Baked Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks
Quick and easy to prepare, these cheesy garlic zucchini steaks are a delicious and healthy side dish or a light meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- large bowl
- baking sheet
- oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2-3 medium zucchini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, fontina, or Gruyere)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and trim the zucchini, then slice them into 1/2-inch thick "steaks"; pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper, then toss the zucchini slices in the mixture to coat evenly.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the seasoned zucchini in a single layer on a large baking sheet, using two sheets if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the zucchini is tender-crisp and slightly browned, with cooking time varying by oven and zucchini thickness.
- Remove the baking sheet, sprinkle shredded cheese over each zucchini 'steak', and return to the oven for 5-8 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Carefully remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a "cheesy" flavor even with less dairy cheese.