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    Home / Recipes / Course / Side Dish

    0 Jun 15, 2016 Photo  |   Jump to Recipe

    Broiled Zucchini with Bacon Breadcrumbs Recipe

    Good morning friends!!  I’d like to take a moment to introduce you to my new favorite way to eat zucchini.

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Broiled Zucchini with Bacon Breadcrumbs

    This recipe starts with thin planks of colorful summer squash broiled until tender and charred in spots.  The squash is then tossed with a mess of crispy bacon and golden breadcrumbs seasoned with rosemary, parsley, garlic and fresh lemon zest.  Each bite packs a serious punch of flavor, and I just love the contrast of the melting zucchini and the crunchy breadcrumbs.

    I would recommend that you enjoy this side dish as part of an intimate dinner with family or loved ones.  The recipe doesn’t scale up well for a party, because the broiling of the zucchini can be labor intensive when doubled or tripled. To round out the meal, serve with a grilled steak, pork chop or white fish fillet.  Continue reading for the recipe.

    Broiled Zucchini with Bacon Breadcrumbs Ingredients

    Zucchini and other soft squash are in abundance during the summer months.  When prepared incorrectly, zucchini can be pretty bad; however, there are a number of ways you can avoid bland, watery mush.

    • Broil it.  Cut zucchini into thin strips or pieces, toss in olive oil and salt, then broil under high heat.  The brown and black spots that develop while the zucchini cooks provide a nice contrast to the sweet grassiness of the flesh.
    • Grill it.  Halve zucchini or cut into thicker strips, toss in olive oil and salt, then grill over high heat.  Similar to broiling, the brown and black spots are where it’s at.  If you use a charcoal grill, you’ll infuse a pleasant smokey flavor into the zucchini as well.
    • Spiralize it.  Cook zucchini noodles quickly so they retain some of their crunch, then use in soups, stir frys or pair with a favorite sauce.
    • Salt and squeeze it.  Cut zucchini into rounds or half moons, sprinkle with salt, then let sit for 20 minutes.  The salt will draw out a lot of the water inside the zucchini.  Gently squeeze the zucchini to remove more moisture, and finish by patting dry.  The zucchini can now be used in many different recipes, and it will easily soak up any flavor you throw at it!

    What’s your favorite way to prepare zucchini?

    Bacon Breadcrumbs

    Broiled Zucchini with Bacon Breadcrumbs

    Broiled Zucchini with Bacon Breadcrumbs Recipe

    by Brandon Matzek
    4.34 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 4 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 medium zucchini, ends trimmed
    • Olive oil, for brushing
    • Kosher salt
    • 6 slices bacon, cut into thick pieces
    • 2 tablespoon butter, divided (1 for the bacon and 1 for the breadcrumbs)
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
    • 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
    • 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
    • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
    • Zest of 1 small lemon
    • Freshly ground black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Cut each zucchini in half widthwise, then cut each half into thin strips lengthwise (I used a mandolin for this). Place strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer (you may need multiple baking sheets). Brush zucchini with olive oil and season lightly with kosher salt. Working in batches, broil zucchini until tender and golden in spots (about 8 minutes per batch).
    • Meanwhile, cook the bacon in 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until just crisp (10 - 15 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
    • Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet along with the rosemary and garlic. Cook just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the breadcrumbs, and toss in the fat to evenly coat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the crumbs turn golden and crunchy (about 5 minutes). Take the skillet off the heat, and stir in the parsley and lemon zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
    • To serve, toss broiled zucchini with the bacon breadcrumbs. Garnish with a few parsley leaves if you desire. Enjoy immediately (leftovers are good too though!).
    Tried this recipe?Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can check it out!

    Here are some other summer side dish recipes on Kitchen Konfidence:

    Warm Corn Salad with Bacon and Ramps

    Warm Corn Salad with Bacon and Ramps

    Grilled Kale Caesar

    Grilled Kale Caesar with Torn Croutons

    Watermelon and Tomato Wedge Salad

    Watermelon and Tomato Wedge Salad

    Summer Squash Crostini

    Zucchini Crostini

    Mexican Grilled Corn Salad

    Mexican Grilled Corn Salad

    0
    Brandon and Federico
    Brandon

    I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!

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    Categories: Photo Tags: bacon, black pepper, breadcrumbs, butter, garlic, kosher salt, lemon, olive oil, parsley, rosemary, zucchini

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

      June 17, 2016 at 5:52 am

      Is there a better way to feature seasonal produce than by topping it with bacon? Nope. Will have to make this for Eric. Thinking this could actually make for a unique dish to serve at brunch with a side of scrambled eggs.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        June 20, 2016 at 5:45 pm

        Hahaha YES! Well zucchini needs some help in the flavor area, and the bacon breadcrumbs definitely do the trick 🙂

        Reply
    2. gerry @ foodness gracious says

      June 17, 2016 at 6:41 am

      Your salad recipes are awesome lately!! I love the bacon and breadcrumbs!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        June 20, 2016 at 5:39 pm

        Thanks Gerry!

        Reply
    3. Matt says

      June 17, 2016 at 8:06 am

      This is a great summer salad Brandon!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        June 20, 2016 at 5:36 pm

        Thanks Matt!

        Reply
    4. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says

      June 17, 2016 at 11:48 am

      I love the bacon with this zucchini dish. Another great recipe for all this beautiful summer zucchini!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        June 20, 2016 at 5:35 pm

        Thanks Brenda!! Bacon and zucchini are a perfect match 🙂

        Reply

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    Brandon and Federico

    I'm Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Read More…


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