Tender-crisp, aromatic, and flavorful, this roasted zucchini recipe is a delicious and original way of cooking zucchini in the oven.

You can top oven-roasted zucchini with a tasty and crunchy breadcrumb topping or gratin them with grated parmesan cheese. We’ll show you how!

Roasted zucchini with lemon and breadcrumbs

Check out our best vegetable sides recipe collection!

Roasted zucchini is a beautiful side dish and appetizer that is always welcomed by adults and kids alike because zucchinis are delicious when roasted in the oven.

While you can undoubtedly have plain roasted zucchini seasoned with herbs and olive oil, we recommend trying one of our two toppings.

The first is Italian-inspired. We first roast the zucchini in the oven until tender-crisp and then apply a light, crunchy, and aromatic topping made with breadcrumbs, dried herbs, olive oil, and garlic.

The breading gets golden and crunchy in the oven; believe us, it’s absolutely delicious. It’s how they make zucchini in Italy, and you’ll be blown away by how easy and flavorful they turn out.

The second is with grated parmesan (or grated non-dairy cheese). The parmesan melts, making the zucchini tasty and cheesy. It’s wonderful!

I hope you like this recipe as much as we do; for more zucchini recipes, do a quick “zucchini” search on our site 🙂

roasted zucchini with parmesan cheese
Roasted zucchini with parmesan.

Ingredients

Roasted zucchini ingredients

Zucchini

We use green zucchini, but you can use many other varieties of zucchini for this recipe.

Try summer squash, yellow crookneck, yellow squash, yellow zucchini, grey zucchini, and costata romanesco.

Breadcrumbs

Any breadcrumbs work for this recipe.

Olive oil

We like to use extra virgin olive oil because it’s packed with flavor and polyphenols that make it incredibly healthy. But, of course, regular olive oil works too.

Dried herbs

It’s best to use dried herbs to mix with the breadcrumbs because they won’t burn in the oven.

We use dried thyme and dried rosemary. Other excellent options are oregano, dried basil, dried parsley, or to make things even easier, use Italian seasoning.

Garlic

You can use garlic powder or grated fresh garlic. The garlic powder is easier to use, but the fresh garlic adds a fresher and sharper taste.

If you use fresh garlic, mince it or grate it.

Salt and Pepper

Use fine sea salt or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a pinch or two of chili powder or red pepper flakes for some heat.

Garnishes

They are optional; however, we like to serve the roasted zucchini on a platter with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley and a few wedges of lemon to squeeze on shortly before serving.

They add freshness and a light tang that fits this dish perfectly.

You substitute fresh herbs like dill, rosemary, basil, and mint for parsley.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is only necessary if you make roasted zucchini with parmesan topping. In this case, you won’t need the breadcrumbs and the garlic.

We recommend using good quality Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano imported from Italy.

Parmesan is not vegan nor vegetarian, so keep that in mind if serving these zucchini to someone on a strict diet.

For vegans, we would recommend our breadcrumb topping instead.

roasted zucchini with breadcrumbs topping

Instructions

Roasted zucchini with breadcrumbs topping

Preheat the oven to 400°F or 200°C. Wash and dry the zucchini, then cut the zucchini lengthwise into three slices.

Arrange the slices on a baking tray or sheet pan lined with parchment paper, brush them with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper.

Note: you can trim the ends of the zucchini if you like. We like to keep the stem whole because it looks pretty, and only trim the bottom part.

brushing the zucchini with olive oil

Bake at 400°F or 200°C in the center rack of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the zucchini, is tender-crisp.

Don’t overcook the zucchini, or it’ll get mushy and watery.

partially baked zucchini

Baking time depends on the following:

1) Thickness of your zucchini. Larger zucchini might take a few minutes longer. Smaller ones might be done in just over 10 minutes.

2) Your taste. If you like softer zucchini, bake them longer. If you want your zucchini “al dente,” then bake them a few minutes less.

Keep in mind that zucchini has high water content. Therefore, the longer the zucchini bakes, the more water is released, and the mushier the zucchini will get.

Make the topping

While the zucchini bakes, make the topping.

To a small bowl, add breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, or minced garlic, your dried herbs of choice (thyme and rosemary, in our case), and extra virgin olive oil.

Mix well with a spoon until all breadcrumbs are mixed with the oil.

topping with breadcrumbs

Take the zucchini out of the oven, and add about a tablespoon of breadcrumbs mixture on top of the zucchini.

breadcrumbs topping on zucchini

Put back in the oven, with the broiler function turned on, and gratin until the breadcrumbs get golden, toasted, and crunchy.

This takes 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the oven, so keep an eye on them.

oven baked zucchini just out of the oven

Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy as a starter or side dish. Add freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like.

oven baked zucchini just out of the oven

Variations

Roasted zucchini with parmesan

Preheat the oven to 400°F or 200°C. Wash and dry the zucchini and cut them in half lengthwise, then cut them in half again. Now cut each zucchini stick in half horizontally.

Note: you can also cut the zucchini into three slices like before.

zucchini cut in quarters

Transfer onto a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper, and toss well with your hands to distribute the seasoning evenly. Arrange on a single layer.

zucchini slices arranged on a baking tray

Bake at 400°F or 200°C in the center rack of the oven for about 15 minutes, until the zucchini spears are almost cooked.

Take out of the oven and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.

parmesan cheese on the zucchini

Put back in the oven, with the broiler or grill function on, and gratin until the parmesan is melted and slightly charred (about 4 minutes).

roasted zucchini with parmesan

Arrange on a serving platter and serve as a starter or side dish. You can add some fresh thyme or oregano on top if you like.

oven roasted zucchini with parmesan on a serving platter

Questions

How do you keep zucchini from getting soggy when roasting?

Zucchini has high water content, which means it’s inevitable that it will get a little soggy when roasted. Some tips to help you get it less wet:

1) Get very fresh zucchini that are hard to the touch.
2) Roast at a high temperature of 400°F or 200°C.
3) Roast for a short time, for 10 to 15 minutes.

How long does it take for zucchini to cook in the oven?

At a temperature of 400°F or 200°C, zucchini takes 10 to 20 minutes to cook in the oven, depending on how thick you cut it. Thinner slices take as little as 10 minutes. Zucchini boats can take up to 20 minutes.

How do I know when my zucchini is done?

Pierce it with a fork. The fork should slide in, but with some resistance from the zucchini. The zucchini flesh should not be mushy but tender-crisp.

Should I salt the zucchini before baking?

It would be best to season the zucchini with salt before baking. This way, they will be more flavorful.

How do you drain excess water for zucchini?

If you think your zucchinis are very watery, drain excess water before cooking them.

To do so, cut the zucchini as desired, then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with kitchen paper, sprinkle them with a few pinches of salt, and wait 15 to 30 minutes for the salt to drain the water out of the zucchini.

Pat the zucchini dry with kitchen paper and process with the recipe.

Roasted zucchini with breadcrumbs

Make Ahead & Storage

Make ahead: while you can enjoy this recipe at room temperature or reheat it, we think it’s most delicious when freshly baked because the breadcrumbs stay crisp.

Refrigerator: let the zucchini cool down completely before storing them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I recommend wrapping them in plastic or keeping them in an airtight container.

Freezer: this recipe is not suitable for freezing.

Reheating: warm leftovers in the microwave. You can also serve this recipe at room temperature.

More Zucchini Recipes

If you love cooking with zucchini, check out our other easy recipes with zucchini:

More Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies are a wonderfully satisfying way to get your greens. Here are some of our selected roasted side dishes:

For many more side dish ideas, check out our sides category page.

Roasted zucchini with lemon

Roasted Zucchini

By: Nico Pallotta
4.88 from 8 votes
Tender-crisp, aromatic, and flavorful, this roasted zucchini recipe is a delicious and original way of cooking zucchini in the oven.
You can top oven-roasted zucchini with a tasty and crunchy breadcrumb topping or gratin them with grated parmesan cheese. We'll show you how!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Gratin Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 21 minutes
Servings: 4 – 6 people
Course: Side dish, Starter
Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients

For roasting the zucchini

  • 4 medium zucchini (about 1½ pounds)
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • 2 twists black pepper

For the breadcrumbs topping

  • ¾ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • 1 handful flat-leaf parsley
  • 4 wedges of lemon

Instructions 

Roast the Zucchini

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F or 200°C. Wash and dry 4 medium zucchini, trim the end, and cut each zucchini into 3 slices.
    Arrange the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, brush them with 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, and season with ½ teaspoon salt and 2 twists black pepper.
    brushing the zucchini with olive oil
  • Bake at 400°F or 200°C in the center rack of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender-crisp.
    Don't overcook the zucchini, or they will get mushy and watery.
    partially baked zucchini

Breadcrumbs Topping

  • To a small bowl, add ¾ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
    Mix well with a spoon or with the tips of your fingers.
    topping with breadcrumbs
  • Take the zucchini out of the oven, and add about a tablespoon of breadcrumbs mixture on top of the zucchini.
    breadcrumbs topping on zucchini
  • Put back in the oven, with the broiler function turned on, and gratin until the breadcrumbs get golden, toasted, and crunchy (1 to 3 minutes).
    oven baked zucchini just out of the oven
  • Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy as a starter or side dish.
    Serve with 1 handful flat-leaf parsley (chopped) and 4 wedges of lemon.
    oven baked zucchini just out of the oven

Video

Roasted Zucchini 2 ways

Notes

Nutritional information is an estimate for 1 roasted zucchini with breadcrumbs out of 4 zucchini.
VARIATIONS
For oven baked zucchini with parmesan check out the variation chapter above.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Breadcrumbs: sub parmesan; check out variation chapter“.
Dried thyme: sub dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning.
Dried rosemary: sub fresh rosemary (finely chopped), fresh sage (finely chopped), or dried sage. 
Garlic powder: sub one to two garlic cloves, minced or grated.
Garnishes: sub dill, mint, or basil for parsley.
TIPS
Baking time depends on the following:
1) Thickness of your zucchini. Larger zucchini might take a few minutes longer. Smaller ones might be done in just over 10 minutes.
2) Your taste. If you like softer zucchini, bake them longer. If you want your zucchini “al dente,” then bake them a few minutes less.
MAKE AHEAD & STORAGE
Make ahead: while you can enjoy this recipe at room temperature or reheat it, we think it’s most delicious when freshly baked because the breadcrumbs stay crisp.
Refrigerator: let the zucchini cool down completely before storing them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I recommend wrapping them in plastic or keeping them in an airtight container.
Freezer: this recipe is not suitable for freezing.
Reheating: warm leftovers in the microwave. You can also serve this recipe at room temperature.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Potassium: 541mg, Dietary Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 443IU, Vitamin B6: 0.3mg, Vitamin C: 33mg, Vitamin E: 2mg, Vitamin K: 34µg, Calcium: 91mg, Folate: 77µg, Iron: 2mg, Manganese: 1mg, Magnesium: 47mg, Zinc: 1mg
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Nico and Louise in the kitchen

Hi! We are Nico & Louise

Welcome to The Plant-Based School, a food blog with easy, tasty, and wholesome recipes.

Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Thanks so much for the stuffed zucchini recipe. I have made various recipes for stuffed zucchini but now I needed one without cheese and without meat for family and friends who have dietary restrictions. This recipe is just in time for Father’s Day dinner with family and friends. Thank you so much.

    1. Hi Paula, I’m delighted to hear you like the zucchini (and that it fits into a family dinner too). Thank you for taking the time to comment. Cheers, Nico