This grilled zucchini with Parmesan is an easy and tasty side dish! The zucchinis get all nice and charred on the grill, making them flavorful and fun to eat.
Sprinkle on that cheesy Parmesan, and you’ve got a dish that’ll make even veggie haters smile! I love serving it alongside burgers in the summer—it’s a perfect match!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Fresh, medium zucchinis are essential here. For a twist, try using yellow squashes or eggplants instead. They work just as well and add different flavors!
Parmesan Cheese: While grated Parmesan is my go-to for its rich flavor, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan substitute for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Breadcrumbs: Panko adds a lovely crunch that’s hard to beat. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but consider toasting them for extra crispness. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also a good substitute.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps with grilling. Avocado oil is a great alternative that can withstand high heat and has a mild flavor, perfect for grilling vegetables.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Boats to Grill Perfectly?
Grilling zucchini boats requires some attention to detail to ensure they’re cooked well. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Start by preheating your grill to medium heat to get an even cook.
- Cut the zucchini in half and scoop out enough flesh so they hold the filling without falling apart. Too much removal can make them fragile.
- Brush both cut sides with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Grill them cut side up first to allow the filling to brown properly without burning. Keep an eye on them for about 8-10 minutes until tender.
For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving!
How to Make Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled zucchini recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and easy—the perfect side dish for a summer barbecue!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grill and Zucchini:
First, preheat your grill to medium heat. While it heats up, take your zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out some of the flesh with a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch for the “boat” shape. This will hold all the tasty filling!
2. Making the Topping:
In a mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then mix everything together until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. This will give them a lovely, crispy texture!
3. Seasoning the Zucchini:
Brush the cut sides of the zucchini with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season them with a little more salt and pepper. This will make them even more flavorful.
4. Stuffing the Zucchini Boats:
Now it’s time to fill those zucchini boats! Take the breadcrumb mixture and generously fill each one, pressing down gently to pack it in. You want them nice and full!
5. Grilling:
Place the stuffed zucchinis on the grill with the cut side facing up. Grill them for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the zucchini to be tender and the topping to turn golden brown—so keep an eye on them!
6. Finishing Touches and Serving:
Once they’re done, remove the boats from the grill and drizzle them with fresh lemon juice. Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme and lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your tasty grilled zucchini with Parmesan!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to mix things up, you can swap the Parmesan for other cheeses like feta for a tangy flavor or mozzarella for a gooey texture. Just be conscious of the melting point and flavor balance!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled zucchini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispiness!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can easily make these in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the zucchinis on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until tender and the topping is golden brown.
