Grilled zucchini with Parmesan is a tasty treat that brings out the veggie’s sweet flavor! Simple and quick to make, it’s perfect for summer cookouts or a nice side dish any time.
Honestly, who knew zucchini could taste so good? With a sprinkle of cheese on top, it’s like giving your veggies a delicious upgrade. I love serving it with grilled chicken for a yummy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Medium zucchinis are perfect for this recipe because they’re tender and hold their shape well. If you can’t find zucchini, try using yellow squash or even eggplant for a different twist.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano works well too or you can use a vegetarian hard cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give that nice crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can work too. For a gluten-free option, try using crushed almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a wonderful flavor, but you can also use dried thyme or even oregano if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember, dried herbs are more potent, so use half the amount!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor, but you can use vegetable oil if you’re in a pinch. Just remember, different oils can change the taste a bit.
How Do You Grill Zucchini to Perfection?
Grilling zucchini can be simple, but you want to make sure it cooks evenly and doesn’t become mushy. Here’s how to do it right!
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. This ensures a nice char without burning.
- Slice the zucchinis lengthwise and scoop out some flesh. This gives you space for the filling and helps them cook better.
- Stuff the zucchini carefully – pack in the mixture but don’t overfill to avoid spilling.
- Grill cut-side up for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye out for browning on the topping and tenderness in the zucchini.
Let them rest a minute after grilling as it helps the flavors meld. And don’t forget to serve with lemon wedges; that zesty kick brings everything to life!
How to Make Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis
For the Filling:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for crunch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled zucchini dish will take about 15 minutes to prep and about 10 minutes to cook on the grill. So, in about 25 minutes, you’ll be ready to serve a tasty, healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This makes sure the zucchini cooks evenly and gets nice grill marks!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Take your zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out a small amount of the flesh from the center of each half, creating a little boat. This will hold your delightful filling.
3. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, thyme leaves, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well until the breadcrumbs are coated with olive oil, creating a tasty mixture!
4. Stuff the Zucchini:
Take your breadcrumb mixture and spoon it generously into each hollowed-out zucchini half. Pack it in gently so that it doesn’t fall out while grilling.
5. Grill the Zucchini:
Place the stuffed zucchinis on the grill with the cut side facing up. Grill them for about 8-10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the topping turns golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re grilled to perfection, remove the zucchinis from the grill and let them cool slightly. This also helps with the crunchiness of the topping.
7. Add a Zesty Touch:
Serve your grilled zucchini with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze some lemon juice over the top for a refreshing bite! Enjoy your delicious grilled zucchini with Parmesan!
Can I Use Different Cheese Instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a different flavor, try using shredded mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a tangy kick. Just keep in mind that these cheeses may melt differently, so adjust grilling time accordingly to avoid burning.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use almond or oat milk in place of the olive oil. You can also make a mixture of crushed nuts, nutritional yeast, and spices as a topping to get a similar flavor profile and texture!
What Other Herbs Can I Use?
If you don’t have thyme, consider using fresh basil, oregano, or parsley instead! Just chop them finely and mix them into the breadcrumb mixture. Each herb will impart a unique flavor to your grilled zucchini.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Zucchini?
Store any leftover grilled zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to keep the topping crispy, or microwave for a quick option, though this might soften the texture a bit.
