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To grill courgettes in oven, you simply slice them, season them well, and let a hot oven do the heavy lifting.
It’s one of the easiest ways to turn this humble summer squash into a tender, golden, slightly smoky side dish.
If you’ve been wondering how to grill courgettes in oven without a barbecue, you’re in the right place.
The oven gives you those charred edges and soft centers with almost zero effort.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to grill courgettes in oven, the best prep methods, seasoning ideas, and a few tips so they come out perfect every single time.
How to Grill Courgettes in Oven
Learning how to grill courgettes in oven comes down to three things: slicing them right, drying them well, and giving them enough heat.
Courgettes are packed with water, so if you skip the prep, you’ll end up with soggy slices instead of nicely grilled ones.
Here’s how to grill courgettes in oven step by step.
1. Slice Them Evenly
Start by trimming the ends off your courgettes.
Then slice them lengthwise into planks about half an inch thick, or into rounds if you prefer.
Even slices matter when you grill courgettes in oven because thin pieces burn while thick ones stay raw in the middle.
Lengthwise planks tend to work best because they hold their shape and give you more surface area to char.
2. Salt and Dry Them
This step is what separates great grilled courgettes from mushy ones.
Lay your slices on a paper towel, sprinkle them with salt, and let them sit for about 15 minutes.
The salt pulls out excess moisture, which is exactly what you want before you grill courgettes in oven.
After that, pat them dry with another paper towel.
If you skip this, the water will steam the courgettes instead of roasting them.
3. Toss in Oil and Seasoning
Brush or toss your courgette slices with a good glug of olive oil.
You want a light, even coating, not a drenching.
Then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and maybe a pinch of smoked paprika.
That smoked paprika is a little cheat that makes oven grilled courgettes taste like they came off a real grill.
4. Arrange on a Hot Tray
Preheat your oven to around 220°C (425°F) and let your baking tray heat up inside it.
A hot tray is key when you grill courgettes in oven because it gives you that instant sizzle.
Lay the slices in a single layer and don’t crowd them.
If they’re touching, they’ll steam each other, and you’ll lose that grilled texture.
5. Grill Until Golden
Pop the tray in the oven and let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Flip them halfway through so both sides get that nice golden color.
You’ll know they’re done when the edges are browned and the centers are tender.
If you want a bit more char, switch on the broiler for the last two minutes.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Courgettes in Oven
Once you know how to grill courgettes in oven, a few small tweaks will take them from good to amazing.
1. Don’t Peel Them
The skin is where a lot of the flavor and texture lives.
It also helps the slices hold together while they grill courgettes in oven.
So leave the peel on unless you really don’t like it.
2. Use a Wire Rack for Extra Char
If you have an oven-safe wire rack, place it over your baking tray.
This lifts the courgettes so the hot air circulates all around them.
It’s a simple trick that makes oven grilled courgettes taste much closer to the real thing.
3. Add a Finishing Touch After Grilling
The oven does the cooking, but the finishing touches happen after.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot slices, then scatter some chopped parsley or basil.
A little grated parmesan or crumbled feta also works beautifully.
These small additions make your grilled courgettes in oven feel like a proper restaurant side.
4. Watch the Time Closely
Courgettes cook fast, and they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Stay close during the last few minutes, especially if you’re using the broiler.
The goal is tender inside with lightly charred edges, not blackened planks.
Serving Your Oven Grilled Courgettes
These grilled courgettes in oven work with almost anything.
Serve them alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, pasta, or even tucked into a warm pita with hummus.
They’re also great at room temperature, which makes them a solid choice for picnics and barbecues.
If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to three days and enjoy them cold in salads.
So, if you’ve been asking how to grill courgettes in oven, the answer is simple: slice, salt, oil, and roast on a hot tray until golden.
That’s really all there is to it.
Now you can enjoy that grilled flavor any night of the week, rain or shine.
And once you nail this method, you’ll probably find yourself making oven grilled courgettes again and again, because they’re just that good.