This dish brings together tender zucchini and sweet tomatoes, all roasted to perfection. Tossed with garlic and sprinkle of parmesan, it’s a burst of flavor in every bite!
I love how easy it is to make—just slice, season, and roast. It’s a fantastic side that even makes veggies exciting! Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini works best for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap it for yellow squash. Both have similar textures.
Cherry Tomatoes: They’re sweet and juicy when roasted. If you can’t find them, feel free to use grape tomatoes or even regular tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal for this dish because of its strong flavor, but garlic powder is a decent substitute if you’re short on fresh. Use about 1 teaspoon of powder for this recipe.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can work, especially for a vegan option.
How Do You Get the Zucchini Just Right Without Making It Soggy?
This is a common concern when roasting zucchini. The key is to avoid overcrowding your baking sheet. Here are some tips to ensure your zucchini stays crisp:
- Spread the zucchini and tomatoes in a single layer. If they’re touching, they’ll steam instead of roast.
- Roast at a high temperature (like 400°F) to ensure they cook quickly and develop nice, caramelized edges.
- Don’t skip the pre-roasting time before adding Parmesan. This helps to keep the veggies from getting watery.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Zucchini and Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Oil:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, making the total time about 35 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight side, but impressive enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure your vegetables roast nicely and develop great flavor.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, add the sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. These veggies are going to be delicious together!
3. Season and Coat:
Drizzle the olive oil over your veggies. Then sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to toss everything so that every piece is coated evenly with oil and seasoning.
4. Spread on a Baking Sheet:
Now, spread the vegetable mix out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. This helps them roast instead of steam!
5. Roast the Vegetables:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and roast the vegetables for about 15 minutes. You want the zucchini to soften and the tomatoes to start blistering.
6. Add the Parmesan:
After 15 minutes, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Now, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over all the roasted vegetables. This will add a lovely cheesy flavor!
7. Complete the Roasting:
Put the baking sheet back in the oven and roast for an additional 5–7 minutes. Watch closely until the cheese is melted and bubbly or golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re ready, remove the baking sheet from the oven. If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm as a delightful side dish!
Enjoy your flavorful roasted garlic parmesan zucchini and tomatoes!
FAQ for Roasted Garlic Parmesan Zucchini and Tomatoes
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in other veggies like bell peppers, asparagus, or even yellow squash. Just make sure to cut them to a similar size so they cook evenly.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead. It won’t have the same punch as fresh, but it will still add flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. Note that the veggies may not be as crisp after reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. You can also skip the cheese altogether for a lighter version!
