This grilled zucchini with Parmesan is a simple and tasty side dish! The zucchini gets smoky and tender, topped with cheesy goodness that makes it hard to resist.
I love how quick this recipe is—just slice, grill, and sprinkle with cheese! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy veggies. Perfect for BBQs or a weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are essential for this dish. If you’re not a fan of zucchini, you can also use eggplant or bell peppers for a different taste and texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a great crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, just note they won’t be as crispy. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also a great substitute for a gluten-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice sharp flavor. You can replace it with Pecorino Romano for a similar taste, or even nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Olive Oil: This enriches the flavor and helps in grilling. Feel free to swap it with avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer.
Fresh Herbs: I love using fresh thyme, but you can also use oregano or basil. Dried herbs work fine too, just use a little less since they are more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grill Marks on My Zucchini?
Getting those beautiful grill marks is simpler than you think! Here are some tips to ensure your zucchini turns out perfectly grilled:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. If it’s too hot, the zucchini may burn instead of grill.
- Brush the cut sides of the zucchini with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Place zucchini cut side up on the grill and leave them be for about 3-4 minutes. Resist the urge to move them around! This allows those grill marks to form.
- Check for grill marks; if they’re nice and dark, it’s time to turn them over. If not, give them another minute. Remember to cook them just enough to get tender.
With these steps, your zucchini will look and taste fantastic, making the grilling experience truly rewarding!
How to Make Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped)
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled zucchini dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and healthy side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This ensures that the zucchini gets those lovely grill marks and cooks evenly. While the grill heats up, you can prepare the zucchini and the topping!
2. Make the Breadcrumb Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Drizzle in half of the olive oil and mix everything together until well combined. This will be the tasty topping for your zucchini!
3. Season the Zucchini:
Take the halved zucchinis and brush the cut sides with the remaining olive oil. Don’t forget to sprinkle them with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. They’re going to be grilled, so make sure they’re nicely seasoned!
4. Grill the Zucchini:
Place the zucchini halves cut side up on the grill. Let them grill for about 3-4 minutes, or until you see those beautiful grill marks forming. It’s important not to rush this step; you want that smoky flavor!
5. Add the Topping:
Carefully remove the zucchini from the grill. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture evenly onto each half, pressing it gently to make sure it sticks. This layer is where the magic happens!
6. Finish Grilling:
Return the stuffed zucchini back to the grill and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. You want the topping to be golden brown and the zucchini to become tender. It’ll smell amazing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take the zucchini off the grill and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a zesty kick. If you’d like, you can garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side and enjoy your tasty grilled zucchini!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Parmesan, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or mozzarella for a milder one. Just keep in mind that the texture and overall taste will change slightly, so choose what you enjoy best!
What if I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can use regular breadcrumbs, but for extra crunch, consider toasting them lightly in a pan with a little olive oil before using. This will help mimic the crispiness of panko!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through, or heat them in the microwave for a quicker option.
