Imagine biting into a tender, juicy zucchini steak, covered in a savory garlic butter sauce and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The combination of flavors—garlic, cheese, and smoky paprika—makes these Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks an irresistible side dish or light main course.
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy zucchini, this recipe is perfect for you. Whether you’re a zucchini lover or a skeptic, these cheesy zucchini steaks will have you coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks
This dish is packed with bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and a satisfying texture. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Crispy, Cheesy Topping – The blend of mozzarella and Parmesan creates the perfect golden crust.
- Garlic Butter Goodness – The rich, garlicky olive oil sauce enhances the natural flavors of zucchini.
- Quick & Easy to Make – Ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Healthy & Low-Carb – A great alternative to heavy starches, perfect for keto and gluten-free diets.
- Versatile – Serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light vegetarian main course.
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks
Here’s everything you need to make this cheesy, garlicky, and delicious zucchini recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large zucchini, cut into ½-inch slices | 3 |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Smoked paprika (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup (100 g) |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup (25 g) |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) | 2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks
1. Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash the zucchini and cut them lengthwise into ½-inch (1.25 cm) thick slices.
- Lay them on a paper towel and lightly salt to remove excess moisture (let sit for 5 minutes).
2. Season and Sauté
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brush the zucchini slices with the garlic oil mixture.
- Sauté each side for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown and slightly softened.
3. Add the Cheese and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the sautéed zucchini steaks to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly crispy.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while warm and cheesy!
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks
This dish pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are some great serving ideas:
- With Grilled Chicken or Steak – A perfect low-carb side dish for grilled meats.
- Over Pasta or Rice – Serve over spaghetti or cauliflower rice for a full meal.
- As a Sandwich or Burger Topping – Layer it on a burger for an extra cheesy twist.
- With a Fresh Salad – Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- As an Appetizer – Serve with marinara sauce or garlic aioli for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks
1. Choose the Right Zucchini
Pick firm, medium-sized zucchinis that are not too large. Larger zucchinis tend to be watery and less flavorful.
2. Don’t Overcook
Zucchini cooks quickly. If overcooked, it can become mushy. Sauté until just tender before baking.
3. Use Fresh Garlic for Maximum Flavor
Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. Avoid garlic powder, as it won’t provide the same depth.
4. Customize the Cheese
- Use Gruyère or cheddar for a stronger, more intense flavor.
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
5. Make It Extra Crispy
For added crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds before baking.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as zucchini becomes too soft when thawed.
Reheating
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Skillet: Heat on low in a pan for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- Microwave: Use in 30-second intervals, but note that it may soften.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry the zucchini steaks at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, then add cheese and cook for another 2 minutes until melted.
2. What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute regular paprika, chili powder, or leave it out for a milder flavor.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
4. How do I keep zucchini from getting soggy?
- Salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 5 minutes before cooking.
- Avoid overcooking in the skillet—just 3–4 minutes per side is enough.
5. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash works just as well and has a similar texture and flavor.
6. What other toppings can I add?
Try adding:
- Chopped bacon for a smoky crunch.
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Fresh basil or oregano for an Italian-inspired twist.
Final Thoughts: Make Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks Tonight!
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy zucchini, these Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are a must-try! With their crispy cheese topping, bold garlic flavor, and tender texture, they make the perfect side dish or vegetarian main.
Grab some zucchini and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
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Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks: A Delicious and Healthy Side Dish
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are a delicious, healthy, and satisfying side dish packed with bold flavors. Tender zucchini slices are sautéed in a garlicky olive oil mix, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, then baked to perfection. Whether served as a side, appetizer, or light main dish, this cheesy zucchini recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 3 large zucchini, cut lengthwise into thick slices (about ½ inch or 1.25 cm thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100 g)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 25 g)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Wash and cut the zucchini into ½-inch thick slices lengthwise.
- Place on a paper towel, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Season and Sauté:
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brush both sides of the zucchini steaks with the garlic oil mixture.
- Sauté for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and slightly softened.
- Add Cheese and Bake:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer zucchini steaks to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbly:
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, until cheese is fully melted and slightly crispy.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make it extra crispy: Add a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- Dairy-free option: Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of regular cheese.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American