The Perfect Roasted Zucchini Requires One Extra Step

Not only is zucchini tasty, versatile, and nutritious, but it's also a star product of the summer, making it the perfect go-to ingredient for your salad, side dish, or main this season. There are so many ways to prepare zucchini, from stuffing zucchini boats to incorporating it into a creamy risotto, but sometimes you want to keep it simple. Roasting zucchini brings out its natural sweetness by caramelizing the squash's sugars, and guards against mushiness by reducing its moisture. This cooking method is also super customizable with whatever herbs and spices you prefer and requires minimal work in the kitchen.

For the perfect texture and flavor, though, we recommend you go the extra mile and add one step to your roasting routine. Before you pop your zucchini halves or spears into the oven, give them a quick sear on the stovetop. This allows the succulent surface of the zucchini to char before it loses moisture, and the double heat of this method ensures that your zucchini always comes out tender rather than mushy. 

For best results, sear the zucchini (cut side down) in an oiled pan for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Then, simply pop the whole skillet into the oven for about 25 minutes, checking periodically to make sure your squash is still in the realm of charred rather than burnt. Your resulting summer squash will be textured, creamy, and soft — but never watery.

Zucchini can be perfectly delicious with just a sear and a roast, but if you're looking for ways to spice the method up, we have a few more tips for roasting zucchini. We recommend keeping your seasoning simple, but if you want to add an extra punch of tangy sweetness, try adding a splash of vinegar before roasting. You can also experiment with coatings and toppings. We love coating zucchini in parmesan cheese before roasting, which gives the squash a delightfully crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Chili crisp would also add texture and bold, complex heat to your dish.

If you went overboard with your zucchini shopping (or you harvested your own) and want to try a preparation method beyond roasting, there are a ton of creative ways to use the savory fruit (yes, it's technically a fruit). Zucchini can be made into everything from bread to chips to a noodle substitute. Not sure where to start? We've rounded up a list of our favorite zucchini recipes that range from sweet to savory and everywhere in between.