Name: Roasted Garlic Zucchini with Parmesan
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 zucchini; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp herbs; 2 tsp parmesan; 3 cloves garlic

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Roasted garlic zucchini makes a great and healthy appetizer for any meal. Crispy, soft, and tender zucchini sticks roasted in the oven makes it one of the best side dishes on the table.

I adore such simple dishes that are done in just minutes and loaded with flavors. Zucchini is a simple and not expensive veggie, that turns out to be a very delicious appetizer. Sometimes, when I buy more veggies, and in order not to throw them if they become soft or stays longer in the fridge, I try to bake them seasoned and topped with lots of herbs, parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. A simple ingredient will make your table look so nice and festive. Definitely, nothing compares to a juicy roasted chicken or turkey, but this roasted zucchini will pair perfectly next to these dishes.

My daughter doesn’t like zucchini, neither my husband – yet coated in a lot of garlic and parmesan – this zucchini is as reborn. The taste and aroma become so seductive and tempting that you will definitely adore this easy and simple side dish.

I like to bake different veggies, either roasted carrots, broccoli or zucchini as they go so perfect to a slice of meat or fish. When I want to make a more festive table I try to make more kinds of appetizers. However, if it is just an ordinary evening I try to prepare a quick and tasty side dish.

One more great thing about this simple appetizer is how healthy, nutritious, low-in-calories, and addictive it can become.

What is zucchini?

Zucchini is a very popular veggie, especially in summer, resembling much squash that can be eaten both raw and cooked. This healthy veggie looks much like a big cucumber with the same dark nice green color. However, the taste is very different. It is of Italian origins and is a frequently used veggie in many different dishes.

Is zucchini healthy?

Zucchini is a very healthy vegetable that contains zero fat and is frequently used in many diets. It is rich in fibers, water, natural folate, vitamins and is a great antioxidant. Zucchini can be cooked in the oven, grilled, steamed or sauteed – and in all cases, it maintains its benefits and nutrients. I adore fried zucchini especially the way my mom cooks it. (She fries them and adds some mayo and fresh tomatoes, unbelievably tasty).

This great and fresh veggie brings tons of nutritious way next to your favorite dish. Also, if you are looking to lose some weight, this healthy and ideal veggie is one of the ingredients you have to include in your diet menu.

How to bake zucchini?

Most days, I don’t know what to cook as a delicious side dish. Something simple, easy but tasty is all we crave. Roasted zucchini is one of our favorite easy side dishes next to baked or roasted meat or fish.

Preheat the oven at 180°C (350 °F). Meanwhile, wash the zucchini ( i have baked 2 medium-sized zucchinis) and wipe with some paper towels. Take a baking tray, lay some parchment paper, and add the sticks of zucchini. Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, herbs, top some parmesan and add 3 cloves of minced garlic. As it bakes, the center of the zucchini should be bubbly and soft, while the top gets a nice golden color and crispy. This is how the perfect roasted zucchini should look like. Bake zucchini for about 15 minutes. Take off the oven and serve with anything you want. The aroma it emanates is simply delicious and tempting. Sometimes some simple ingredients turn out to produce the best tasty results.

What to serve with zucchini?

Zucchini is such a universal ingredient that can be served next to anything you like or have available. It is a great side dish to meat, fish, to mashed potatoes, or sandwiches. This easy and aromatic garlicky/herby roasted zucchini in the oven will pair to everything. Cooled down they can also make some great snacks.

Roasted zucchini tips:

Use fresh and firm looking-like zucchini.
Coat this yummy zucchini in any dressing you like.
Try not to cook zucchini at high temperatures as you can burn them. Use medium heat and at the lower level.
Try to bake zucchini no more than 20 minutes to avoid smashed and untasty side dish.
Arrange the zucchini sticks, skin-side down and top over parmesan and garlic.
Use parchment paper to avoid a sticky baking tray.

This easy zucchini recipe prepared in any form is delicious, yummy, and healthy. Seasoned with herbs, parmesan, and garlic will make a crunchy crust that ideally pairs to any meat, fish, or seafood. Absolute perfection.