If you’re looking for a dish that’s both healthy and indulgent, these Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are the perfect solution. They’re tender, full of flavor, and covered in melty cheese with just the right amount of garlic to make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re trying to eat more veggies or need a side dish to pair with your main course, this recipe has you covered. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and your family will absolutely love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are everything you want in a comfort food side: crispy edges, creamy cheese, and the perfect balance of garlic and herbs. They’re also low-carb, so they’re a great option for anyone following a keto or gluten-free diet. Whether you’re a zucchini fan or not, this dish might just change your mind—it’s flavorful, satisfying, and so easy to whip up. Best of all, it takes only a handful of ingredients and can be on your table in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at the essentials you’ll need for this recipe:
- Zucchini
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)
- Salt and pepper
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but these are the key players that make these zucchini steaks so mouthwatering.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Start by washing the zucchinis and cutting off the ends. Slice each zucchini into thick “steaks” about 1/2 inch thick. This gives them a nice, meaty texture that holds up well during cooking. Lay the zucchini slices flat on a cutting board, and sprinkle them with a pinch of salt to help draw out any excess moisture. Let them sit for a few minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Sauté the Zucchini
Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the zucchini steaks and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and tender. Be sure to flip them carefully so they don’t break apart. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil or butter if needed, and sauté the garlic until fragrant—just about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Once it’s fragrant, add a little more salt and pepper, then turn off the heat.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Place the cooked zucchini steaks back into the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over each steak, making sure they’re coated evenly. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over the zucchini, followed by shredded mozzarella. You want to make sure the cheese melts nicely, so you can cover the skillet with a lid for a couple of minutes, or pop it under the broiler for just 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the zucchini steaks from the skillet. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs, like parsley or basil, for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Cut even slices: For the best results, try to cut your zucchini into uniform slices. This ensures they cook evenly and gives them a nice presentation.
- Don’t skip the salt: Letting the zucchini rest with salt before cooking helps draw out moisture, which makes them crispier when sautéed.
- Use a broiler: If you’re craving that golden, bubbly cheese on top, using the broiler for a minute or two is the way to go. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add a kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the cheese before broiling for a spicy twist.
- Herb variations: While parsley and basil are great choices, you can also use thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese substitutions: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, you can use cheddar, gouda, or any melty cheese you prefer. Just make sure it melts well!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are perfect on their own, but they also make an excellent side dish. Pair them with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a light but satisfying meal. They also go wonderfully with a side of quinoa, rice, or a simple salad for a complete dinner. For a vegetarian option, serve them with a hearty grain like farro or couscous.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the zucchini steaks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can either microwave them for about 30 seconds or place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. If you want to freshen them up, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top and pop them under the broiler for a minute.
FAQs
1. Can I make these zucchini steaks ahead of time?
Yes, you can sauté the zucchini and make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble the dish when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I bake the zucchini steaks instead of sautéing them?
Absolutely! If you prefer to bake the zucchini steaks, you can place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes before adding the garlic butter and cheese.
3. What can I serve with these zucchini steaks for a complete meal?
These zucchini steaks pair wonderfully with protein like grilled chicken or steak, and they also go great with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.
4. Can I use other vegetables for this recipe?
Definitely! While zucchini is perfect for this dish, you can try it with other veggies like eggplant, yellow squash, or even mushrooms for a delicious variation.
Conclusion
Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are the kind of dish that makes vegetables feel like a treat. With crispy, golden edges, creamy melted cheese, and a punch of garlic flavor, they’re a delicious and satisfying side or main dish that’s sure to impress. Plus, they’re super easy to make, which means you can whip them up on a busy weeknight or serve them at a weekend gathering. Once you try these, you’ll be making them over and over again!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks: A Savory, Low-Carb Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are tender, flavorful, and topped with melty cheese, creating the perfect low-carb side dish. With garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella, they’re a savory treat that’s easy to make and totally satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 zucchinis
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and cut the zucchinis into thick “steaks” about 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle with salt, let sit for a few minutes, then pat dry.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the zucchini steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and tender. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic in more olive oil or butter for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add salt and pepper.
- Place zucchini steaks back into the skillet, spoon garlic butter over them, then sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Cover and let cheese melt, or use a broiler for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other meltable cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini steak
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg