Are you looking for a delicious and healthy side dish that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this recipe for Cinnamon Thyme Roasted Zucchini with Parmesan Cheese.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can create a flavorful and nutritious dish that everyone will love.
To start, you’ll need fresh zucchini, cinnamon, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. The zucchini is sliced and tossed with a mixture of cinnamon and thyme, which adds a delightful warmth and aroma to the dish. Then, it’s roasted in the oven until perfectly cooked and tender.
But what sets this recipe apart is the addition of Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds a savory and slightly salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and earthy flavors of the zucchini and spices. It also creates a deliciously crispy and golden crust on top.
Serve this Cinnamon Thyme Roasted Zucchini with Parmesan Cheese as a side dish with your favorite protein or enjoy it as a light and healthy snack. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit.
So why wait? Get in the kitchen and start roasting!
Ingredients and Preparation
You’re going to love how easy it is to prepare this delicious zucchini dish with just a handful of ingredients and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
To make the cinnamon thyme roasted zucchini, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Then, slice two medium-sized zucchinis into half-inch thick rounds.
In a bowl, combine one tablespoon of olive oil, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, one teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Toss the zucchini slices in the mixture until evenly coated.
Place the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful and healthy zucchini dish!
Roasting Techniques for Perfectly Cooked Zucchini
Achieving the ideal texture and flavor for your zucchini can be accomplished by employing various roasting techniques. To start, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the zucchini into evenly sized pieces, about ½ inch thick, to ensure even cooking. Spread the zucchini out on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon, thyme, and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Gently toss the zucchini to evenly coat with the seasonings.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and golden brown. Serve immediately for a delicious side dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Enhancing Flavor with Cinnamon and Thyme
Looking to add an irresistible twist to your roasted zucchini? Let’s explore a unique combination of spices that’ll take your taste buds on a flavor-packed journey. By incorporating cinnamon and thyme into your recipe, you can elevate the taste of your zucchini to a whole new level.
The warm, sweet notes of cinnamon perfectly complement the earthy flavors of thyme, creating a harmonious blend that’ll leave you craving for more. Simply sprinkle these spices over your sliced zucchini before roasting, and watch as they infuse their aromatic essence into every bite.
The result is a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also bursting with a delightful medley of flavors. So, why wait? Give your roasted zucchini a tantalizing twist with the magical combination of cinnamon and thyme, and get ready to be amazed.
Adding a Cheesy Twist with Parmesan
To take your flavor-packed journey to new heights, why not add a touch of irresistible cheesy goodness to your roasted zucchini? Parmesan cheese is the perfect addition to elevate the taste of your cinnamon thyme roasted zucchini.
As it melts in the oven, the parmesan forms a golden crust that adds a delightful crunch to each bite. The salty and nutty flavors of this aged cheese complement the earthy notes of cinnamon and thyme, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. The parmesan also adds a creamy texture that balances out the slight crispiness of the zucchini.
Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated parmesan over your zucchini before roasting, allowing it to meld with the spices and create a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving for more.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
For a delightful twist on serving this mouthwatering dish, try pairing it with a fresh green salad and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. The crispness of the salad complements the roasted zucchini perfectly, while the balsamic glaze adds a tangy kick that enhances the flavors.
Another option is to serve the roasted zucchini as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. The combination of the savory zucchini and the juicy meat creates a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
If you’re looking to add more variety, consider sprinkling some crumbled bacon or toasted pine nuts on top of the zucchini before serving. This adds an extra layer of richness and crunchiness to the dish.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this cinnamon thyme roasted zucchini with parmesan cheese is sure to impress your guests with its delicious flavors and versatility.
CINNAMON THYME ROASTED ZUCCHINI WITH PARMESAN CHEESE
Ingredients
For roasting the zucchini
- 4 medium zucchini about 1½ pounds
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste
- 2 twists black pepper
For the breadcrumbs topping
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- 1 handful flat-leaf parsley
- 4 wedges of lemon
Instructions
- Roast the Zucchini
- Preheat the oven to 400°F or 200°C. Wash and dry 4 medium zucchini, trim the end, and cut each zucchini into 3 slices.
- Arrange the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, brush them with 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, and season with ½ teaspoon salt and 2 twists black pepper.
- Bake at 400°F or 200°C in the center rack of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender-crisp.
- Don't overcook the zucchini, or they will get mushy and watery.
- Breadcrumbs Topping
- To a small bowl, add ¾ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Mix well with a spoon or with the tips of your fingers.
- Take the zucchini out of the oven, and add about a tablespoon of breadcrumbs mixture on top of the zucchini.
- Put back in the oven, with the broiler function turned on, and gratin until the breadcrumbs get golden, toasted, and crunchy (1 to 3 minutes).
- Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy as a starter or side dish.
- Serve with 1 handful flat-leaf parsley (chopped) and 4 wedges of lemon.
Notes
HELP SECTION
Can I substitute the zucchini with another type of vegetable in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the zucchini with other vegetables in this recipe. Consider using yellow squash, eggplant, or bell peppers for a delicious twist. Experiment and find your favorite combination!
How long should I roast the zucchini if I prefer it to be more crispy?
Roast the zucchini for a longer time, around 20-25 minutes, if you want it to be more crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme in this recipe?
Yes, you can use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme in this recipe. Just remember to adjust the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Enjoy your crispy zucchini!
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan-friendly without using Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan-friendly by substituting the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks in this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks in this recipe. It will still give your roasted zucchini a delicious cinnamon flavor. Just adjust the amount to taste. Enjoy!
WELL DONE
So there you have it, a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy zucchini. By roasting it with cinnamon and thyme, you add a unique twist that enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetable.
And by finishing it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, you create a cheesy and savory element that takes it to the next level.
Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a main course, this dish is sure to impress. So go ahead and give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!
