How To Make Oven Roasted Zucchini

To make oven roasted zucchini, you simply slice fresh zucchini, toss it with oil and seasonings, and bake it until tender and golden.
 
It’s one of the easiest side dishes you can make, and it pairs with just about anything you’re serving for dinner.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make oven roasted zucchini that turns out perfectly every time, you’re in the right place.
 
The good news is that making oven roasted zucchini takes only a few minutes of prep and about twenty minutes in the oven.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make oven roasted zucchini step by step, plus seasoning ideas and tips so yours comes out crispy and delicious.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Make Oven Roasted Zucchini

Learning how to make oven roasted zucchini comes down to a few simple steps that anyone can follow.
 
Here’s what makes it work:
 

1. Pick the Right Zucchini

To make oven roasted zucchini that tastes great, start with firm, medium-sized zucchini.
 
Look for zucchini that feels heavy for its size and has shiny, unblemished skin.
 
Avoid the giant ones, since oversized zucchini tend to be watery and full of big seeds.
 
Smaller to medium zucchini hold their shape better when you make oven roasted zucchini, and they roast up sweeter too.
 

2. Slice It Evenly

When you make oven roasted zucchini, even slices are the secret to cooking everything at the same rate.
 
Cut your zucchini into half-inch rounds, or slice them lengthwise into spears if you prefer.
 
Just keep the pieces roughly the same thickness so some don’t burn while others stay raw.
 
If you want to make oven roasted zucchini with a crispier edge, go a little thinner.
 

3. Toss With Oil and Seasonings

To make oven roasted zucchini, drizzle the slices with olive oil and toss until every piece is lightly coated.
 
Then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, which is my go-to combo.
 
You can also make oven roasted zucchini with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
 
A sprinkle of grated parmesan before baking takes it to another level.
 

4. Spread Them in a Single Layer

This step is where most people go wrong when they make oven roasted zucchini.
 
Spread the slices in a single layer on a lined baking sheet, and don’t crowd them.
 
If the pieces overlap, they steam instead of roast, and you end up with soggy zucchini.
 
Use two baking sheets if you need to, because giving each slice space is how you make oven roasted zucchini that actually browns.
 

5. Roast at the Right Temperature

To make oven roasted zucchini perfectly, preheat your oven to 425°F.
 
Roast for about 18 to 22 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through.
 
They’re done when the edges are golden and the centers are tender.
 
That’s really all there is to it when you make oven roasted zucchini at home.
 

Tips for the Best Oven Roasted Zucchini

If you want to make oven roasted zucchini like a pro, these tips will help.
 

1. Salt It First to Remove Water

Zucchini is mostly water, which is why it can turn mushy in the oven.
 
To make oven roasted zucchini crispier, sprinkle salt on the slices and let them sit for 15 minutes.
 
Then pat them dry with paper towels before adding oil.
 
This one trick makes a huge difference when you make oven roasted zucchini.
 

2. Don’t Peel the Skin

The skin is where a lot of the nutrients and color live.
 
When you make oven roasted zucchini, leave the peel on for better texture and a prettier plate.
 
It also helps the slices hold together as they roast.
 

3. Add a Finishing Touch After Baking

The oven does most of the work, but the finishing touches make oven roasted zucchini memorable.
 
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, or scatter chopped parsley and basil.
 
A little parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze works wonders too.
 

What to Serve With Oven Roasted Zucchini

Oven roasted zucchini goes with pretty much any main dish you can think of.
 
Serve it next to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon for an easy weeknight meal.
 
It also works as part of a vegetarian spread with rice, pasta, or quinoa.
 
And if you make oven roasted zucchini in a big batch, leftovers are great tossed into salads or wraps the next day.
 

So, How Do You Make Oven Roasted Zucchini?

You make oven roasted zucchini by slicing fresh zucchini, tossing the pieces with olive oil and seasonings, spreading them in a single layer, and roasting at 425°F until golden and tender.
 
It’s simple, fast, and forgiving, which is exactly why it’s such a go-to side dish.
 
Now that you know how to make oven roasted zucchini, grab a few from the store and give it a try tonight.
 
Once you make oven roasted zucchini this way, it’ll earn a regular spot on your dinner table.