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Crispy Roasted Zucchini Recipe Easy Parmesan Lemon Zest Side Dish

crispy roasted zucchini - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring zucchini roasted to crispy perfection with Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon zest for a bright, savory flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 medium zucchini (about 1 pound / 450 grams), sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds or half-moons
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (parsley or basil, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash and dry the zucchini thoroughly. Slice into ¼-inch (6 mm) thick rounds or half-moons.
  3. Place zucchini slices in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture.
  4. Toss zucchini with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until lightly coated.
  5. Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without overlapping.
  6. Roast for 15 minutes, flipping slices halfway through (around 7-8 minutes) for even crisping.
  7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the zucchini and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and forms a golden crust.
  8. Remove from oven and immediately zest the lemon over the hot zucchini.
  9. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top.
  10. Serve warm as a side dish.

Notes

Dry zucchini slices thoroughly before roasting to ensure crispiness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and crisping. Add lemon zest after roasting to preserve brightness. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow air circulation.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini, roasted zucchini, crispy zucchini, Parmesan zucchini, lemon zest, easy side dish, healthy side, gluten-free, vegetarian