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You can BBQ zucchini in foil, and honestly, it’s one of the easiest ways to get tender, flavorful zucchini with almost zero cleanup.
If you’ve been wondering how to BBQ zucchini in foil without turning it into a soggy mess, you’re in the right place.
When you BBQ zucchini in foil, the foil traps steam and heat, which cooks the zucchini gently while locking in moisture and flavor.
It’s a foolproof method that works on gas grills, charcoal grills, and even campfires.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to BBQ zucchini in foil, plus seasoning ideas, cook times, and the little tricks that make a big difference.
Let’s fire up that grill.
How to BBQ Zucchini in Foil the Right Way
Learning how to BBQ zucchini in foil comes down to a few simple steps, and once you nail them, you’ll be doing this all summer long.
Here’s the process from start to finish.
1. Prep and Slice Your Zucchini
Start by washing your zucchini and trimming off both ends.
You can slice them into rounds about half an inch thick, cut them into spears, or halve them lengthwise for larger, steak-like pieces.
Keep the slices uniform so they cook at the same rate.
If your zucchini is really large, scoop out some of the seeds first since they can get watery on the grill.
2. Toss With Oil and Seasonings
In a bowl, drizzle your zucchini slices with olive oil and toss until every piece is lightly coated.
The oil keeps them from sticking to the foil and helps the seasonings cling.
Now season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and whatever else you love.
Smoked paprika, Italian herbs, onion powder, and red pepper flakes all work great when you BBQ zucchini in foil.
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up too.
3. Build Your Foil Packet
Tear off a piece of heavy-duty foil large enough to hold your zucchini in a single layer.
Place the seasoned zucchini in the center and fold the foil up around it, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet.
Leave a little room inside for steam to circulate, but make sure the seal is secure so nothing leaks out.
This sealed packet is the secret behind why BBQ zucchini in foil turns out so tender every time.
4. Grill and Flip
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
Place the foil packet directly on the grates and close the lid.
Cook for about 10 minutes, then carefully flip the packet using tongs.
Let it cook another 8 to 10 minutes, depending on how thick your slices are.
When you BBQ zucchini in foil, the total cook time usually lands somewhere between 18 and 25 minutes.
Open the packet carefully since the steam inside is seriously hot.
The zucchini should be tender with a slight bite, not mushy.
5. Finish With Fresh Toppings
Once your zucchini is off the grill, open the foil and sprinkle on fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill.
A little grated parmesan or crumbled feta melts beautifully over hot zucchini.
You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet, tangy finish.
Tips for Perfect BBQ Zucchini in Foil
Now that you know the basics, here are a few extra pointers to make your BBQ zucchini in foil even better.
Don’t Overcrowd the Packet
If you pile too much zucchini into one foil packet, it steams unevenly and turns soggy.
Use multiple packets if you’re cooking for a crowd so everything cooks evenly.
Watch the Cook Time Closely
Zucchini cooks fast, and overcooked zucchini gets soft and watery.
Start checking around the 15-minute mark, especially if your slices are on the thinner side.
Add Onions or Peppers for Variety
Sliced onions, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes tossed in with your zucchini make the packet a complete veggie side dish.
Just adjust the seasoning and cook time slightly since different veggies release different amounts of moisture.
Double the Foil for High Heat
If your grill runs hot, use two layers of foil to prevent burning on the bottom.
This is an easy fix that keeps your BBQ zucchini in foil perfectly cooked every time.
So, How Do You BBQ Zucchini in Foil?
You BBQ zucchini in foil by slicing it, tossing it with oil and seasonings, sealing it in a foil packet, and grilling it over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes.
It’s a simple, reliable method that gives you tender, flavorful zucchini with barely any cleanup.
Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner or a backyard cookout, knowing how to BBQ zucchini in foil means you always have an easy veggie side ready to go.
Grab some zucchini, fire up the grill, and enjoy.