Cheesy-Garlic Grilled Zucchini is a delightful and easy-to-make vegetable dish that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or as a standalone side. This recipe emphasizes simplicity and customization, allowing you to adjust the spices and cheese according to your taste preferences. It’s ideal for those looking for a quick, flavorful addition to their meals, especially if you’re aiming for a dish that’s very low in carbs, low in protein, and low in cholesterol, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini works best for grilling.
- Butter or Margarine: Used to spread on the zucchini before adding toppings.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to complement the zucchini.
- Cheese: Choose your favorite melting cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) for a gooey finish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder for that aromatic kick.
- Oregano and Basil: Dried herbs that add depth of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing the overall seasoning of the dish.
Instructions
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Preparation: Start by cutting the zucchini in half lengthwise. You can also use yellow summer squash for variation if preferred.
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Topping Preparation: Spread butter or margarine on one half of each zucchini piece. This helps to keep the zucchini moist and adds a buttery flavor.
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Seasoning: On the other half of the zucchini, sprinkle generously with garlic (freshly minced or powder), parmesan cheese, your chosen melting cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences.
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Assembly: Place the buttered half of each zucchini on top of the seasoned half, creating a sandwich effect with the seasonings inside.
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Preparation for Grilling: Depending on the size of the zucchini, slice them into halves or thirds. For larger pieces, quarter them. Wrap each portion securely in aluminum foil to create packets that will help steam and cook the zucchini evenly on the grill.
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Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the foil-wrapped zucchini packets on the grill and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The zucchini should be tender and the cheese melted and bubbly when done.
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Serving: Carefully unwrap the foil packets (watch out for steam!) and serve the cheesy-garlic grilled zucchini hot alongside your favorite grilled meats or as a standalone dish.
Tips for Success
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Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like feta or gouda, and vary the herbs according to what you have on hand or prefer.
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Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat on your grill to ensure the zucchini cooks through without burning the outside.
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Grill Preparation: Ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before placing the foil packets to prevent sticking.
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Customization: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty twist or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
Nutritional Information
This dish is very low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets. It’s also low in protein and cholesterol, which aligns with heart-healthy eating guidelines. The exact nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used.
Conclusion
Cheesy-Garlic Grilled Zucchini is a versatile and flavorful addition to any summer grilling menu or weeknight dinner. With its quick preparation and customizable flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite among both family meals and gatherings with friends. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this dish that celebrates the natural flavors of zucchini enhanced by cheesy goodness and aromatic garlic and herbs.
