Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan is a tasty and easy side dish! The zucchini gets all smoky and sweet on the grill, then it’s topped with delicious melted cheese.
Honestly, it’s hard to resist those cheesy bits! I could eat this every day—and I just might if it keeps my veggies exciting! 😄 Enjoy it with dinner or as a quick snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This summer squash is the star of the dish! If zucchini is unavailable, you can try using yellow squash or even eggplant for a different flavor and texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work really well, too. They provide a similar salty kick!
Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko adds a wonderful crunch, but if you can’t find them, regular bread crumbs will do. You could even toast your own bread and crumble it for a homemade touch!
Olive Oil: This oil helps with grilling and adds flavor. If needed, you can swap it for melted butter or another oil like avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and works well on the grill.
Fresh Thyme: Fresh herbs elevate this dish. If fresh thyme isn’t available, any Mediterranean herb like oregano or basil can be used, though the flavor will change a bit.
How Do I Make Sure the Zucchini is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling zucchini can be tricky, but following some simple tips can help you achieve perfectly tender and flavorful results. First, make sure to slice the zucchini evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Before grilling, brush the zucchini with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- Grill on medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can cook quickly!
- The zucchini should feel tender when pierced with a fork, and the topping should be golden brown, indicating it’s ready to serve.
For an extra touch, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the zucchini right after grilling. It brightens the dish!
How to Make Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
For the Topping:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled zucchini recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll spend about 25 minutes bringing this tasty dish to the table. Quick and flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure our zucchinis cook perfectly with nice grill marks.
2. Mix the Topping:
In a mixing bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and crumbly. This will be the delicious topping for our zucchinis!
3. Prepare the Zucchini:
Take each zucchini half and carefully scoop out a bit of the flesh from the center. This will create a little well to hold our tasty filling. Be gentle so you don’t break the zucchini!
4. Season the Zucchini:
Brush the cut sides of the zucchini halves with olive oil. Then, sprinkle them with a bit of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
5. Fill the Zucchini:
Now it’s time to fill! Use a spoon to scoop the Parmesan and panko mixture into each zucchini half, pressing it down gently to pack it in. Make sure they are filled nicely!
6. Grill the Zucchini:
Place the filled zucchini halves on the grill with the cut side facing up. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the topping turns golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
7. Finish and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the zucchini from the grill. Drizzle them with fresh lemon juice to add a bright flavor. If you like, sprinkle some extra thyme or parsley on top for a lovely garnish.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your grilled zucchini warm with lemon wedges on the side. Dig in and enjoy this flavorful, cheesy dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a wonderful flavor, you can substitute with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that melting cheeses like mozzarella won’t provide the same crispy topping.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Bread Crumbs?
No problem! If you don’t have panko, you can use regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour, though this will alter the texture slightly. Just be sure to toast them a bit for added crunch!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the zucchini and fill them with the cheese mixture a few hours in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. Keep in mind that the longer they sit, the more moisture they may absorb, so it’s best to grill them within a few hours.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy them as a tasty snack or side dish!
