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Crispy, cheesy, and grilled to perfection, this Grilled Parmesan Zucchini is the easiest summer side dish you’ll crave all season. 🧀🔥
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Summer means one thing at our house – grilling just about everything in sight. We always have an abundance of zucchini from the garden, and this grilled zucchini recipe is one of the easiest ways to use it up. It’s buttery, crispy, and cheesy, and it disappears fast – even with the picky eaters. My kids didn’t love vegetables until I started making parmesan zucchini on the grill. Now they request it all season long!
Whether you’re looking for simple zucchini recipes or need a new go-to side dish, this Parmesan zucchini recipe is quick, flavorful, and pairs well with nearly any main dish.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prep and cook
- Perfect way to use garden zucchini
- Cheesy, crispy, and buttery
- Works on the grill, stovetop, oven, or air fryer
- Great for BBQs or weeknight dinners
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
- zucchini – substitute with yellow squash
- grated parmesan cheese – substitute with shredded parmesan cheese
- Italian breadcrumbs – substitute with plain breadcrumbs or homemade breadcrumbs
- butter, melted – substitute with olive oil
- garlic powder – substitute with minced fresh garlic
- salt – no substitute recommended
- parsley, chopped – substitute with fresh basil or omit if preferred
✨ Variations
- Use yellow squash instead of zucchini
- Add crushed red pepper for a little heat
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top and broil for 1 minute after grilling
- Swap Italian breadcrumbs with panko for more crunch
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🔥 Tips
- Slice zucchini evenly to avoid overcooking
- Brush generously with the butter mixture for maximum flavor
- Grill with the lid open for better browning
❓ FAQs
You can, but they’re best served warm.
Yes. Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a container or zip-top bag.
Definitely, toasted bread crumbs work just fine as a homemade option.
You can, but it’s not necessary. Brushing on the butter mixture right before grilling gives plenty of flavor.
Nope! The skin helps hold the slices together on the grill. Just wash well and slice.
Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices may fall apart, and thicker ones may take longer to cook through.
Yes. You can slice the zucchini and mix the butter topping a few hours in advance. Just brush and grill when ready.
Not as written, because of the breadcrumbs. For a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds as a substitute.
It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or fish. It’s also a great side for pasta or sandwiches.
Make sure the grill grates are clean and preheated. Brushing a little oil on the grates or on the zucchini can also help.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Pizza and Pasta
Pork Zucchini Skillet Dinner
Breakfast
Zucchini Muffins
Bread
Apple Zucchini Bread
Pizza and Pasta
Weeknight Sausage & Zucchini Skillet Lasagna
Grilled Parmesan Zucchini
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Equipment
- grill
- basting brush
- spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- 3 zucchini squash, washed and dried
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- chopped parsley, for garnish
- lemon slices, optional for serving
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Slice each zucchini lengthwise into 5 to 6 strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and salt.
- Brush both sides of each zucchini slice with the butter mixture using a basting brush.
- Place zucchini strips on the grill and cook uncovered for about 4 minutes total, flipping after 2 minutes.
- Remove from grill when tender and lightly golden. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. Add lemon slices for extra brightness, if desired.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
Store leftover zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.♨️ REHEATING
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes on a baking sheet.
- Use an air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes for a crispier texture.
- Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
- Use the microwave in short bursts, about 20 to 30 seconds, but note that the zucchini may soften more than desired.
❄️ FREEZING
Freeze zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Slice zucchini evenly to avoid overcooking thinner pieces.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts better and sticks more easily.
- Grill with the lid open to allow excess moisture to escape and encourage browning.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Stovetop: Pan-fry zucchini slices in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side.
- Oven: Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Place coated zucchini slices in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender. Work in batches if necessary.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
Chop and mix leftover zucchini into pasta, salads, or grain bowls for a delicious addition. They’re also great tucked into wraps or omelets.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
