Description
Savory cheesy garlic zucchini steaks deliver garden-fresh flavors with Mediterranean charm. Crisp zucchini slices glazed with garlic and melted cheese promise a delightful side dish that transports you straight to summer’s delicious simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large zucchini, cut into thick steaks (lengthwise or rounds)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Oils and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetable surface by trimming and slicing zucchini lengthwise into thick, uniform planks, ensuring each piece maintains structural integrity for grilling or roasting.
- Create a robust flavor infusion by whisking together melted butter, fragrant olive oil, finely minced garlic, aromatic Italian seasoning, crisp salt, cracked black pepper, and fiery red pepper flakes into a harmonious marinade.
- Meticulously coat each zucchini steak with the prepared herb-laden mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage to maximize flavor penetration.
- For oven method, arrange seasoned zucchini on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 400°F, allowing the vegetable to soften and caramelize for approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Alternatively, for grilling, position zucchini steaks on a preheated medium-high grate, creating beautiful crosshatch marks by rotating halfway through cooking, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transform the zucchini into a decadent dish by generously sprinkling a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface.
- Activate the broiler, positioning the zucchini close to the heat source and monitoring carefully until the cheese melts into a golden, effervescent crust.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous brightness.
- Serve immediately while the zucchini remains warm and the cheese maintains its luxurious, molten texture.
Notes
- Slice zucchini evenly to ensure uniform cooking and attractive presentation.
- Pat zucchini dry before seasoning to help achieve crispy edges and prevent excess moisture.
- Adjust cheese quantities for lighter or richer versions depending on dietary preferences.
- Experiment with alternative cheese options like goat cheese or dairy-free alternatives for specialized diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 211
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 457 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg