Roasted Zucchini With Garlic Sesame (Printable Version)
Tender roasted zucchini with a crispy garlic-sesame topping, ready in 35 minutes. A versatile vegetarian side dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
→ Crunch Topping
02 - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white or mixed)
03 - 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
04 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
05 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Finishing
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
11 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
03 - In a small bowl, combine sesame seeds, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), minced garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
04 - Sprinkle the garlic-sesame crunch mixture evenly over each zucchini slice.
05 - Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until zucchini is tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
06 - Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges alongside.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crunch topping turns ordinary zucchini into something you will actually crave, and it takes almost no effort to throw together.
- It works as a side dish, a light lunch, or something you eat standing over the baking sheet before anyone else gets home.
02 -
- Crowding the pan is the fastest way to steamed soggy zucchini instead of roasted, so use two sheets if needed.
- The crunch topping can burn quickly in the last few minutes, so start checking at the 18 minute mark rather than waiting for the timer.
03 -
- Slice the zucchini no thinner than half an inch or it will collapse and lose all texture under the topping.
- Let the baking sheet preheat in the oven for a few minutes before adding the zucchini for an instant sear on the bottom.