Garlicky Parmesan Zucchini Bake: A Flavor-Packed, Easy Dish

A Simple and Delicious Way to Enjoy Zucchini

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and nutritious dish, Garlicky Parmesan Zucchini Bake is the perfect recipe for you. With tender zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and bold garlic, all topped with melted Parmesan cheese, this dish is both comforting and healthy.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for dinner or enjoying it as a light main course, this baked zucchini recipe is an excellent way to make the most of fresh, seasonal vegetables. Plus, it’s low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with flavor!

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best Garlicky Parmesan Zucchini Bake at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Simple & Quick – Only 10 minutes of prep time and then the oven does the work.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from zucchini and tomatoes.
✔ Irresistibly Flavorful – Garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese create an unbeatable taste.
✔ Perfect Side or Main Dish – Great with chicken, fish, or pasta, or enjoyed on its own.
✔ Customizable – Easily adjust the spices, cheese, or add extra veggies.

Ingredients for Garlicky Parmesan Zucchini Bake

This simple, wholesome dish comes together with just a handful of ingredients.

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Substitutions
Zucchini (chopped)	4 medium	Yellow squash, eggplant
Olive oil	1½ tbsp	Avocado oil, melted butter
Cherry tomatoes (whole)	1½ cups	Grape tomatoes, Roma (diced)
Garlic (minced)	3-4 cloves	1 tsp garlic powder
Parmesan cheese (shredded)	¼ cup	Pecorino Romano, mozzarella
Italian seasoning	1½ tsp	Basil + oregano mix
Sea salt	½ tsp	To taste
Black pepper	⅛ tsp	Red pepper flakes (for heat)
Fresh parsley (chopped)	¼ cup	Fresh basil or thyme

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~120 kcal
Carbohydrates	8g
Protein	4g
Fat	8g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	280mg

This dish is low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in essential nutrients.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Garlicky Parmesan Zucchini Bake

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

• Wash and chop zucchini into 1-inch pieces.
• Leave cherry tomatoes whole for a juicy burst of flavor.
• Mince the garlic cloves finely.

3. Season the Vegetables

• In a large mixing bowl, combine zucchini, tomatoes, and garlic.
• Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
• Sprinkle Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over the vegetables.

4. Assemble the Dish

• Transfer the seasoned vegetables into the prepared baking dish.
• Spread them out evenly to ensure they cook properly.

5. Add the Parmesan

• Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese generously over the top.
• For extra cheesiness, add a bit more Parmesan or some mozzarella.

6. Bake to Perfection

• Place the dish in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until:
  • The zucchini is tender but not mushy.
  • The Parmesan is golden and slightly crisp.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for extra freshness.
• Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a light main course.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlicky Parmesan Zucchini Bake pairs beautifully with various dishes.

✅ With Grilled Chicken – A perfect low-carb, high-protein meal.
✅ Over Pasta – Toss with cooked pasta for a quick vegetarian dinner.
✅ As a Side for Steak or Fish – Complements bold, savory flavors.
✅ On Toasted Bread – Serve over a slice of garlic bread for a Mediterranean twist.
✅ With Quinoa or Rice – A hearty, nutritious meal option.

Storage & Reheating Tips

✔ Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Reheat in the Oven – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
✔ Reheat in Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
✔ Avoid Freezing – The texture of zucchini and tomatoes changes when frozen.

Pro Tips for the Best Zucchini Bake

✔ Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on the zucchini to avoid mushiness.
✔ Use Fresh Parmesan – It melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-grated cheese.
✔ Roast at High Heat – 400°F (200°C) ensures a caramelized, slightly crispy texture.
✔ Add More Garlic – If you love garlic, roast whole cloves along with the veggies.
✔ Try Different Cheeses – Experiment with feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

3. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or eggplant for extra flavor.

4. What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder as a substitute for each garlic clove.

5. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before baking.

6. What’s the best way to serve this dish for a crowd?

Serve it in a large casserole dish, and double the recipe for larger gatherings.

Final Thoughts – Try This Garlicky Parmesan Zucchini Bake Today!

This Garlicky Parmesan Zucchini Bake is a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight side dish or a flavorful vegetarian main course, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition.

Try it today and bring bold flavors to your table!

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