garlic, try using roasted garlic for a milder sweetness.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for taste, but any cooking oil like avocado or walnut oil can work too. Just make sure it has a high smoke point for grilling!
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Zucchini?
Grilling zucchini can be tricky if you want it both tender and flavorful. The key is to cut them right and manage cooking time carefully. Here are my tips for success:
- Preheat your grill to medium to avoid burning. Too hot will char outside before the inside is cooked.
- Hollow the zucchini to ensure they cook evenly and to hold in the yummy topping.
- Grill cut side down first to get those nice grill marks and enhance flavor.
- Keep an eye on cooking time! Flip them at 4-5 minutes, and let them cook an additional 5-10 minutes until tender.
- Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon at the end! This brightens up the dish and complements the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
For The Filling:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if available)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to grill. You’ll spend a little time preparing the zucchini and mixing up the filling before grilling them to perfection. It’s a quick and tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will help ensure the zucchinis cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
2. Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, and the breadcrumbs are nicely coated with the oil. This filling will add a great flavor to your zucchinis!
3. Prepare the Zucchini:
Take your halved zucchinis and scoop out a small part of the flesh using a spoon. This creates a little hollow space that’s perfect for filling with the tasty mixture you made earlier.
4. Fill the Zucchini:
Place the hollowed zucchini halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly into each hollowed zucchini half, making sure each one is nicely filled.
5. Brush with Olive Oil:
Before grilling, lightly brush the cut sides of the zucchini with a bit of olive oil. This helps them get a nice, golden color on the grill.
6. Grill Away!
Now, it’s time to grill! Place the zucchinis cut side down on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes. You’re looking for those delicious grill marks to form.
7. Finish Grilling:
After the first side is grilled, flip the zucchinis over. Grill for an additional 5-10 minutes until they’re tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy. You’ll love how good they smell!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the zucchinis from the grill. Serve them warm with lemon wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing over the top for some extra zing!
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan!
Can I Use Different Cheese Instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a great flavor, you can substitute with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, or even cheddar. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly depending on the cheese you choose!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Zucchini?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the oven or on the grill for a few minutes to regain some crispiness—microwaving might make them a little soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
How Do I Choose the Best Zucchini?
Look for zucchinis that are firm, evenly shaped, and have a shiny skin. Avoid zucchinis with soft spots or blemishes, as they may not be as fresh. The smaller zucchinis are often sweeter and more tender, making them ideal for grilling!
