A Flavor-Packed Vegetarian Delight
Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are a perfect blend of crispy, golden-brown zucchini topped with a rich, cheesy garlic topping. These thick-cut zucchini slices offer a meaty texture, making them a great vegetarian alternative to traditional steaks. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this dish bursts with flavor and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Deliciously Cheesy: A gooey, savory cheese topping enhances the mild sweetness of zucchini.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Infused with aromatic garlic for a deep, irresistible flavor.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: A great option for those watching their carb intake.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses, herbs, and seasonings.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
1. Prep the Zucchini
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thick “steaks” (about ½-inch thick).
- Brush both sides of the zucchini with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Roast the Zucchini
- Arrange the zucchini steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly golden.
3. Add the Cheesy Garlic Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the roasted zucchini steaks.
4. Broil to Perfection
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Different Cheeses: Try cheddar, Gouda, or feta for unique flavors.
- Crunchy Topping: Add panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for extra crispiness.
- Grilled Option: Instead of baking, grill the zucchini steaks over medium heat for a smoky flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4 (depending on portion size)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as zucchini becomes mushy when frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent zucchini from becoming too soggy?
Roasting at high heat and avoiding overcrowding on the baking sheet helps keep the zucchini from getting watery.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the zucchini in advance and add the cheese just before serving.
What other seasonings work well with this dish?
Paprika, cumin, thyme, or rosemary can add extra depth to the flavor.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely! Yellow squash has a similar texture and taste, making it a great substitute.
What’s the best way to cut zucchini steaks?
Slice lengthwise into thick pieces (about ½-inch) to ensure they hold their shape while cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Just check that your cheese is free from additives.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of the oven?
Yes, you can pan-fry the zucchini steaks over medium heat and melt the cheese by covering the pan with a lid.
What pairs well with cheesy garlic zucchini steaks?
They complement grilled meats, pasta dishes, or a fresh salad.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or a nutritional yeast topping for a plant-based version.
Can I air-fry the zucchini instead?
Yes! Cook the zucchini at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, then add the cheese and air-fry for another 2 minutes.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are a fantastic way to enjoy zucchini in a rich, flavorful, and satisfying way. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a meatless main, or a keto-friendly treat, this recipe is easy to prepare and bursting with cheesy, garlicky goodness. Try it today and elevate your zucchini game!
Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are a deliciously crispy, golden-brown zucchini dish topped with a rich, cheesy garlic topping. This vegetarian delight is a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative to traditional steaks, making it perfect as a side dish or main course. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s packed with flavor and easy to customize.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Zucchini
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thick “steaks” (about ½-inch thick).
- Brush both sides of the zucchini with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Roast the Zucchini
- Arrange the zucchini steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly golden.
- Add the Cheesy Garlic Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the roasted zucchini steaks.
- Broil to Perfection
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course.
Notes
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave in short intervals. Freezing is not recommended.
- Variations: Try different cheeses like cheddar or feta, add jalapeños for heat, or use panko breadcrumbs for crunch. For a smoky flavor, grill instead of baking.
- Dietary Info: Naturally gluten-free and low-carb; can be made vegan with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Vegetarian Main
- Method: Roasting, boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Zucchini steaks, cheesy garlic zucchini, low-carb side dish, keto zucchini recipe, roasted zucchini
