Roasted Zucchini

Name: Roasted Zucchini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise; 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 0.5 tsp dried thyme; 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp dried basil; 0.25 tsp garlic powder; kosher salt; freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped

Parmesan-Crusted Zucchini Quarters with Mediterranean Herbs

This technique turns summer zucchini into something unexpectedly elegant — the cheese and herbs form a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender flesh underneath. Using a cooling rack elevates the zucchini, letting hot air circulate so every surface gets properly roasted instead of steaming.

MediterraneanDinnerSide DishGluten FreeKetoLow CarbQuick MealsHealthyBakingRoastingSummer

Prep10 min

Cook18 min

Total28 min

Servings4

Difficultyeasy

Ingredients

4 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise
½ cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ tspdried thyme
½ tspdried oregano
½ tspdried basil
¼ tspgarlic powder
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
2 tbspextra virgin olive oil
2 tbspfresh Italian parsley, finely chopped(optional)

Instructions

Get your oven heating to 350°F and spray a wire cooling rack generously with nonstick spray, then set it on a rimmed baking sheet. The rack is key here — it keeps the zucchini from sitting in its own moisture, which would make them soggy instead of roasted.
Mix the Parmesan, thyme, oregano, basil, and garlic powder in a small bowl, then season generously with salt and pepper. The herbs should be evenly distributed through the cheese — this mixture will become your flavorful crust.
Arrange the zucchini quarters cut-side up on the prepared rack, making sure they're not touching. Drizzle evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle the Parmesan-herb mixture over each piece, pressing gently so it adheres to the surface.
Roast until the zucchini feels tender when pierced with a fork and the topping starts to turn golden, about 15 minutes. The flesh should give slightly but still hold its shape — you don't want it completely soft.
⏱ 15 min
Switch to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes more, watching carefully, until the Parmesan crust turns deep golden and slightly crispy. The herbs will become fragrant and the cheese will bubble — that's exactly what you want.
⏱ 2 min 30 sec
Transfer to a serving platter immediately while the crust is still crisp. Scatter the fresh parsley over the top if using — the bright green adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor note.