Tender Cheesy Zucchini Steaks Recipe: Garden-Fresh Comfort Food

Summer’s bounty brings a delightful twist to zucchini with these tender cheesy zucchini steaks that turn ordinary vegetables into a mouthwatering sensation.

Thick slices of zucchini sizzle with golden-brown edges and a crispy cheese coating.

Each bite delivers a rich, savory experience packed with robust flavors and satisfying textures.

The simple yet elegant preparation makes these steaks a perfect side dish or light main course for any meal.

Fresh herbs and melted cheese create a harmonious blend that elevates the humble zucchini to a gourmet delight.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.

Prepare to be amazed by this simple, delectable dish that transforms zucchini into something truly extraordinary.

Tender Cheesy Zucchini Steaks: What Sets Them Apart

• Transform ordinary zucchini into restaurant-worthy steaks with simple techniques that maximize flavor and texture.
• Create a gourmet side dish using minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, perfect for busy home cooks wanting impressive results.
• Easily adjust spice levels and cheese types to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds.
• Enjoy a low-carb, vegetable-focused dish that delivers robust flavors while providing essential nutrients and vitamins.

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Zucchini Steaks

• Zucchini: Fresh summer vegetable that serves as the primary base for the steaks.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, mild cheese that provides a creamy and melty topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Hard, aged cheese that adds a sharp and salty flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Versatile cooking oil that helps in searing and adding flavor to the zucchini.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses the dish with a rich, savory taste.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the zucchini.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy ingredient that adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.

• Fresh Basil: Fragrant herb that provides a bright and fresh finish to the zucchini steaks.

Tools for Easy Cheesy Zucchini Prep

• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing zucchini lengthwise and creating precise crosshatch pattern.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for cooking garlic oil and pan-searing zucchini steaks.
• Small Bowl: Used for transferring and storing garlic oil mixture.
• Baking Sheet: Helps transfer and bake zucchini steaks evenly.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for slicing zucchini.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and handling zucchini during cooking.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan if needed.
• Broiler-Safe Platter: Allows final cheese melting and serving.

How to Cook Tender Cheesy Zucchini Steaks

Step 1: Slice and Prepare Zucchini

Take a sharp knife and carefully slice each zucchini in half lengthwise.

This creates four delicious zucchini “steaks” with a beautiful surface perfect for cooking.

Using the knife, gently score the flesh side in a crosshatch pattern to help seasonings penetrate.

Sprinkle salt over the zucchini and let them rest for 15 minutes.

This process helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crispy and flavorful result.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Garlic Oil

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature.

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Olive oil

Cook these ingredients together until they become wonderfully fragrant, which takes about 1-2 minutes.

Once the flavors have melded, transfer the mixture to a small bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Sear Zucchini Steaks

Using the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil.

Take your zucchini steaks and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Place the zucchini flesh side down in the hot pan.

Cook until a beautiful golden-brown color develops, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Transfer the seared zucchini to a baking sheet.

Repeat the process with the remaining zucchini steaks.

Step 4: Bake and Add Cheese

Generously brush the zucchini steaks with the prepared garlic oil.

Place the baking sheet in an oven preheated to 425°F.

Bake until the zucchini becomes tender, which usually takes 8-10 minutes.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Broil and Garnish

Switch your oven to broil.

Watch carefully as the cheese melts and turns a delightful golden brown, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Remove from the oven and transfer the zucchini steaks to a serving platter.

Finish by scattering torn fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Zucchini Dishes

• Pat zucchini dry after salting to ensure crispy, golden-brown edges and prevent soggy steaks.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and garlic amount to match your preferred spice and flavor level.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and more even coverage on zucchini steaks.
• Replace basil with fresh parsley or oregano for a different aromatic profile if desired.
• Ensure zucchini slices are similar thickness for uniform cooking and consistent texture.

Zucchini Steak Variations to Keep Things Fresh

• Vegan Zucchini Steaks: Replace mozzarella and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Zucchini: Swap basil for oregano and add crumbled feta cheese with a sprinkle of za'atar spice blend for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican Zucchini: Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella, top with chopped cilantro, and add a dash of chili powder for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Skip breadcrumbs, use extra Parmesan cheese for crispy coating, and add crispy bacon bits for additional fat and flavor boost.

Serving Cheesy Zucchini Steaks with Flair

• Summer Veggie Side Platter: Arrange zucchini steaks on a colorful wooden board with fresh cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices for a stunning Mediterranean-inspired presentation.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or seared salmon to transform this side dish into a complete protein-packed meal with delicious complementary flavors.
• Fresh Herb Explosion: Sprinkle extra chopped basil, parsley, and chives over the cheesy zucchini steaks just before serving to add bright, aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Wine & Dine Pairing: Match these zucchini steaks with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the garlic and cheese flavors for an elegant dining experience.

Best Ways to Store Zucchini Steaks

• Store leftover zucchini steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss.
• Warm zucchini steaks at 350F for 8-10 minutes. Covering with foil prevents cheese from burning and helps retain moisture. Uncover for the last 2 minutes to crisp the top.
• Reheat individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Place a damp paper towel over the steaks to prevent drying out and maintain texture.
• Do not freeze these zucchini steaks, as they will become watery and lose their crisp texture. Fresh is always best for this delicate dish.

FAQs

• Why salt the zucchini before cooking?

Salting helps draw out excess moisture from zucchini, preventing soggy steaks and ensuring a crispy, golden-brown exterior when pan-seared.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan work great, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gruyère for different flavor profiles.

• How do I know when the zucchini is perfectly cooked?

The zucchini is done when it’s tender but still has a slight firmness. The golden-brown sear and baking process will create a perfect texture that’s not mushy or too hard.

Tender Cheesy Zucchini Steaks Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent zucchini steaks with melted cheese create a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish. Herb-infused and grilled to perfection, these vegetable delights will satisfy anyone seeking a delicious plant-based centerpiece.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis

Cheese:

• 2 ounces (56 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 ounce (28 grams) Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (about 1/2 cup)

Aromatics & Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
• Kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, torn

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Slice zucchini lengthwise into four equal steaks, creating a crosshatch pattern on the flesh side. Sprinkle with salt and allow moisture to release for 15 minutes.
2. Create aromatic garlic oil by gently heating garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil in a skillet until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes. Remove mixture and set aside in a small bowl.
3. Thoroughly pat zucchini steaks dry with paper towels to ensure crisp searing. Heat skillet with olive oil and cook zucchini flesh-side down until golden brown, roughly 2-3 minutes per batch.
4. Transfer seared zucchini to a baking sheet and generously brush with prepared garlic oil. Roast in a preheated 425°F oven until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the zucchini steaks, then activate the broiler to melt and caramelize the cheese until lightly browned, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Garnish the finished zucchini steaks with freshly torn basil leaves and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes before serving on a decorative platter.

Notes

• Salt-Sweat Technique: Drawing out excess moisture prevents soggy zucchini and ensures a crispy, golden-brown surface during cooking.
• Crosshatch Scoring: Creating diagonal cuts helps seasonings penetrate deeper and promotes even cooking and caramelization.
• Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and more robust flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for plant-based diets, maintaining similar rich, savory profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg