Baked Zucchini Rings with Garlic and Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender zucchini rings roasted until golden, finished with a fragrant garlic-herb oil and melted parmesan. A simple, elegant side that complements any protein. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs zucchini, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Slice 2 medium zucchinis into 1/4-inch rings and arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the rings and season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss gently to coat.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 15 minutes, flip the rings, and bake for 5-8 minutes more until tender and golden at the edges.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat; add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  6. Step 6: Remove zucchini from oven, top with the garlic oil and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, then return to oven for 2 minutes to melt the cheese.
  7. Step 7: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Zucchini Rings with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Zucchini Rings with Garlic and Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Zucchini Rings with Garlic and Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Zucchini Rings with Garlic and Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Zucchini Rings with Garlic and Parmesan vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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