Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan

By Adeline

Published on July 3, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the taste of summer sunshine, and this Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan recipe truly captures it. It’s a dish where tender-crisp zucchini meets a golden, savory topping. This simple side dish brings so much joy to any meal.

I absolutely adore making this for an easy weeknight dinner. It’s also a crowd-pleaser for backyard barbecues. Everyone always asks for the recipe, which makes my heart sing!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan holds a special place in my recipe box for so many reasons.

It’s super quick: Perfect for those busy weeknights when time just flies.
Flavor explosion: The savory Parmesan and hint of lemon truly shine.
Always a hit: My family devours it, and guests always ask for more.
Healthy and comforting: It feels like a hug on a plate without any guilt!

Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan Ingredients

Gathering the ingredients for this Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan recipe is like collecting little sparks of flavor. Each component plays a vital role, building a symphony of taste and texture.

Olive oil: This forms the base, carrying all those lovely flavors.
Garlic: It adds that essential aromatic goodness.
Crushed red pepper: Just a touch brings a nice little kick.
Whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs: These create an amazing crispy crust.
Parmesan cheese: The star of the show, offering salty, nutty perfection.
Fresh thyme leaves: They lend an earthy, fragrant note.
Lemon zest: This brightens everything with a burst of citrusy sunshine.
Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Large zucchini: The tender canvas for our delicious topping.
Lemon wedges: Perfect for a fresh squeeze right before serving.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Sometimes, you just need a little flexibility in the kitchen.

For the panko, regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch.
Dried oregano or rosemary can stand in for fresh thyme.
If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder is okay.
Feel free to add other herbs like fresh basil or parsley.
Want more spice? Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.
Always remember, exact quantities are in the full recipe card below.

How to Make Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan

Making this amazing Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan is easier than you think. Let’s walk through each step together. You’ll be enjoying this delightful side dish in no time!

Preparing the Flavorful Topping

First, we create that irresistible topping. Grab a small skillet for this part. Combine olive oil, minced garlic, and just a bit of crushed red pepper. Cook these over low heat, stirring often. You want the garlic to get soft and a pretty light golden color. This takes about three to four minutes. Take it off the heat and let it cool a bit, maybe five minutes. Then, stir in the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, fresh thyme, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. This mix is pure magic!

Preheating Your Grill for Perfection

Now, let’s get that grill hot, hot, hot! You want it very high, at least 500°F. This step is super important for great grilling. Use tongs to hold an oil-soaked paper towel. Carefully oil your grill grates. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Grilling the Zucchini to Tender-Crisp

Place your halved zucchini, cut-sides down, right onto those hot, oiled grates. Grill them, uncovered, until they’re perfectly tender-crisp. This usually takes about five minutes per side. You’ll start to see lovely grill marks appearing. This quick grill gives us delicious tender zucchini.

Adding the Irresistible Topping

Next, flip the zucchini so the cut sides face up. Now, spoon that fantastic panko-Parmesan mixture evenly over each piece. Don’t be shy; load it up! This is where the magic happens for our Parmesan zucchini.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Cover the grill and cook for another two to three minutes. You’re looking for that topping to turn golden brown and a little crispy. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Carefully transfer your beautiful Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan to a serving platter. Serve them with fresh lemon wedges. A little squeeze of lemon really brightens everything up. Enjoy your perfectly grilled vegetables!

How to Store Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan

You might have some tasty leftovers, and that’s great! My family usually devours this dish, but sometimes there’s a bit left. Store your cooked Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan in an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for two to three days. When you want to reheat it, a quick warm-up in the oven or air fryer works best. This keeps the topping nice and crispy. The microwave can make it a little soft.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcrowd the grill. This ensures even cooking.
Heat your grill well; a hot grill makes great marks.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your family’s spice preference.
Use fresh, firm zucchini for the best texture.
Always oil grates before grilling to prevent sticking.
Watch the topping carefully as it can brown quickly.
A little lemon juice at the end really brightens flavors.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Small skillet: For cooking the garlic and oil.
Tongs: Absolutely essential for turning zucchini safely.
Grill: Any outdoor grill works, gas or charcoal.
Paper towels: For oiling the grates properly.
Grater: To grate your fresh Parmesan cheese.
Spoon: For spreading that flavorful topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
It pairs beautifully with quinoa or a light couscous salad.
A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette is perfect.
Enjoy with a crisp glass of white wine or sparkling water.
Garnish with fresh parsley for extra color and freshness.
This makes a fantastic healthy appetizer too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan ahead of time?

You can certainly prep the topping mixture ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Grill the zucchini and add the topping just before serving for best results and to keep the topping crisp.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can easily roast or broil your zucchini in the oven. For roasting, place zucchini on a baking sheet at 400°F until tender-crisp. Then, add the topping and broil until golden brown.

Can I use different cheeses for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Parmesan is classic for this Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan, feel free to experiment. Asiago or Pecorino Romano could offer a similar salty, nutty flavor. A blend of Italian cheeses might also be delicious with the tender zucchini.

How long does cooked zucchini last in the fridge?

Cooked Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan will last for about 2 to 3 days in an airtight container in your refrigerator. For the best taste and texture, especially with the crispy topping, it’s ideal to enjoy it fresh.

Conclusion

There you have it, friends! This Grilled Zucchini With Parmesan recipe is truly more than just a side dish. It’s a little slice of summer on your plate, bringing vibrant flavors and a satisfying crunch. I simply adore how easily it transforms simple zucchini into something extraordinary. This recipe proves that delicious, healthy meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Whip up a batch for your next meal. You’ll quickly see why it’s become a cherished favorite in my kitchen. Happy grilling and happy eating!