Broiled Smashed Zucchini

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Broiled Smashed Zucchini is a simple side dish that turns humble zucchini into something crispy, golden, and seriously craveable. The process is easy: zucchini is cooked just until tender, smashed flat to expose the soft interior, then brushed with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings. A quick trip under the broiler gives you crispy edges, a tender middle, and caramelized flavor in every bite.

Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs, this dish hits that perfect balance of light, savory, and satisfying. It’s an easy win for weeknight dinners, summer meals, or any time you need a fast, flavorful veggie upgrade.

Here’s a simple, flavorful recipe for Broiled Smashed Zucchini—crispy edges, tender centers, and loaded with savory goodness:

Ingredients

• 4–5 small to medium zucchinis
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• lemon juice
• Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, basil, or thyme)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prep zucchini:
   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Cook the zucchini:
   Trim the ends and boil or steam whole zucchinis for about 8–10 minutes until just tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool slightly.
3. Smash:
   Place zucchinis on the prepared baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass, mug, or small pan to gently press and flatten them—about 1/2-inch thick. Don’t worry if they crack a bit; that’s what gives them crispy edges.
4. Season and top:
   Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Top with grated Parmesan.
5. Broil:
   Turn the oven to broil. Place the zucchini about 6 inches from the broiler and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them—they can go from golden to burnt fast.
6. Finish and serve:
   Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a little extra cheese if you like. Serve hot as a side dish, snack, or even part of a veggie platter.

Tips:

• Want more crunch? Roast instead of boiling—just slice thick and bake at 425°F for 15–20 mins before smashing and broiling.
• Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Try topping with breadcrumbs for extra texture.

Broiled Smashed Zucchini

Broiled Smashed Zucchini is a simple side dish that turns humble zucchini into something crispy, golden, and seriously craveable. Broiled Smashed Zucchini is a simple side dish that turns humble zucchini into something crispy, golden, and seriously craveable.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs zucchini
• 2 tbsp olive oil plus extra for drizzling
• 4 tsp lemon juice
• 2 1/4 tsp kosher salt-divided
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp garlic-minced
• 1/2 cup roasted pistachios-chopped
• chopped fresh herbs
• aleppo pepper

Instructions

 

• Set oven to broil. Adjust top rack of oven to 5" below broiler.
• Trim ends of zucchini and discard. Smash zucchini lengthwise with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Smash until flattened and cracked. Cut each zucchini into 4 pieces. Add zucchini to a large bowl with oil and lemon juice and toss to coat.
• Arrange zucchini on a foil lined tray skin side down. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt then broil for 12 minutes until charred. Rotating pan halfway through cooking. Let cook for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl stir yogurt, water, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Spread mixture on a platter. Cut zucchini into bite size pieces and arrange on top of the yogurt mixture. Sprinkle with pistachios, and fresh herbs you like and alleppo pepper.
• Drizzle with olive oil and serve.

Keyword Broiled Smashed Zucchini, Mediterranean, side dish, yogurt sauce, zucchini