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Crispy Grilled Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Spears

crispy grilled garlic parmesan zucchini spears - featured image

A simple and satisfying recipe for crispy grilled zucchini spears coated in a garlicky Parmesan crust, perfect for summer BBQs and quick weeknight sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 medium zucchini, sliced into spears
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • Juice from half a lemon

Instructions

  1. Wash and slice 2-3 medium zucchinis into spears about ¾ inch thick.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil with 3 minced garlic cloves and let infuse for a few minutes.
  3. In another bowl, mix ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan, ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Toss zucchini spears in the garlic oil until evenly coated.
  5. Roll each spear in the Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  7. Place zucchini spears on the grill in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden grill marks and crispy crust form, about 8 minutes total.
  8. Remove from grill and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the spears.
  9. Serve warm, best enjoyed hot off the grill.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the grill to avoid soggy spears. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best crust. Press coating firmly onto spears and flip carefully to prevent crust from falling off. If no grill is available, bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes or use a cast-iron skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini spears, grilled zucchini, garlic parmesan zucchini, summer BBQ side, crispy zucchini, easy zucchini recipe