Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks: The Ultimate Crispy, Golden, Oven-Baked Zucchini Recipe
Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are thick-cut zucchini slices roasted until tender and finished with a rich garlic butter coating and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy oven-baked recipe is low in carbs, packed with nutrients, and ready in under 40 minutes. The crispy edges, creamy cheese, and fragrant herbs create a delicious combination that's perfect for any meal. Serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or light vegetarian main course. The recipe is simple to customize with different cheeses and herbs. Every bite delivers bold garlic flavor, gooey cheese, and perfectly roasted zucchini.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Slice each zucchini lengthwise into thick "steaks," about ¾ inch thick.
- Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over both sides of the zucchini steaks.
- Arrange the zucchini steaks in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
- Roast for 15 minutes until the zucchini begins to soften.
- Remove from the oven and top each steak with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 2 minutes to achieve a beautifully golden cheese topping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Use large, firm zucchini for steak-like slices.
- Pat the zucchini dry to reduce excess moisture.
- Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Garlic butter gives the zucchini rich, savory flavor.
- Parmesan adds a delicious crispy crust.
- Broiling creates a beautifully browned cheese topping.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to preserve the texture.