If you love fresh, flavorful veggies with a buttery twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe. Imagine tender, grilled zucchini rounds, perfectly coated in a garlicky butter mixture, enhanced by fragrant Italian seasoning and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese that melts just so—every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes that’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s a quick weeknight side or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these skewers bring vibrant color and irresistible flavor to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: the zucchini provides a juicy base, butter and olive oil add richness and depth, garlic and Italian seasoning infuse savory notes, and Parmesan cheese gives a nutty, melty finish.
- 3 medium zucchini (cut into thick rounds): Choose firm, fresh zucchini to ensure perfect grill texture.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds creamy richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the zucchini crisp up beautifully on the grill.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings that signature punch of flavor that defines the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that lifts the dish with herbs like oregano and basil.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts slightly on the grill, creating a perfect golden crust.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional): Provides a burst of color and fresh herbal notes.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for assembling and grilling your zucchini rounds evenly.
How to Make Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 20 minutes. This simple step prevents the skewers from burning on the grill, ensuring your zucchini cooks perfectly without any mishaps. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat—it needs to be hot enough to sear the zucchini but gentle enough to keep it tender and juicy.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the heart of the recipe, imparting rich, savory flavors that soak into the zucchini as it grills. The garlic and herbs blend beautifully with the butter’s creaminess.
Step 3: Thread the Zucchini
Thread the zucchini rounds onto your skewers, making sure to leave a bit of space between each piece. This spacing allows heat to circulate evenly, helping each round cook through and develop those gorgeous grill marks without steaming. It also makes for easy flipping on the grill.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Brush the garlic butter mixture generously all over the zucchini rounds on each skewer, making sure every side gets coated. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once, until the zucchini is tender and beautifully charred. In the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the zucchini and let it melt slightly, forming a delightful, golden crust that is pure perfection.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and, if you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe warm for the best experience—these are fantastic as a side dish or as an appetizer that guests will rave about.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil completes these skewers perfectly, giving a pop of green and a fresh herbal aroma that balances the richness of butter and Parmesan. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can also enhance the flavor on the plate.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, offering a light and healthy vegetable component. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside a vibrant quinoa salad or crusty garlic bread—the combination will impress your family or guests every time.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider presenting these skewers on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a casual gathering, or slide the zucchini off the skewers onto a platter sprinkled with extra Parmesan and herbs for a buffet-style meal. For a pop of fun, alternate zucchini with colorful cherry tomatoes or bell pepper pieces on the skewer to add variety in both flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the zucchini from becoming soggy, place paper towels between layers to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
While freezing grilled zucchini skewers is possible, it’s best to do so only if you plan to use them in cooked dishes later on, such as soups or casseroles. To freeze, wrap skewers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. They may lose some of their crisp texture when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover skewers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or on a grill pan until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave as it can make the zucchini soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables with this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and even small chunks of onion or eggplant work beautifully alongside zucchini on skewers. Just make sure the pieces are uniformly sized for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can easily use a grill pan on the stove or broil the skewers in the oven. To broil, place the skewers on a lined baking sheet and cook under high heat for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How can I add more flavor to the garlic butter?
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the garlic butter mixture for a zesty or smoky twist. Fresh chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary also make fantastic additions.
Are these skewers suitable for a low-carb diet?
Definitely! Zucchini is naturally low in carbohydrates, and this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe fits perfectly into low-carb and ketogenic meal plans without sacrificing deliciousness.
What’s the best way to prevent zucchini from becoming mushy on the grill?
Cutting the zucchini into thick rounds and not overcrowding the skewers helps maintain a pleasant texture. Also, grilling over medium heat ensures the zucchini cooks through without turning mushy too quickly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the simplicity and flavor harmony in this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe. It’s a perfect example of how a handful of fresh, quality ingredients and a little care can turn a humble vegetable into a star dish. Next time you want a quick, healthy, and crowd-pleasing side, these skewers deserve a spot on your grill—you’ll be amazed at how fast they disappear!
Print
Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
These Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish perfect for grilling season. Featuring tender zucchini rounds brushed with a flavorful garlic butter and Italian seasoning blend, then topped with melted Parmesan cheese, these skewers offer a tasty and healthy option that’s vegetarian and gluten-free. Ideal as a light appetizer or accompaniment to your favorite grilled dishes.
Ingredients
Zucchini Skewers
- 3 medium zucchini, cut into thick rounds
- Wooden or metal skewers
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat to ensure even cooking.
- Make the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create a fragrant and flavorful basting sauce.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the zucchini rounds onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow heat and smoke to circulate, promoting even grilling.
- Brush and grill: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the zucchini slices on all sides. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping carefully until the zucchini is tender and shows nice grill marks.
- Add Parmesan cheese: In the last minute of grilling, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the zucchini on the skewers. Allow it to melt slightly for a savory finish.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the skewers from the grill, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve warm as an appetizing side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- For variety and added color, consider adding cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the skewers along with the zucchini.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also broil the skewers in an oven on high heat for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent burning; if using metal skewers, soaking is not necessary.
- Adjust seasoning and garlic amount to suit your taste preferences.
