Name: Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium-sized zucchini (about 1½ pounds total); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

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Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears are my absolute favorite way to enjoy this versatile summer squash! I’ve perfected this recipe over many family gatherings, and it never fails to impress even the pickiest eaters. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory Parmesan creates a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary zucchini into something truly special.

What Size Zucchini to Use?

For this recipe, I prefer medium-sized zucchini that are about 7-8 inches long. These tend to have the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Too small, and they might cook too quickly and become mushy. Too large, and they can be bitter with tough skin and lots of seeds. When I’m shopping, I look for zucchini that feel firm and heavy for their size, with vibrant, unblemished skin.

Ingredients Needed

3 medium-sized zucchini (about 1½ pounds total)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears

I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature ensures the zucchini cooks through without burning the cheese.
Next, I cut each zucchini lengthwise into quarters, then cut them in half widthwise. This creates perfect spear-sized pieces that cook evenly.
I line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and give it a light spray with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
After arranging the zucchini spears on the prepared baking sheet, I season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, grated lemon peel, minced garlic, and oregano. This zesty mixture is what gives the Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears their amazing flavor!
I then drizzle this flavorful mixture over the zucchini spears, making sure each piece gets some love.
Finally, I sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the spears.
Into the oven they go for about 15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden brown. For that extra crispy edge that my family goes crazy for, I sometimes broil them for the last 3 minutes.

More Ideas

You can easily customize these Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears to suit your taste! Sometimes I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or swap the oregano for Italian seasoning or fresh basil. These spears are also delicious with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving, or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add some toasted pine nuts on top for extra crunch.

Notes

The Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears are best enjoyed immediately after cooking while they’re still warm and crispy. If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make them soggy.

FAQ

Can I make these zucchini spears ahead of time?

While I prefer making these fresh, you can prep them a few hours ahead. Cut the zucchini and mix the oil mixture separately, then combine and bake just before serving. I wouldn’t recommend fully cooking them in advance, as they lose their wonderful texture when reheated.

Can I use yellow summer squash instead of zucchini?

Absolutely! I’ve made this recipe with yellow squash many times, and it works just as well. You can even use a combination of green zucchini and yellow squash for a more colorful dish that looks gorgeous on the table!

How do I know when the zucchini is perfectly cooked?

The perfect Roasted Parmesan Garlic Zucchini Spears should be tender when pierced with a fork but still have some firmness – not mushy! The outside should be lightly golden, and the Parmesan should be melted and slightly crispy. In my experience, this takes about 15 minutes in a 350°F oven, but keep an eye on them since oven temperatures can vary.