Parmesan Roasted Zucchini is a super easy and totally yummy side dish that’ll jazz up any meal. Just toss some zucchini with Parmesan and your favorite herbs, then pop it in the oven until it’s deliciously crispy. It’s a surefire hit for family dinners or when you need a quick side that impresses. Get ready for your new go-to way to serve up veggies!

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Why You’ll Love Oven Roasted Parmesan Zucchini
- Quick and Easy: It takes just minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to roast, making it a fuss-free option for busy evenings.
- Flavorful: The combination of nutty Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and fresh parsley turns ordinary zucchini into a delicious treat.
- Versatile: This dish pairs well with a wide range of main courses, from grilled meats to pasta, making it a flexible side for any meal.
Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Ingredients
- Zucchini: The star of the show, zucchini offers a mild flavor and a tender texture that makes it perfect for roasting. It absorbs the flavors it’s cooked with, providing a wonderful base for the Parmesan and spices.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil enhances the roasting process, helping the zucchini achieve a golden and crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
- Garlic Powder: This adds a robust, aromatic element to the zucchini, giving the dish a savory depth of flavor that complements the cheese and herbs beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan brings a salty, nutty taste to the dish, and when it melts in the oven, it creates a crispy, golden crust that’s irresistible.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herby brightness that lifts the entire dish, balancing the rich flavors of the cheese and garlic.
If you love this recipe then be sure to check out these simple Air Fryer Zucchini Fries.

Variations Of This Recipe
- Roasted Zucchini and Tomatoes: Toss in cherry tomatoes with the zucchini. For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
- Roasted Zucchini and Potatoes: Add sliced potatoes to the tray. Season with rosemary or thyme for an earthy taste.
- Roasted Zucchini and Carrots: Mix in carrot sticks. A sprinkle of cumin or curry powder gives a spicy kick.
Substitutions
- Parmesan: If you’re avoiding dairy, use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative for a similar cheesy flavor.
- Cheese: For a different flavor profile, try swapping Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
- Onion Powder: Replace garlic powder with onion powder for a milder taste.
- Seasoning: Use Italian seasoning or dried oregano instead of fresh parsley for a more Mediterranean vibe.
How To Make Parmesan Roasted Zucchini

Step One: Cut the zucchini into ½ inch thick slices and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking sheet with half of the olive oil.

Step Two: Brush the slices with the remaining olive oil. Then, sprinkle them with garlic powder and most of the Parmesan cheese, saving a tablespoon for later.

Step Three: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 9 minutes. After baking, switch the oven to broil on high and broil the zucchini for 1 minute to get a nice, crispy top.

Step Four: Take the zucchini out of the oven, sprinkle with the reserved Parmesan, and add the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Expert Tips For Nailing Zucchini Bites
- Uniform Slices: Cut the zucchini into uniform slices to ensure even cooking. Thicker slices will be juicier, while thinner slices get crisper.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the zucchini in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than roast, preventing them from getting crispy.
- High Heat: Roasting at a high temperature helps to caramelize the zucchini quickly, enhancing its natural sweetness while achieving a satisfying texture.
How To Store Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
- Fridge: Store Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What To Serve With Roasted Zucchini?
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: The light and healthy nature of roasted zucchini complements the flavors of grilled meats, especially chicken or fish.
- Pasta Dishes: Serve alongside a pasta dish, such as spaghetti with marinara sauce or a creamy Alfredo, to add a refreshing, nutritious balance.
- Rice or Quinoa: Pair with a fluffy bed of rice or quinoa for a filling, gluten-free meal option.
- Steak: The crisp and cheesy zucchini can cut through the richness of a juicy steak, balancing out the meal.
- Chopped Italian Salad: Toss the roasted zucchini into a fresh green salad for added texture and flavor.
FAQ’S
Yes, you can definitely use an oil spray instead of regular olive oil for roasting zucchini.
Oil spray can help evenly coat the zucchini slices with a lighter layer of oil, which is great if you’re looking to reduce the overall fat content of the dish. It also ensures a more uniform and mess-free application, helping the Parmesan and seasonings adhere well to the zucchini while promoting even crisping during roasting.
Just make sure to spray both the baking sheet and the zucchini slices thoroughly to prevent sticking and to achieve that delicious golden crust.
Yes, you can make Parmesan zucchini in the air fryer; just cook the seasoned slices at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.


Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
Ingredients
- 3 Zucchini
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese divided
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking sheet with half of the olive oil.
- Cut the zucchini into ½ inch thick slices and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the slices with the remaining olive oil. Then, sprinkle them with garlic powder and most of the Parmesan cheese, saving a tablespoon for later.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 9 minutes.
- After baking, switch the oven to broil on high and broil the zucchini for 1 minute to get a nice, crispy top.
- Take the zucchini out of the oven, sprinkle with the reserved Parmesan, and add the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.