Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks Recipe
If you’re longing for a dish that’s outrageously tasty, a little bit fancy, and supremely easy to make, Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are your new go-to recipe. Imagine tender slabs of roasted zucchini, bathed in fragrant garlic oil, then covered in gooey, golden cheese — every bite is an irresistible blend of savory, melty goodness and garden-fresh flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a wow-worthy side or making them the star of a weeknight dinner, these zucchini “steaks” always turn heads and win hearts.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks comes from a line-up of simple, colorful ingredients that come together in the most satisfying way. Each one serves an essential purpose, infusing the zucchini with rich, cheesy, and herby goodness while making preparation a total breeze.
- 2 large zucchinis: Choose firm, vibrant zucchinis for irresistible texture and subtle sweetness in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps those flavors soak deeply into each steak.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a punch of savory aroma and classic Italian flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the best in your vegetables.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right gentle heat to round out the seasonings.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple way to layer in herby complexity with no fuss.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For maximum melt and that stretchy, cheesy effect we crave.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp depth and a touch of golden crunch.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): A finishing pop of color and freshness that makes the dish sing.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Start by washing your zucchinis well, then slice them lengthwise into hearty 1/2-inch thick planks. These “steaks” hold their shape beautifully while soaking up all the garlicky goodness and cheese to come. For perfect results, aim for even slices so everything roasts at the same pace.
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Oil
In a small bowl, blend the olive oil with freshly minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This fragrant oil is the secret to infusing your Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks with flavor in every savory bite. Keep stirring until the garlic and spices are well distributed throughout the oil.
Step 3: Arrange and Brush
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and prep a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking. Lay out your zucchini steaks in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping so the edges can get ever-so-slightly caramelized. Brush both sides of each steak generously with your garlic oil—don’t be shy here, this step is what ensures every slice is mouthwatering.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Roast the zucchini steaks in the oven for about 15 minutes. You’re looking for them to turn just tender but still hold their shape. The first roast gives them a beautiful base flavor and helps them soak up every nuance of the garlic and herbs.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the tray from the oven, then sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over each steak. There’s no such thing as too much cheese here — the more, the merrier! Pop the tray back in for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and tinged with golden brown at the edges.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, give your Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve them sizzling and warm — it’s hard to resist grabbing a piece straight from the tray.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks

Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just a finishing touch; it’s your secret to elevating Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks from tasty to truly wow! A generous shower of fresh parsley wakes up all the flavors, while a drizzle of good olive oil or even a squeeze of lemon can add sparkle and zing. Feel free to add a few more grates of Parmesan for extra savoriness right before serving.
Side Dishes
There’s no wrong way to pair Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks. They shine beautifully next to grilled chicken, steak, or even fish for a light summer dinner. If you want to keep things veggie-focused, pile them alongside a simple pasta tossed in olive oil, or serve them with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. They’re fantastic with roasted potatoes or crusty bread if you feel like leaning into comfort food territory.
Creative Ways to Present
Make Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks the star of your table by stacking them on a platter in a fan shape, or layer them over a bed of fluffy quinoa for dinner-party style. For a fun twist, tuck slices inside a sandwich or wrap with a swipe of pesto. They even work as an appetizer: cut into bite-sized portions and serve on toothpicks for a cheesy, savory snack that disappears fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are just as crave-worthy the next day. Let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days. The cheese will firm up a bit, but the flavor remains absolutely delicious.
Freezing
While fresh is best for texture, you can freeze Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks if you need. Arrange cooled steaks in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to a month, though the zucchini may be a bit softer after thawing.
Reheating
To bring these zucchini steaks back to gooey life, reheat them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven gives you better texture and a bubbly cheese top.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses for Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks?
Absolutely! This dish is stellar with provolone, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda. Mix and match to suit your family’s tastes or whatever cheese is hiding in your fridge.
How do I keep the zucchini from getting soggy?
Slicing the zucchini thickly and roasting at a high temperature ensures the steaks stay tender but not mushy. Arranging them in a single layer and making sure not to overbake are the keys to the perfect bite.
Can I make Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks on the grill?
Yes! Brush the zucchini steaks with the garlic oil and grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Once softened, move to indirect heat, add the cheese, and cover the grill until melted.
Are Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks suitable for meal prep?
They absolutely can be. Make a batch ahead and store in the fridge, then reheat as needed for quick lunches or dinners all week. They also taste great chopped up and added to grain bowls or salads.
Are Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great side for a variety of diets. Just be sure your Italian seasoning blend doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a surefire hit that’ll have everyone at the table swooning, give Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks a spot on your menu. They’re easy, flexible, and bursting with flavor — and you’ll love getting creative with garnishes and sides. Give them a try soon; I promise your taste buds will thank you!
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Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are a delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian dish that’s perfect as a side or main. Tender zucchini slices are roasted with a flavorful garlic oil mixture, topped with a blend of gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan cheeses, then baked until golden and bubbly. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to this dish.
Ingredients
Zucchini Steaks:
- 2 large zucchinis (sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick steaks)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease.
- Mix garlic oil: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Prepare zucchini: Lay zucchini steaks on the baking sheet, brush both sides with the garlic oil mixture.
- Roast zucchini: Roast in the oven for 15 minutes until tender.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over zucchini, bake for another 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- These zucchini steaks are a great low-carb option.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for variety.
- Pair with grilled meats or pasta for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini steak
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg