Hey there! Savana here, and I’m so happy you’re here with me in my kitchen today. You know, I’ve always believed that some of the best meals are the ones that don’t require a whole lot of fuss. Growing up, my grandma had this knack for making even the simplest vegetables taste like pure sunshine. It was magic, really. She’d just toss them with a little something and pop them in the oven, and out came something amazing.
That’s exactly the kind of easy comfort food I love to share. And today, I’m sharing a recipe that feels like a little bit of that magic: simple roasted zucchini spears. This isn’t some complicated, fancy dish. Nope. It’s just a straightforward way to turn humble zucchini into a flavorful side everyone will actually want to eat. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s perfect for those nights when you need something healthy but don’t have a ton of time. Trust me, this one is a winner in my house, and I think it will be in yours too.
Why You’ll Love These Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears
So, why should you make these simple roasted zucchini spears? Well, let me tell you!
- They are crazy quick to prep. Seriously, hardly any time at all.
- The roasting method is super easy. Just toss and bake!
- They are a really healthy side dish. Full of good stuff.
- You can pair them with almost anything. Talk about versatile!
- And the flavor? Simple but so, so good.
You get a delicious, healthy vegetable without any stress. That’s a win-win in my book!
Gathering Ingredients for Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! For these simple roasted zucchini spears, you don’t need much. It’s all about letting the fresh zucchini shine.
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
See? Simple stuff, just like I promised!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
I like using good quality olive oil here because it adds a nice flavor, but any cooking oil you have on hand will work just fine. Avocado oil or even vegetable oil are great options. For the salt, I usually grab kosher salt, but regular table salt is okay too; just maybe use a tiny bit less as it’s finer. Freshly ground black pepper makes a difference, I think, but pre-ground is perfectly acceptable. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to how you like it. Cooking is all about making it your own!
Essential Equipment for Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears
You won’t need a lot of fancy gadgets for these simple roasted zucchini spears. Just a couple of basic things you likely already have in your kitchen will do the trick.
- A good baking sheet
- A medium-sized bowl
That’s really it! Easy peasy.
How to Prepare Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears Step-by-Step
Okay, let’s get to the fun part: making these delicious simple roasted zucchini spears! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic side dish ready in no time.
Preparing the Zucchini
First things first, we need to get our zucchini ready. Give them a good wash under cool water. Then, slice off the ends with a sharp knife. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Now, cut each half into about 3 or 4 spears. You want them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Seasoning and Roasting the Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears
Grab that medium bowl you have ready. Toss the zucchini spears into the bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the top. Now, gently toss everything together with your hands or a spoon until all the zucchini pieces are nicely coated in the oil and seasoning. It should look like they’ve had a little spa treatment!
Line your baking sheet if you like; parchment paper makes for easy cleanup. Spread the seasoned zucchini spears out on the baking sheet in a single layer. Try not to overlap them too much. This helps them roast instead of steam. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Roast for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they look tender and the edges are starting to get a little browned. Yum!
Tips for Perfect Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears
Want the absolute best simple roasted zucchini spears? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned:
- Don’t crowd the pan! If you have too many zucchini pieces crammed together, they’ll steam instead of roast. Use two baking sheets if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. After they’re done, you can always add a little more salt or pepper if you think they need it.
- Get creative with flavors! A pinch of garlic powder, some dried Italian seasoning, or even a dash of paprika can totally change things up.
- For extra crispy edges, you can broil them for the last minute or two. Just watch them like a hawk so they don’t burn!
Serving Suggestions for Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears
These simple roasted zucchini spears go with just about anything! They are a fantastic side for grilled chicken or fish. I also love them next to a juicy steak. For a vegetarian meal, they are great with pasta or a simple grain bowl. Really, wherever you need a quick and delicious vegetable, these fit right in.
Storing and Reheating Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears
Got leftovers of your simple roasted zucchini spears? Lucky you! Let them cool down completely. Then, pop them into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you want to reheat them, I find the best way is back in the oven or a toaster oven at around 350°F for a few minutes until they are warm. This helps keep their texture better than the microwave, which can make them a little soft.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears
I get asked lots of questions about making vegetables, and these simple roasted zucchini spears are no different! Here are some common ones I hear.
Can I use frozen zucchini?
Using frozen zucchini for roasting isn’t really the best idea. Frozen zucchini holds a lot of water, and when it thaws and cooks, it tends to get very soft and watery. It won’t give you that nice roasted texture we’re looking for with these zucchini spears.
How do I make Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears crispier?
If you love that crispy edge, there are a couple of things you can do. Make sure your oven is nice and hot, and don’t overcrowd the pan. For extra crispiness right at the end, you can pop them under the broiler for a minute or two. Just watch them super closely so they don’t burn!
Can I add garlic to Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears?
Absolutely! Garlic is a wonderful addition. You can toss the zucchini spears with a little garlic powder along with the salt and pepper before roasting. Or, if you love fresh garlic, mince a clove or two and toss it in during the last 5-7 minutes of roasting so it doesn’t burn.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a quick note about the nutrition info you see. The details provided are estimates. Things like the exact size of your zucchini or the specific brand of olive oil you use can change the final nutritional count a little. So, think of it as a helpful guide, not a strict rule!
Share Your Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears Experience
Well, there you have it! My simple roasted zucchini spears recipe. I really hope you give these a try. If you do, I’d absolutely love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and tell me how they turned out. Or, if you snap a picture, share it on social media and tag me! Happy cooking!
Print
Amazing Simple Roasted Zucchini Spears Ready in 15
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple roasted zucchini spears make a healthy and flavorful side dish. They are easy to prepare and cook quickly.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis.
- Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3-4 spears.
- In a medium bowl, toss the zucchini spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the zucchini spears in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Add other herbs or spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or paprika for extra flavor.
- For crispier zucchini, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
