Go Back

Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks

Cheesy garlic zucchini steaks with thick grilled charred edges and a garlicky crust. Cut-side grilled for deep grill marks, then topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan for a melty, savory finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

zucchini steaks
  • 4 large zucchini Halved lengthwise to create thick steaks.
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 garlic cloves Minced.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt To taste.
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper To taste.
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese Shredded.
  • 0.25 cup parmesan cheese Grated (about 1/4 cup).
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley Chopped.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Make the garlic oil and prep the zucchini
  1. Mix olive oil with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until combined.
  2. Score the cut surface of each zucchini steak in a crosshatch pattern without cutting through the skin.
  3. Brush the garlic oil mixture generously into the crosshatch cuts and over the entire cut surface.
Grill and melt the cheese
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
  2. Grill the zucchini cut-side down for 5–6 minutes without moving until deep grill marks form.
  3. Flip and grill skin-side down for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Flip back cut-side up, scatter mozzarella and parmesan over each steak, close the grill lid, and heat for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
  5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pro tip: keep the cut-side down and don’t move the zucchini during the first grill so the char locks in. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat on a hot grill or skillet until warmed through (cheese may soften). Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes. For a dairy-light option, use part-skim mozzarella and reduce parmesan to 1 tablespoon while keeping the same bake-time on the grill.