Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks Recipe
When you need a sensational side that wows everyone but asks so little of you, look no further than these Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks. Thick zucchini planks get roasted to golden perfection, lavished with garlicky olive oil, and crowned with two dreamy cheeses that bubble in the oven. Each bite is a blissful mix of savory, creamy, and herbaceous flavors, turning humble zucchini into something utterly crave-worthy. This dish is a true weeknight hero, perfect for impressing guests or adding a veggie-forward centerpiece to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks is in their simplicity. Every ingredient shines—bringing its own pop of flavor, color, or irresistible meltiness. Here’s the lineup that transforms everyday veggies into something extraordinary.
- 3 large zucchini: The star of the show—choose firm, heavy vegetables for best results and slice them thick for steak-like texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and ensures every inch of zucchini turns beautifully golden in the oven.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers that lush, pungent depth only fresh garlic brings—don’t skimp!
- ½ teaspoon salt: Boosts all the subtle flavors and tempers bitterness for the perfect bite.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Lends just enough gentle heat to keep things interesting.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds herby, aromatic notes that marry perfectly with zucchini and cheese.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into that gooey, stretchy, crowd-pleasing layer on top.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty, salty flavor to balance the mozzarella’s creaminess.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A final burst of color and freshness to brighten every bite.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Zucchini
Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup blissfully easy. Slice your zucchini lengthwise, aiming for hearty ½-inch thick planks that will hold their own as “steaks.” Arrange them in a single, snug layer on your prepared sheet—crowding is the enemy of crispy edges!
Step 2: Make the Garlic-Infused Oil
Toss the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning together in a small bowl. Give it a quick whisk so the seasonings are evenly distributed, and breathe in that aroma—honestly, that’s half the fun already! This mixture is where Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks get their irresistible punch.
Step 3: Slather and Roast
Using a pastry brush (or simply the back of a spoon), generously coat every zucchini plank with your seasoned oil. Don’t be shy—every nook and cranny deserves that garlicky love! Slide the pan into the oven and roast for 12–15 minutes. The zucchini should start to soften and take on golden-brown edges, signaling it’s ready for the grand finale.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping
Time for the best part! Evenly sprinkle the roasted zucchini with shredded mozzarella and a shower of grated Parmesan. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes. Watch closely—the moment the cheese is melted, bubbling, and flecked with golden spots, you’ve reached Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks perfection.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once everything is irresistibly gooey and aromatic, pull your zucchini steaks out of the oven. Scatter them with a generous flurry of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal brightness. Serve immediately while that cheese is still gloriously melty—trust me, these won’t last long!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley elevates the look and taste of Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks, but you can easily play around with other herbs like basil or chives for a twist. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or even a touch of lemon zest can add an extra burst of brightness that pairs beautifully with the cheese and garlic.
Side Dishes
These zucchini steaks thrive alongside grilled proteins like chicken or steak, or scoop them up with a hearty scoop of quinoa or couscous for a satisfying vegetarian meal. For a low-carb feast, try pairing with a crisp green salad or simple roasted potatoes—just add your favorite bread to soak up any cheesy bits left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, fan the zucchini steaks out on a rustic platter and let people dig in family-style. Or, for an appetizer spin, cut the planks into bite-sized pieces and skewer for a playful, sharable starter. You can even treat the zucchini as a “pizza base”—pile on pepperoni, olives, or roasted peppers alongside the cheese, and you’ve got a customizable snack that’s party-ready.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are a treat the next day. Let them cool completely, then tuck them into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days—the flavors deepen as they rest, making every bite even more delicious!
Freezing
While zucchini’s high water content makes it a little tricky to freeze without softness, you can freeze Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks in a pinch. Cool them fully, lay out on a baking sheet to pre-freeze, then pack into freezer-safe bags between layers of parchment. They’ll keep for up to one month, though the texture will be more tender upon reheating.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat your zucchini steaks in a 375°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is once again melty—usually about 8–10 minutes. You can also use the microwave for a quick fix, though the zucchini will be softer. A quick minute under the broiler at the end brings back those golden cheesy edges!
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite plant-based mozzarella and Parmesan. Many vegan cheese options melt beautifully, so you’ll still get that glorious cheesy layer.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries—just use a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme in equal parts, or whatever Mediterranean herbs you have on hand. You can even get creative with a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra zing.
Can I grill the zucchini instead of roasting?
Yes! Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks adapt perfectly to the grill. Prepare the zucchini as described, grill over medium heat until tender, then add cheese and cover the grill to melt. The smokiness adds a whole new layer of flavor.
Are Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks suitable for meal prep?
They’re fantastic for meal prep because they reheat well and keep their flavors. Just store cooled portions in airtight containers and enjoy within three days for best quality.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Definitely—yellow squash works just as well, offering a slight color and flavor variation. You might even want to mix the two for a more vibrant, beautiful platter!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dive into these Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks—so easy, so flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you serve them as a side, a snack, or a stand-alone star, I promise this recipe will have you looking at zucchini in a whole new (and incredibly delicious) light!
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Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savor the flavor with these Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks that make a delightful side dish or a tasty low-carb pizza base. Tender zucchini planks roasted with garlic and topped with gooey cheeses are a surefire hit.
Ingredients
Zucchini Steaks:
- 3 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise into ½-inch thick planks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange zucchini on the sheet.
- Mix and Brush: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Brush over zucchini.
- Roast: Roast zucchini for 12–15 minutes until slightly browned.
- Add Cheese: Top each zucchini plank with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra crisp edges, broil the zucchini steaks for 1–2 minutes after adding the cheese.
- This dish doubles as a low-carb pizza base—add your desired toppings before baking with cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
