How to Roast Zucchini

Co-authored by Ollie George Cigliano

Last Updated: February 23, 2023

Roasting zucchini (or courgette) is a simple way to bring out the very best in this summer vegetable's flavor. It's one of the most delicious ways to use up zucchini without putting in a lot of effort. Zucchini's mild flavor pairs well with a variety of different spices, so don't be afraid to experiment! See Step 1 for instructions on making roasted zucchini three ways.

Ingredients

Simple Roasted Zucchini

1 pound zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cheesy Roasted Zucchini

1 pound zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Ribboned basil, for garnish

Crunchy Breaded Zucchini

1 pound zucchini
1 egg, beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Simple Roasted Zucchini

Try this zucchini recipe on a summer night when you're not in the mood to spend much time in the kitchen. It's a very simple dish that highlights zucchini's fresh, delicate flavor. Serve it as a side dish alongside any type of meat or fish.

Roasting zucchini at a high temperature will cause the flesh to caramelize and turn golden brown, making the dish especially flavorful.
2
Wash the zucchini. Rinse away any dirt and debris that may be left on the skin. Use a scrubber if necessary to make sure it is entirely clean.
- Size matters, if you don't want your zucchini to be soggy. Start with smaller zucchini, at around 8 oz., since larger zucchini have a higher percentage of water.^{[1]
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3
Cut the zucchini. Place a zucchini on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it lengthwise. Turn the zucchini halves and use the knife to cut the halves into 1-inch pieces. Repeat with the remaining zucchinis.
- When roasting zucchini, it's not necessary to peel away the green skin. The skin will soften as the vegetable roasts, so there's no reason to discard it.
- If you wish, you can roast entire zucchini halves, or cut them into long strips like dill pickles. Cut them into whatever shape you like.
4
Mix the seasonings. Place the Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt in a bowl and mix them all together.
- Try using dried oregano, lemon zest, and fresh parsley if you want to have Mediterranean flavors.^{[2]
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Place it in a bowl and pour the olive oil over it, then use tongs to toss the mixture until the zucchini is entirely coated.
6
Season the zucchini. Add the garlic to the bowl. Pour the seasoning mix over the zucchini, then toss again to coat the pieces in spices.
- Let the zucchini drain in a colander for about 30 minutes before patting it dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.^{[3]
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Make sure the pieces aren't overlapping - they should be in one single layer so they cook evenly.
8
Bake the zucchini. Bake for 7 minutes, then open the oven and turn the pieces over. Bake for another 7 minutes, or until the zucchini are golden brown.
- You can roast the zucchini al dente, pricking with a fork for desired tenderness. You can also cook it longer and let it turn soft and silky. If you cook zucchini until it releases its moisture and keep cooking until that moisture evaporates, you'll get a buttery-soft pulp, which can add creaminess and sweet vegetal flavor when stirred into pasta or rice dishes.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cheesy Roasted Zucchini

Cheesy zucchini is a classic dish that pleases everyone, even those who typically don't like zucchini. That's because the nutty, buttery Parmesan melds with the zucchini's mild flesh to produce something truly mouthwatering.

Rinse away any dirt and debris that may be left on the skin, using a scrubber if necessary to make sure it is entirely clean.
Place a zucchini on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it lengthwise. Repeat with the remaining zucchinis.
Arrange them all flesh-side up.
Make sure each one gets an even coat.
Put a light sprinkling of each on all the zucchini halves.
Put an even amount on top of each of the zucchini halves. If you need more Parmesan, feel free to add it - it won't affect the outcome of the dish.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the zucchini for 10 minutes, or until the Parmesan has turned bubbly and golden brown. Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
Place the ribboned basil on top of the zucchini halves to serve. This is great as either a side dish or a light main course.^{[5]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Crunchy Breaded Zucchini

This healthy take on a fried appetizer never touches a deep fryer. The zucchini roasts inside a simple crust of bread crumbs and melted butter, held together with a bit of egg. It's a delicious way to start any meal, but pairs particularly well with Italian favorites like ravioli and lasagna.

Rinse away any dirt and debris that may be left on the skin, using a scrubber if necessary to make sure it is entirely clean.
Place a zucchini on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into discs that are each about 1–2 inch (2.5–5.1 cm) wide. Discard the two ends of each zucchini.
4
Salt the zucchini. Because they have such high moisture content, it's a good idea to salt the zucchini rounds to draw out some of the moisture. This will keep the final dish nice and crunchy.
- Lay the zucchini rounds onto a plate lined with paper towels.
- Sprinkle them with salt.
- Let them sit for 10 minutes.
- Use a paper towel to wipe the moisture from each piece.
Beat the egg and have it ready in a shallow bowl. Melt the butter and mix it with the bread crumbs into a separate bowl. Have your baking sheet ready nearby, so you can transfer the breaded rounds directly to it.
Slice by slice, dip the zucchini pieces first in the beaten egg, then in the bread crumb bowl. Each side of the slices should be well coated in bread crumbs. Place the coated pieces in a single layer in the baking dish.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the zucchini for 20 minutes, or until the breading is deep golden brown. Remove the dish from the oven.
They're delicious with marinara sauce or balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I give zucchini an Asian flavor?

Jerran Boyer
Nutrition-Focused Professional Chef
Chef Jerran Boyer is a Nutrition-Focused Professional Chef and the CEO of Health Nut Chefs. Chef Jerran has over 20 years of experience as a private chef. She and her team specialize in providing healthy, fresh-prepared meals designed with each client’s taste and dietary needs in mind. She and her team offer both personal, part-time chef services and private, full-time chef services in New York, New Jersey, and the Los Angeles area. Chef Jerran received her BS in Business Administration from the University of South Florida, a degree in Culinary Arts from Florida Culinary Institute, and a Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate through Cornell University.

Jerran Boyer

Nutrition-Focused Professional Chef

Expert Answer

Try adding a splash of soy sauce, five spice or togarashi, and toasted sesame seeds.

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Question

Will any of these recipes make the zucchini crunchy?

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Community Answer

Roasting zucchini makes it soft. If you want crunchy zucchini, try stir frying it.

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Can I freeze them and use them later in the year?

Community Answer

Of course! Freeze them before you roast the zucchini however. Put raw zucchini in a freezable container and you can take them out, thaw them, and use them in any recipe for up to 6 months!

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